5 Key Points To Consider When Purchasing A New Firewall
When putting together a network security plan for your business, getting a quality firewall should be at the top of your list!
Firewalls provide crucial security to businesses operating online by acting as a filter between the network and the internet. Only recognized packets of data are allowed to pass through, preventing the risk of DDOS (Distributed Denial Of Services) attacks.
With data theft and loss of control from cyber-attacks becoming an increasing reality for organizations in the modern age, your business simply can’t afford to exist without proper protection.
With that in mind, here are 5 key points you’ll need to consider if you’re going to be purchasing a new product, or undergoing firewall migration in the near future.
1. Visibility and control
Unlike traditional port-based firewalls, modern ones will give you almost unlimited control and visibility over the applications being accessed on your network.
This means you can limit the visibility and usage of applications like YouTube or Facebook for some of the end-users while allowing full access to others.
This is very beneficial for organizations that work in more secretive environments like the CIA since leaks of confidential information can be mitigated.
2. Protection against threats
This goes without saying, but a firewall’s primary job is ensuring network safety.
The problem, however, arises between modern and traditional systems. The older versions were incapable of identifying users or applications accessing their networks. If the firewall can’t identify what it’s dealing with, it certainly can’t stop an attack in time either!
Modern versions are much capable of dealing with threats, thanks to the point we made earlier about visibility and control. They also allow you to scan individual applications for viruses and malware, providing further protection against attacks.
3. Real-time threat alerts
Security software that does all of its work quietly is of no use to organizations who want updated real-time alerts on threats and attacks.
These alerts serve as reminders that networks are constantly at threat, and can help you identify the nature and method of an attack before it causes irreparable damage to your business!
4. Remote access
If your organization has employees that are working from home or are in other countries, your new firewall will need to be versatile enough to implement the same policies externally as it does internally.
Keep in mind that this should be done without opening up the internal network to new threats.
5. Cost
Lastly, you’ll want to consider the costs involved.
As a rule, it’s generally cheaper and more efficient to outsource your network security to a firewall management services provider than to have it in-house.
Firewall management is a resource-intensive and complex job that requires a high level of expertise to properly prevent costly breaches.
A third party will offer 24/7 protection using the latest software and technology which might be too costly for you to buy otherwise as an individual user.
