SMB Cyber Security: What Is The Best Firewall For Small Business?

Summary: This 3-minute article explores the different firewalls available and how to select the best firewall for your SMB. Then, for further details, contact DIGIGUARD CYBER SECURITY at 833-33-CYBER (833-332-9237) or visit www.DIGIGUARDsecurity.com to discuss network firewall security and all the cyber defense solutions available to protect your SMB.

Firewalls have been around for decades. Over time they have improved with new features and functionality and are now one of the first lines of defense against cyber threats. Most users know the term “firewall” but don’t really know what they are. Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewall_(computing) defines a firewall as “a network security system that monitors and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. A firewall typically establishes a barrier between a trusted network and an untrusted network, such as the Internet.” A good firewall is configured to accept traffic from trusted sources and block any traffic that may be suspicious. Firewalls also allow content filtering, applying rules designed to filter out specific kinds of content. For example, you might restrict your employees’ access to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to eliminate distraction. Any data that does not align with the pre-set rules will be rejected. However, in the real world, firewalls are not all created equal.

Cyberthieves continue to become more aggressive in their cyberattacks. Therefore, every aspect of your business’s cyber security demands close examination before spending unnecessary time and money. If you are exploring a new firewall installation for your company, there are many things to consider before choosing one:

• Security Features – Preventing the entry of threats to your network is the most critical function of firewalls. Research the differences between security features.
• Visibility and Application Control – Earlier versions of firewalls afforded users limited control of applications and little visibility. However, modern, next generation firewalls often have much more functionality.
• What Is A Next Gen Firewall (NGFW)? – NGFWs can see and control applications, making it easier to set and customize to your business's needs and traffic controls.
• Third-Party Application Integration – Your firewall must be compatible with the other cyber protections you already have. To maximize security, all layers of defense must work together to secure your network.
• Ease of Operation – If you don’t have a robust, in-house IT department, purchasing a firewall you can install and operate easily is essential. NGFWs should offer more straightforward setup and greater operational simplicity.
• Remote-Access User Protection – In the post-pandemic world, remote-access work has become part of more business models than ever. As a result, anyone who has credentials to log on to your network must have the same protection, whether they are across the street or across the world.
• Budget Consciousness – As with most business decisions, costs must be weighed against features. When shopping for anything as important to your business as a firewall, it is crucial to understand what features your company requires to avoid paying for more than you need.
• Consolidation of Cyber Security Defenses – A powerful NGFW can provide security features such as spam filtering, anti-virus defenses and application filtering. In some SMBs, a next gen firewall might be more cost-effective and easier to operate by replacing redundant security modules.
• The Best User Reviews – Just as you might check the reviews for a product you purchase on Amazon, part of your due diligence should include reading what other customers have experienced using a firewall you are considering. Accessibility to support and the quality of customer service should also be considered as part of your comparison shopping.

Professionally Managed Firewall

As an SMB owner, you have enough to worry about in performing the business's daily operations. However, if your business doesn’t have the IT resources, knowledge and budget to be sure you have the right firewall for your company, you should consider a remotely managed firewall. A firewall installed, set up and monitored by IT experts costs far less than recovery from a significant cyberattack on your network, breaching your hard-earned business data.

Layers Of Security Are The Walls Protecting Your Data

A strong firewall configured for your business is just a first line of defense. Other cyber defense solutions that work in tandem with firewalls and network security include:

• Hardware Security – Secure the physical components of your computer system.
• Endpoint Security – Lock down all devices connected to your network.
• Perimeter Security – Create a safe boundary controlling network access through routers and gateways.
• Application Security – Ensure all your applications are up to date with security patches from developers and free of malware.
• Data Security – Data is your most important asset. Encryption, access permissions and other cyber tools should be in place and ironclad.
• Ongoing User Training – Get all employees on the same page through continuing and new hire training in cyber security best practices. Protecting your network should be a team effort.

Firewalls Aren’t Enough

Cyber security for SMBs has few “one and done” or “set and forget” solutions. Instead, robust online security requires many layers of protection and constant vigilance. In addition, new cybercrime techniques and targets are released by hackers all the time. Therefore, savvy business owners should accept their limitations, understand that many cyber defense solutions are beyond their fields of expertise, and consult with IT professionals to ensure their company has everything it needs to protect its data.