Cybersecurity remains a major concern for any business, but especially small businesses. Cybercriminals continue to invent new ways to find and exploit security vulnerabilities in your company network. That’s why your business needs a firewall.
What is a firewall?
Typically, a firewall is an appliance that lives in your server room and is a vital part of your network security plan. The main purpose of a firewall is to monitor all incoming and outgoing traffic between the internet to your network. As traffic comes in and out, your firewall determines whether to allow or block specific traffic based on a defined set of security rules.
How does it work?
Your firewall provides a protective barrier between your network and the rest of the internet. As new traffic approaches this “barrier wall,” your firewall determines whether it should be allowed to pass through or not. It serves as an intermediary between your private network and the public internet. In plain terms, it serves as a gatekeeper that keeps viruses out. Its job is to defend your resources, validate access and manage network traffic, and record and report events that occur.
There are different types and levels of firewalls, including software and hardware options. Determining your security needs can help determine which type of firewall is best for your business.
Why do I need a firewall?
Cybercriminals use bots to search the internet for unprotected devices. They exploit any security vulnerabilities they find in order to gain access to your data. Your firewall is the first line of defense against these threats. You can ensure that your network is secure by having a firewall and keeping it up-to-date. Your IT provider can set specific rules on your network’s firewall so that it will recognize viruses and block them.
Firewalls constantly monitor your network so that in the event a virus does slip through, an administrator will be alerted of the suspicious activity. This gives your IT team more time to respond before too much serious damage can be caused.
PCI Compliance
If you use any kind of POS system that accepts credit card payments, you need a firewall. Connecting your payment gateway directly to the internet without that layer of protection puts your business and your customers at risk of a data breach. Remember, cybercriminals don’t specifically target businesses, they are searching for vulnerable devices everywhere. Whether your business is big or small, having a proper firewall installed will help protect your customer’s sensitive data.
Content Filtering
Firewalls not only keep unwanted content out, but they can also prevent internal users from accessing certain content and websites. For example, you may want to keep your employees from accessing distracting sites like Facebook or Pinterest. You can customize which sites are blocked with the help of your IT team.
Your business needs a firewall as an added layer of security for your company network. Using a firewall in conjunction with other security measures like cybersecurity education for your employees, anti-virus software, and anti-threat protection will strengthen your overall security. The more protection you have the better you will be able to protect your company data as well as your customers.
