Abstract: A network attached device server for implementing a network attached device and firewall management system (NADFW-MS). The NADFW-MS provides a multiple direction firewall that is dedicated for the protection of one or more associated NADs. The firewall is considered to be multiple directional because it filters data packets based on the network interface used to transport the data packets. The firewall is also able to filter data packets based on any other information contained in a data packet header. A data packet that does not penetrate the firewall is discarded and the reason for discarding the data packet is recorded in a log file. A data packet that does pass through the firewall is sent to a data management system that is responsible for providing access to the appropriate associated NAD. The data management system uses network protocol programs and interface mechanisms to process the data packet and to communicate the data packet to the appropriate NAD.