Your Network Needs a Virtual Bouncer to Keep Threats Out

Firewalls are one of the most common IT security measures on the market today, and for good reason. They act as the first line of defense against any incoming threats, and without them, your organization would have to deal with one data breach after another. Of course, that’s only if you’re taking advantage of a proper firewall; if not, you should seriously consider doing so as soon as possible.

In general, cyber security is an important asset to invest in, especially with the number of data breaches growing by the day. 2015 saw so many high-profile hacks that it feels like nobody is safe. When major institutions like government offices and healthcare providers have trouble keeping hackers at bay, the unanimous assumption is that hacks can, and will, happen, regardless of what industry you’re in and how well you’re protected. It’s becoming painfully obvious that businesses that fail to utilize any security solutions are at tremendous risk of data compromisation.

Well, it turns out that any business can optimize its cybersecurity measures, and it begins by integrating a simple firewall. Here’s how a firewall can benefit your organization.

The Benefits
Firewalls are absolutely critical for any business that wants to maximize its cyber security. Firewalls have the ability to detect unwanted network activity, refuse access to your network, and send notifications to a system administrator. Firewalls essentially monitor data that flows both into and out of your network, scanning for threats and preventing them from entering your network. If any threats are detected on the inside, the firewall can prevent them from exiting the network, allowing for efficient elimination. The idea is that the firewall should be able to identify potential threats and inform the proper administrators before excessive amounts of damage accrue.

There’s no reason for a business to not be using a firewall. As the most basic of cyber security measures, it’s easily configurable to suit the needs of your business.

What They Don’t Protect You From
Firewalls aren’t perfect. While they’re great for keeping threats out of your network in the first place, they aren’t going to do much to eliminate threats that have already made their way into your infrastructure. This is why firewalls are often paired with other security solutions like antivirus software, that allow for the detection and elimination of potential threats within a network. Firewalls also won’t do much good against social engineering hacks, like spear phishing scams, that are designed to target specific individuals by bypassing common cyber security measures.

Furthermore, the quality of the firewall will often determine what you’re protected from. The normal firewall that your network router comes equipped with or a consumer-grade software firewall won’t be enough to protect your business. Rather, you should invest in an enterprise-level firewall solution that’s designed to protect you from advanced threats. It never hurts to be cautious, especially with your business’s future on the line.

A comprehensive firewall works best alongside other forms of cyber security solutions, including antivirus, spam blocking, and content filtering. These four features combined form what’s known as a Unified Threat Management (UTM) solution, which is widely considered one of the most comprehensive and efficient ways to keep a network safe. Any business that wants to take cyber security seriously should consider looking into a UTM; if offers enterprise-level protection for small and medium-sized businesses at a fraction of the cost.

For more information about how firewalls, antivirus, and even UTMs work, give Preferred a call at 708-781-7110.