If you’re looking at the full picture of your business’s network security, it considers more than the likes of the ultimate computer firewall protection. Many people make the mistake of thinking surface-level firewalls and strong passwords are all their organization needs.
Considering how much is at stake in a business environment, network security isn’t something that anyone should overlook. When you take stock of the reality of cyber threats in today’s world, robust firewall protection starts to sound pretty important.
However, acting off panic alone isn’t the way to go. You want to make sure you have every layer covered in your network security. This article explores an important take on the ultimate computer firewall protection and why it may not be enough.
Firewalls and Their Role in Modern Network Security
First and foremost, it’s helpful to keep in mind that there are many different kinds of firewalls on the market. From hardware firewalls to cloud-based, software, and even managed services, there’s a lot to compare.
Overall, firewalls work to filter network traffic while blocking active threats and keep a log of every single activity that comes through. Remembering that not all firewall solutions are the same, you want to try and avoid single-layer solutions.
This can be looked at from several angles, as firewall software, wireless access points (WAPs), and other related tech all go hand-in-hand. If you want the most thorough approach to your network security, it can be advantageous to stack on the layers.
1. Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
A common part of many firewall solutions, intrusion prevention systems (IPS) are great at detecting and blocking cyber threats in real-time. With the likes of network intrusions being a common attempt in today’s world, having IPS on hand can be a savior.
This isn’t something that’s found across the board in every firewall model. However, leading manufacturers are on top of it, which is why it’s so common with SonicWall firewalls and many others.
2. Endpoint Protection
If you aren’t already familiar, endpoint protection works to secure devices that are connected to the network. While this is part of the ultimate computer firewall protection, it focuses on any device, such as phones, tablets, and even servers.
Endpoints are common exploits for cyber criminals that know what they’re doing. It’s another angle to cyber security in business where you really don’t want to cut corners. Endpoint protection can save you a lot of wear and tear, and it’s something you should include when setting up your network security architecture.
3. Antivirus
This might sound like a term that’s been beaten into the ground, but it’s still highly relevant in today’s world. It should go without saying that this level of antivirus goes beyond what run-of-the-muck service providers are able to deliver.
Ensuring antivirus is a part of your firewall solutions ensures your files and applications are all protected. It might sound rudimentary, but this proprietary info should be hidden behind more than just a complicated password.
Best Practices for Creating a Multi-Layered Security Architecture
If you know anything about IT or network security in general, then multi-layered security probably sounds like a no-brainer. However, it’s entirely understandable if the concept sounds foreign to you. Check out the details below for a list of best practices you can stand by to create a better multi-layered firewall security architecture.
- Walk through risk assessments to find vulnerabilities in your network
- Always have systems in place for continuous monitoring and reporting
- Utilize security tools that complement your current architecture
- Ensure your firewall solutions have you set up for scalability
- In-house training on firewall management and network security is crucial
Taking this approach will help to make sure you’re prepared to adjust when it’s really needed. Setting up a solid network security architecture is more than just deploying a single piece of firewall hardware.
If you’re unsure of what a good setup looks like, more than one popular solution exists on the market. For example, Fortinet firewalls, WAPs, and a good network switch aren’t a bad combination to have. At the same time, you need to know what you’re getting into before you start making purchases.
The Bottom Line
Everything about network security can sound convoluted. It definitely includes more than the ultimate computer firewall protection. With the reality of today’s cyber threats, every business should think about multi-layered network security.
There is a real learning curve that can come with this topic, but you’re never alone when there’s plenty of expert help around. If you’d like to hone in on what’s best for your company’s network security, give us a shout for an expert’s opinion on your situation.
