Firewall Fundamentals: A Must-Have For Online Safety

Protecting computer networks from cyberattacks should be a priority for every business, particularly at a time when cybercrime is increasing. Despite the exponential threat, recent figures suggest that more than one-half of small businesses don’t have any cybersecurity measures in place, despite tools such as firewalls being one the simplest and most effective computer security products to implement.

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In this article, we’ll explore the importance of firewalls and explain why every small and middle-sized enterprise (SME) should have one.

What Is A Firewall?

A firewall is a security feature that is designed to shield computer networks from unauthorised access. By acting as a network gatekeeper, it scrutinises incoming and outgoing traffic to ensure that only authorised data packets can pass through. Every piece of data is carefully examined, connections tracked, and information filtered to maintain the network’s integrity and security. This prevents unauthorised external users from entering private networks and provides an effective first line of defence against cyberattacks.

Why Are Firewalls Essential?

Whether deployed as hardware, software, or a combination of both, firewalls are indispensable products for protecting sensitive systems and data.

Firewalls are not a one-trick pony, but perform several critical functions that can improve overall business security and delivery:

• Shielding against cyberthreats: Firewalls are critical for protecting networks from a variety of hacking threats, including malware, ransomware, and viruses. By acting as an impermeable barrier, firewalls prevent unauthorised access, ensuring that malicious entities are unable to infiltrate the network.
• Preventing spyware attacks: As organisations expand their networks, the potential entry points for cybercriminals also increase. Spyware – malicious software designed to gain control of systems – poses a significant threat to security. Firewalls help to block spyware, preventing it from compromising computers and safeguarding sensitive information.
• Filtering network traffic: Firewalls analyse and filter network traffic to ensure that only legitimate connections are allowed. By monitoring data packets, they detect and block suspicious activity, reducing the risk of security breaches. This strengthens overall network security and ensures uninterrupted business operations.
• Controlling website access: Apart from external threats, firewalls can also help organisations to manage internal risks. By controlling access to specific websites, such as social media platforms, firewalls enhance productivity and mitigate the risks associated with visiting unsecured or malicious sites.

Find Out More About How To Protect Your Business

Firewalls are only one tool that your business can use to protect its digital assets and reduce the risk of data breaches or theft. Our free guide, The Ultimate Guide to Defending Your SME Against Cyberattacks, will help you to understand the measures you can take to strengthen your network security and how Vantage IT can support you.

For more information, please download your free guide or call us on [number] to chat to our experts.

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