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How to Set Up a Firewall: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Zoe Wick

Posted On March 20, 2024

How to Set Up a Firewall: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s world, having comprehensive network security solutions that are correctly installed has never been more important. Firewalls serve as the first line of defense against cyber threats, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic to protect your data and resources. Whether you’re setting up a new network or upgrading your security measures, deploying a new firewall is a pivotal step. To complement our tutorial video above, this article will walk you through how to set up a firewall, ensuring your business network is both secure and efficient.

Understanding Your Network's Needs

Before you start setting up a new firewall, it’s important to assess your network’s specific needs. The size of your network, the different devices that are connected, and your overall security requirements will determine the type of firewall and configurations that will best suite your business. When purchasing a firewall you should be considering factors like throughput, VPN capabilities, and the level of security features your network needs.

Preparing for Deployment

Preparation is your best friend when it comes to a smooth firewall setup process. It’s important to gather all necessary equipment including the firewall device, cables, and any additional hardware. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your network layout and have you network settings easily accessible. It’s also helpful to review your firewall’s documentation thoroughly before beginning the installation to anticipate any potential issues.

Physical Installation

The physical installation of your firewall is a straightforward but crucial step. Start by powering off your modem and any existing routers. Connect your firewall to the modem, and then connect it to your network switch or directly to your devices. Ensuring all connections are secure and correctly configured is essential for the smooth operation of your network.

Configuring the Firewall

Once your firewall is physically installed, the next step is configurating your firewall itself. This process involves accessing the firewall’s administration panel and setting up your network and security settings. Your first step is to create a strong admin password, followed by configuring IP addresses, DHCP settings, and establishing your security policies. This step is vital in defining which traffic is allowed through your network and which traffic is blocked.

Testing and Monitoring

After configuring your firewall, testing is crucial to ensure it operates as expected. Attempt to access numerous websites from different devices on your network to confirm that legitimate traffic passes through while unwanted traffic is blocked. Regular monitoring of your firewall’s performance and logs is also necessary. It allows you to identify any unusual activity early and ensures that your network remains secure against evolving cyber threats.

Staying Updated

Maintaining your firewall’s effectiveness over time requires regular updates and monitoring. Manufacturers frequently release software updates to address new vulnerabilities and enhance functionality. Keeping your firewall updated ensures that your network is protected against the latest cyber crimes.

Recap

Securing your network is vital in today’s digital age. By taking the time to properly deploy and maintain your firewall, you can protect your business from cyber threats and ensure the safety of your data and resources. Remember, knowing how to set up a firewall is just the first step of securing your network. Making sure your network is secure is an ongoing process that requires regular updates and monitoring.

For a more visual walkthrough of each step, be sure to check out our video guide: How to Set Up Your New Firewall.

If you need more guidance or would like a certified engineer to configure or manage your firewall, read more about our Managed Services team.

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions you have!

The Best Firewalls for Small Businesses in 2024

By Zoe Wick

Posted On March 18, 2024

The Best Firewalls for Small Businesses in 2024

As we step into 2024, the need for robust security measures is more important than ever before. Cyber threats continue to advance, making it imperative for businesses of all sizes to invest in cutting-edge firewall solutions. In this blog, we’ll explore the best firewalls for small businesses in 2024, featuring the SonicWall TZ270, Fortinet FortiGate 90G, Sophos XGS 87, and WatchGuard Firebox T45.

SonicWall TZ270:

Leading the charge in the cybersecurity landscape is the SonicWall TZ270. With advanced threat prevention capabilities and real-time breach detection, the TZ270 provides comprehensive protection against a diverse range of cyber threats. Its user-friendly interface and scalability make it an excellent firewall for small business owners, ensuring that your network remains secure without compromising usability.

Fortinet FortiGate 90G:

For businesses seeking a potent combination of performance and affordability, the Fortinet FortiGate 90G is a compelling choice. This firewall delivers robust security features, including intrusion prevention and SSL inspection. Its compact form factor and cost-effectiveness make it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking to enhance their cybersecurity posture without breaking the bank.

Sophos XGS 87:

The Sophos XGS 87 stands out for its advanced threat protection capabilities and intuitive interface. Featuring the innovative Security Heartbeat, which integrates endpoint and firewall security, this firewall enhances threat detection and response. The Sophos XGS 87 is particularly well-suited for organizations seeking an integrated approach to cybersecurity, emphasizing simplicity without compromising effectiveness.

WatchGuard Firebox T45:

In the landscape of top-tier firewalls, the WatchGuard Firebox T45 is a noteworthy contender. With its robust features, including intrusion prevention and application control, the Firebox T45 offers comprehensive security for your network. Its reliability and performance make it an excellent choice for small businesses looking to bolster their defenses against a variety of cyber threats.

