NETWORK SECURITY ENHANCEMENT THROUGH BASIC FIREWALL DEPLOYMENT (A CASE STUDY OF SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY NETWORKING LAB)

The increasing use of computer networks in educational institutions has exposed computer laboratories to various security threats such as unauthorized access, malware spread, and network misuse. Many small institutions lack affordable and easy-to-manage security solutions, making their networks vulnerable. This project presents the design and implementation of a web-based firewall system to enhance network security in the School of Technology (SOT) Computer Laboratory at Kano State Polytechnic. The system uses a centralized computer as a gateway to filter and monitor network traffic from thirty laboratory computers. A user-friendly web dashboard was developed using web technologies and Node.js to allow administrators to manage firewall rules, monitor network activity, and log network events. The system was tested using network simulation and security tools, and the results showed that it effectively blocked unauthorized access while maintaining normal network performance. The study concludes that a web-based firewall provides a cost-effective and practical security solution for small-scale academic networks