If you are not using a firewall, it is time to change your approach. Often, business owners think their business is too small to be of interest to cybercriminals. Trust me when I say, hackers are interested in any easy target. No one is safe. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. Ignoring this reality does not make it disappear. You are putting your data and your enterprise at even greater risk. Firewalls are a fast, cost-effective, and important element of a strategic multilayer cybersecurity process.
What is a firewall?
A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic (mainly internet traffic) based on predetermined security rules. The technology acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network (i.e., the Internet). Many industries have regulations that require businesses to implement firewalls. For example, HIPAA, NIST, SOC, and don’t forget about the requirements outlined in your cyber insurance policy.
Firewalls protect against a wide range of cyber threats, including:
- Unauthorized access: Firewalls prevent unauthorized users from accessing the network.
- Malware attacks: Firewalls block malware from entering the network.
- Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks: Firewalls mitigate the impact of DoS attacks (e.g., overwhelming or flooding a targeted machine with requests until normal traffic is unable to be processed).
- Data breaches: Firewalls protect sensitive data from being stolen.
3 Common Mistakes Small Businesses Make with Firewalls:
- Not using a firewall at all: This is the most common mistake. According to a survey by the National Cyber Security Alliance, 28% of small businesses do not use a firewall. Many companies have no idea they are not using one. They often order internet and are either ignorant of the need or assume they have a firewall or some other protection in place. This is a major security risk, as it leaves the business’s network vulnerable to cyberattacks. Ask your IT team about the existence and quality of your firewall.
- Using a weak firewall: Some small businesses use firewalls that are not strong enough to protect their networks. If you bought it at (fill in the blank – Costco, Best Buy, a Yard sale, etc.) it most likely is not robust enough for your company. This could be caused by using an old device no longer being serviced by the hardware vendor, or not using the firewall correctly and it has not been configured by an IT security expert.
- Not keeping the firewall up to date: Firewalls need to be kept up to date with the latest security patches to be effective. Small businesses often fail to do this, which leaves their networks vulnerable to known vulnerabilities.
Types of Firewalls
There are two main types of firewalls: hardware firewalls and software firewalls. Each has advantages and disadvantages:
Hardware Firewalls:
Advantages:
Hardware firewalls are typically deployed at the network perimeter, protecting an entire network. They act as a barrier between the internal network and the external world. As a separate physical device, a hardware firewall is generally more robust and less susceptible to attacks compared to software firewalls. Finally, Hardware firewalls are scalable and can handle a large number of simultaneous connections.
Disadvantages:
Hardware firewalls can be more expensive, especially for small businesses or individuals, compared to software firewalls. Setting up and configuring a hardware firewall may require some technical expertise, making it less user-friendly for non-experts. Regular updates and maintenance may be required to keep the hardware firewall’s firmware and rule sets up-to-date.
Software Firewalls:
Advantages:
Software firewalls are often more cost-effective, as they can be installed on existing hardware such as personal computers. They are generally easier to install and configure, making them more accessible for individuals and small businesses without dedicated IT staff. Software firewalls can provide more granular control over specific applications and their access to the network.
Disadvantages:
Software firewalls are typically installed on individual devices, protecting at the device level. They may not offer the same level of network-wide protection as hardware firewalls. Running a software firewall on a device consumes system resources and can potentially affect the device’s performance. If the host device is compromised, the firewall’s effectiveness may be compromised as well.
What is the best firewall for you?
There is no one-size-fits-all firewall solution since all companies’ budgets and needs differ. In many cases, I recommend a combination of both hardware and software firewalls, known as a multi-layered security approach, to provide comprehensive protection against various threats. This approach leverages the strengths of each type of firewall to create a more robust defense against unauthorized access and malicious activities.
Waident partners with Sophos, Palo Alto, and SonicWall. These devices have a proven track record of success. They fit all client budgets and needs and we can expertly configure them for our clients’ unique environments.
Get Your Firewall Up
If you are a small business owner, it is important to protect your business from cyberattacks. One of the most basic but important steps you can take is implementing a firewall. By using a firewall, you can protect your business’s network from unauthorized access, malware, and other cyber threats. Cyberattacks can be very expensive, both in direct and indirect costs, such as lost productivity and damage to reputation. Don’t be an easy target.
Dig deeper into Reviews and Ratings: https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/network-firewalls