As we navigate the intricacies of cybersecurity in 2024, selecting the right firewall is paramount. The SonicWall TZ270, Fortinet FortiGate 90G, Sophos XGS 87, and WatchGuard Firebox T45 represent the best-in-class solutions, each offering unique features to suit diverse cybersecurity needs. These four contenders make up our list of the best firewalls for small businesses. Whether you prioritize advanced threat prevention, cost-effectiveness, or an integrated security approach, these top firewalls offer a solid foundation for safeguarding your digital assets in an era of evolving cyber threats.

Still not sure which firewall you need?

Use our Firewall Finder Tool to help guide you to the best firewall for your small business. If you need help determining which specs or benefits you need, our team is here to help! Call or chat with our certified experts anytime.

2022 Fortinet FortiGate 70F, 3700F, 600F and How to Get One

By Zoe Wick

Posted On March 19, 2022

2022 Fortinet FortiGate 70F, 3700F, 600F and How to Get One

New 2022 Fortigates By Fortinet

In May of 2022 Fortinet sent out a press release announcing that they have three new firewalls in the pipeline that will be coming soon. Those new 2022 models include the Fortigate 70F, Fortigate 3700F, and the Fortigate 600F. All three models are evenly distributed to offer the updated FortiOS 7.2 operating system to small, mid range, and enterprise businesses.

What has many excited is that these firewall devices will include the recently announced AI powered FortiGuard Security Services. This power security feature is just the latest advancement in the ever evolving Fortifabric offered by Fortinet.

When Will The Fortigate 70F, 3700F, or the 600F Be Available

At the time of the May 2022 press release for the new Fortigate firewalls, no official timetable has been given to when these devices will be available to ship to customers. As with all cyber security company who manufacture firewalls, inventory and logistics are currently hurdles that need to be overcome. We anticipate that we might see these firewalls shipping out sometime before July, but in limited quantities

How To Buy New Fortigate Firewalls

Most Fortinet Fortigates are currently on backorder will be for sometime and not one reseller has better access to inventory than any other. The best way to buy a new Fortinet firewall is to place an order in now because orders are filled by the “first come first serve” policy.

If you want to buy one of the new 2022 Fortinet firewalls (70F, 3700F, 600F), you’ll have to wait. No pricing, sku, specs, or really any other official information about the product has been released. Once Fortinet relays that information to their distribution network, you’ll see product available for pre-order.

How Much Will The New 2022 Fortinet Fortigate Models Cost

As of right now no information with regards to pricing has been announced by Fortinet for their new 2022 firewalls. Our estimates are they will all cost slightly higher than the models they will be replacing. You can view those models here;

Sophos XDR: Extended response & advanced AI for the whole network

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On June 17, 2021

Sophos XDR: Extended response & advanced AI for the whole network

detection edr endpoint protection intercept x response siem soar Sophos xdr

Sophos has long been known for creating holistic network security solutions that work across devices to provide broad views of network security posture. We have talked about the boons of Synchronized Security with Sophos Security Heartbeat for years on this blog! Now that cross-device monitoring and high-powered AI security goes a step further with the introduction of XDR.

What is XDR?

XDR stands for Extended Detection and Response. This sounds similar to another industry technology: EDR, or Endpoint Detection and Response. But XDR takes the concept of Endpoint Detection & Response and extends it across multiple security layers. It brings together real-time network data and automated decision-making to provide advanced threat responses that stop attacks before they become a breach.

How is Sophos XDR different from other solutions?

Sophos Intercept X Advanced with XDR (formerly Intercept X Advanced with EDR) integrates email, cloud, mobile, and endpoint data across your network, pulling data from multiple sources across security layers and products to provide broad, high-level security determinations orchestrated by deep learning AI. XDR leverages data from endpoints, servers, firewalls, switches, and other security devices spread across your network and centralizes that intelligence in a single ecosystem.

This pitch may sound familiar to you if you’ve used SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, & Response) or SIEM (Security Information & Event Management) solutions. What SOAR and SIEM do is quite similar in function: collect large volumes of data from multiple sources, analyze events, and provide guided response recommendations. Where XDR shines and soars above preceding solutions lies in its ability to take action. Sophos XDR not only creates a roadmap of how admins should respond to an event but takes the initiative to apply those steps before a security incident can grow.

All in all, XDR goes beyond data gathering and helpful suggestions. Sophos XDR orchestrates responses and applies them across devices on a network.

How to get Sophos XDR

XDR found a home with Sophos as part of its Intercept X product suite, an advanced endpoint protection suite built to stop malware, ransomware, exploits, viruses, and zero-day threats. In previous years, Intercept X Advanced could be paired with EDR to automatically detect and prioritize threats. While Intercept X’s EDR capabilities suggest where and how network admins focus their attention, XDR is now fully closing the monitor-detect-respond decision-making loop.

