Thank you for your purchase of the WatchGuard® Firebox® X Edge e-Series. This security device helps protect your computer network from threat and attack. This chapter gives you basic information about networks and network security. This information can help you when you configure the Firebox X Edge. If you are experienced with computer networks, we recommend that you go to the subsequent chapter.

Network Security
While the Internet gives you access to a large quantity of information and business opportunity, it also opens your network to attackers. A good network security policy helps you find and prevent attacks to your computer or network.

Many people think that their computer holds no important information. They do not think that their computer is a target for a hacker. This is not correct. A hacker can use your computer as a platform to attack other computers or networks or use your account information to send e-mail spam or attacks. Your account information is also vulnerable and valuable to hackers.