Even if you’re familiar with the terminology, there’s a lot that gets overlooked in the discussions around firewall & network protection as a whole. This is more common with small businesses, as they tend to underestimate the true scope of modern network security.
In many cases, cybersecurity is looked at as an issue that’s on a larger scale beyond what small businesses have to worry about. Unfortunately, this is a false take that will only hurt your growing organization in the long run.
While smaller budgets and IT resources make this an easy topic to ignore, the cost of doing so will far outweigh what you put into it. This article focuses on the real-life importance of next-generation firewalls and network protection, and what small businesses tend to overlook.
The Importance of Modern Firewall & Network Protection
In today’s scope of network security, you can’t assume traditional firewall solutions can keep your business protected at every turn. The firewall hardware is outdated from several angles, and doesn’t stand much of a chance against advanced security threats.
Here’s what you want to look for in a modern network security firewall:
- Deep packet inspection
- Threat intelligence
- Behavioural analysis
- Granular access control
- Device quarantine
The list of features and capabilities can get pretty steep, but you also have to know what you’re looking for. A detailed firewall comparison can help a lot in your decision-making. However, this also requires an understanding of your company’s network security demands. In the grand scheme, many growing businesses tend to miss several important aspects of their network security, which can be a costly mistake.
Comparing Product Ecosystems
Setting up your network security for success requires more than a mere investment in a network security appliance. If you don’t spend ample time comparing specific brands and products, such as various firewall models, your business won’t be truly secure.
This means looking into different firewall integrations, not to mention licensing models and potential features like cloud portals. While security is the main focus here, aspects like flexibility, cost, and scalability are just as important. The hardware is definitely an important focal point, but you’ll also need to understand the norms behind lifecycles and EOL dates.
Ignoring the Lifecycles of NGFW Cybersecurity
First, it’s important to remember that lifecycles with next-generation firewall (NGFW) hardware are normal. About every three to five years, firewall manufacturers slowly phase out older models for new releases that are relevant to the current network security landscape.
A common term here is called end-of-life (EOL), which is the date when firewall models reach the point where they lose ongoing support or any potential updates. To ensure seamless network security for your business, you want to be one step ahead of these announcements.
Manufacturers release plenty of updates about this along the way, but businesses need to be prepared to upgrade way ahead of time. Ignoring the common lifecycles of firewall hardware will only make your network more vulnerable to attacks.
Flexibility and Scalability
It can feel pretty relieving to have a solid network security setup in order, but this isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it conversation. Many organizations don’t consider the range of flexibility they need to operate seamlessly. This also considers scalability, as your firewall solutions should be aligned with current and future business objectives.
This can be challenging to project, but it’s helpful to have managed network security that can scale with you as you grow. It’s okay to aim a little high on the specs if you expect growth over the next few years. The last thing you want is to invest in a firewall solution that will only meet your needs for the short term. Whether you’re expecting business growth or an expansion in a hybrid or remote workforce, your network security tools should be built for the job.
The Bottom Line
There’s a lot more to consider here, and that’s exactly why due diligence is a must when it comes to firewall & network protection. If you aren’t focusing on necessary hardware, licensing, scalability, or long-term costs, you’re only setting yourself up for failure.
Doing the homework before you make a commitment will always pay off in the long run. There’s no argument that this can be easier said than done, but you definitely don’t have to face this topic alone. Consider getting in touch with us for no-fluff guidance on what your growing business needs when it comes to effective NGFW cybersecurity.