Sophos Intercept X Advanced uses the latest machine learning technology to make security verdicts on unknown threats by comparing the behavior of potentially dangerous files or apps to the known behavior of currently understood threats.

Shop Sophos XDR

Shop Sophos Intercept X Advanced with XDR

Try Sophos XDR for yourself

Try a free online demo of Sophos XDR and see how endpoint detection and response driven by AI can tie together the loose threads of your network.

Managed Firewall Services & The Top 5 Reasons You Should Consider Them

By Andrew Neita

Posted On May 7, 2021

firewall managed firewall services mss network security

Managed Firewall Services

Since early 2020, the digital threat landscape has vastly changed. What used to work no longer does, and there are countless new ways for bad actors to compromise systems. One of the biggest trends in 2020 was for small and medium size businesses to shift the responsibility of managing the firewall and other network security systems to specialized 3rd parties. Managed firewall services have seen massive growth and consolidation of providers.

If you haven’t received a call or email introducing you to these services you probably will soon, but that might not be a bad thing. While you’re running your business or your jack-of-all-trades IT guy is busy fixing the Wi-Fi, hackers are most likely strategizing ways to penetrate your network. This is where managed firewall services take over and provide an added layer of security on top of your security equipment to ensure your business is safe and won’t suffer a potential catastrophic setback.

The Benefits To 3rd Party Managed Firewall Services

In this article, we’ll discuss the top 5 reasons why it’s important to have managed firewall services and what you need to know. Now, some of the benefits to managed firewall services you may already know – and some you may not. What we’ve found is that even if you know the benefits of 3rd party managed firewall services, for some reason you haven’t strengthened your business with it. Hopefully by the end of this article you understand the sophisticated threat landscape and why hiring a 3rd party network security company makes sense.

1. Your Current Firewall Configuration Settings Are Probably Wrong

When we onboard a new client, 95% of the time they had their firewall misconfigured. Even the companies that have an IT staff most often get this important part of the setup wrong because the firewall is such a specialized piece of IT. In our experience it takes a highly trained network engineer to properly configure a firewall specific to an individual network. Even missing minor parts of the configuration can render the purchase of a firewall useless because that is precisely where hackers will spot a vulnerability. Having a properly configured firewall is just as import as purchasing the correct firewall. This is where having managed firewall services really makes sense. Before the 3rd party can monitor the network they first have to have it set up correctly, which makes this the first realized benefit a client receives when they begin their 3rd party firewall management journey.

2. Maintaining Compliance

Depending on the industry, you may experience stricter compliance but none the less, every business and organization has a responsibility to protect the data of their clients and employees. Having a specialized, highly trained team of network security engineers not only aids in keeping your business compliant but also shows customers your due diligence in providing the best security environment for their sensitive data.

3. Talent & Specialty

Scarcity in the marketplace for individuals who have this skillset is a real thing. Businesses frequently leave their security in the hands of an internal IT guy who is knowledgeable with everything but the firewall. Often we find that IT guy struggles to maintain the security of the organization. What that means is unless you are lucky enough to have a fully-trained network security engineer on staff, you’ll always be one step behind bad actors or completely exposed to all sorts of digital threats. 3rd party managed firewall service companies recruit top talent and hire only the ones that have the necessary skillset required to remotely manage firewalls and the surrounding touchpoints of our clients networks.

4. 24/7 Network Monitoring

Hackers work around the clock and so should your network security team. Network security management isn’t a 9-5 Monday through Friday responsibility. Firewall managed services provides 24/7 monitoring and threat detection protection for your business. This is important because no matter what time it is, you have trusted professionals actively protecting what matters and ensuring the safety of your business.

5. Cost

Since one of the main offerings Firewalls.com provides is managed firewall services, we are afforded the luxury of hiring & paying top talent to protect our clients. We can do this because those expenses aren’t sunk costs, they are revenue generating. Human assets can be deployed across multiple organizations and can be done so for much less than what our clients can do if they hired a full time network security engineer. Outside the salary of a full time engineer there are also costs that involve money and time to be able to find in-house employees, which may never happen. Recruiting can be expensive and can easily take well over a year. Skipping the line and getting expert firewall management for less is one of the main reasons why our clients hire us. The Firewalls.com team has the ability to deploy quickly (time) and can be had for less (money) than a full time employee.

Trust The Security Of Your Network With Firewalls.com

Our clients have trusted us with their network’s security because we offer US based support, a real person picks up the phone, we have a lighting fast ticket resolution rating, and affordable prices. Contact us to day to get started or to receive a quick quote.

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