A successful cyber-attack can be an expensive nightmare for any organisation. It’s not just global enterprises that are being targeted – smaller and medium-sized businesses are just as
likely to be in hackers’ sights. Even those in peaceful Wales. Your network firewall plays a key role in protecting your business, and your customers, from being exploited by cybercriminals. It’s like having an extra full back on your team.
A hardware (or ‘physical’) firewall acts as a barrier between your network and the online world beyond. It monitors and controls incoming and outgoing traffic, such as emails, streaming, downloads and so on. It works to prevent unauthorised access to the data you hold, and to protect against malware, viruses and other types of cyber threat.
Protecting access to data, such as customer information, financial data, and intellectual property, blocking access by suspicious or unauthorised sources.
Avoiding malware – software designed to harm computer systems, steal data, or cause other types of damage; blocking traffic from known malicious sources and preventing unauthorised downloads and installations.
Controlling network traffic to avoid network congestion, giving critical applications and services priority when needed.
Improving network performance by blocking unwanted traffic and preventing bottlenecks, boosting efficiency and ensuring that critical applications and services are available when needed.
Supporting regulatory compliance, for example with GDPR or PCI-DSS
While you’ll already have software firewalls (like those built in by Microsoft, Apple and Linux), these can only protect one device at a time. They all need managing individually. But
a hardware firewall adds a new layer of systemwide protection for your network and the devices connected to it. A hardware firewall is also likely to offer enhanced security, thanks to its independent and dedicated operating system and security specific hardware.
Just to add another layer of complexity to this document (sorry), here are a few more things that your firewall should be doing for you.
Network segmentation as an additional line of defence. If an attacker does get past the firewall, their access is then limited to just that one area.
Intrusion prevention, detecting and preventing known and unknown threats from entering the network, helping to identify and stop attacks before they can cause damage.
Web filtering to protect against web-based attacks, such as phishing and malware distribution. Your firewall should be able to block access to malicious websites and prevent users from downloading potentially harmful files.
Using real-time threat intelligence (information on known and emerging cyber threats) to stay up to date.
What this all adds up to is that firewalls are an essential component of network security and can provide significant protection against cyber threats. But (and it’s a big ‘but’)
they can fail or be breached if they are not properly set up, maintained and updated.
Whether you have a dedicated IT team or not, it can be difficult and time-consuming to stay on top of the firewall updates and configuration changes needed to keep pace with evolving threats. Which is where managed firewall services (MFS) like ours are an excellent alternative to doing it all yourself. There’s also the handy side-effect of shifting CAPEX to OPEX – nice work.
With 24/7 proactive security alerts, maintenance and firmware and proactive managed software updates all taken care of, a managed firewall service means you have one less thing to worry about. And you’ll have freed up your team to get on with their ‘real’ jobs.
Look for a provider with a proven track record of delivering high-quality firewall solutions to businesses. A reputable provider will have an awesome reputation, positive reviews, and references from satisfied customers. Make sure they can scale and adapt their services to keep pace with your business as it changes and grows (we do that, too).
If you’re interested in what’s inside, we use Fortinet technology, which has an enviable reputation in the industry and ranks as a leader in top analyst studies. In fact, FortiGate is the world’s most deployed network firewall, complete with AI-powered security, threat intelligence and a ton of other useful features. We were impressed, and we think you will be, too.
If all you need’s a firewall, that’s more than fine by us, but it’s worth also knowing that our friendly IT support covers all businesses, from small offices to massive multi-site operations and data centres (you can book a free discovery call with us to find out more). Our tech wizards are based right here in Wales, just up the road from you. That’s handy.
We’re Wales’s leading alternative network provider, giving businesses and communities great value ultrafast and ultra-reliable services, from a talented team based right around the corner.
Look for a provider with a proven track record of delivering high-quality firewall solutions to businesses. A reputable provider will have an awesome reputation, positive reviews, and references from satisfied customers. Make sure they can scale and adapt their services to keep pace with your business as it changes and grows (we do that, too).
There’s no such thing as a daft question, so ask away. We’ll happily tell you all we know about firewalls (or cut to the chase if you prefer). Either way, we can help.
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