A firewall is a very important element of network security, but mismanaged implementation can lead to a slow system that’s nearly impossible to update and debug. To make sure that your company’s own firewall is doing its job, consider these tips, tricks, and reminders.
What Is a Firewall?
Every online network needs security to keep important information in and unwanted bugs out. This is the job a firewall serves, functioning like an indestructible fence to separate your company’s network from the rest of the cyberworld. A firewall prevents unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks, and it also examines every message entering or leaving the system to ensure that any messages are blocked that don’t meet security specifications.
A firewall can originate from hardware purchased as a stand-alone product or incorporated in broadband routers. Software also provides firewall options that are installed directly on a computer and open to customization and control.
Important Firewall Considerations
There are multiple types of firewalls that you can look to use to protect your company network. A Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) and a Unified Threat Management (UTM) are both firewalls with very advanced security functions. They both include an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) and an Intrusion Detection System (IDS), which work to assess, detect, and prevent malware, spyware, and hacking. However, IPS and IDS firewalls can also be purchased alone for those individual purposes.
A firewall can have multiple layers and features in order to customize its reach and efficiency, but it’s important for a technology solutions company to handle the firewall adjustments, since different firewall devices can handle traffic in different ways based on size and bandwidth. Furthermore, each business has a different security environment that requires unique considerations. Certain company responsibilities require more stringent security, so the best firewall can only be determined with the help of the experts.
