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As a typical computer user, you don’t give much thought to what a firewall is or what it is used for. A firewall is the network device that protects your private network from the public internet. All internet data, including financial, business, social media, and email, moving to and from your network flows through this device. This mysterious box is the protector and guardian for all of your most important files and proprietary data.

OR IS IT?

In this blog we often write about security. The internet brings in the age of digital or soft copies. The business world is driving the paperless age and we continue to have less tangible items we can hold in our hand. If we can’t hold paper or money in our hands, how can we secure these? Network security has recently been thrust into the spotlight with so much written about ransomware. A firewall is often the first level of defense to help stop outside attacks, however you must have this properly configured or you are going to set your business up for failure.

A business class firewall employs multiple layers of security measures to ensure your network is safe. Consider the following 3 items an absolute MUST HAVE when considering protecting your private network data:

1. Traffic Scanning and Monitoring
   1. Scan network traffic in real-time for malware and spyware, and block such attempts at the firewall level before it ever makes it to the PC.
   2. Specify policy for users across the office for internet accessibility and filtering options for blocking social sites, personal email and games.
2. Intrusion Detection System
   1. Track and monitor your bandwidth requirement based on the bandwidth usage across the firewalls. Analysis of firewall traffic logs is vital to understanding network and bandwidth usage and plays an important role in business risk assessment.
   2. View logs of intrusion attempts or remote access attempts that may originate from a 3rd party or disgruntled employee.
3. Application control
   1. Prevent unauthorized applications from running on the network and slowing it down.
   2. Force acceptable Internet use policies that are mandated by company policy or culture.

A firewall is a generic networking term thrown around from business to business, just how the term “4 door sedan” can be used for a Toyota or a Mercedes. If the firewall term is so generic can they all be the same?

The point of this blog is to tell you that they are not the same. You don’t have to spend Mercedes money to protect your network, but you can’t get by with the minimum either.

If you are interested in the safety of your network, be sure you have a true business-grade firewall for your data security. Sorry folks, they will not sell these at Best Buy or Staples. Buying from these box stores may give you a low cost option but will end up costing you more in the long run without these leading security features to sniff out the bad guys.

Have any questions? Let us know. We’re always here to help.