Here’s Why Your Business Needs a Firewall
Nearly all businesses rely on the internet. In fact, studies show that by 2040, 95% of purchases will be facilitated by e-commerce.
This is because the internet provides businesses with increased reach, flexibility, lower operating costs, and more.
But despite all of these benefits, doing business online also comes with some risks. In particular, connecting your business to the internet exposes it to the risk of data breaches, leaks, and theft.
The last thing you want is to lose valuable business data or worse: for your data to be held ransom (aka a ransom attack) until you pay out a large sum of money.
That’s why it’s so important to have a strong firewall in place.
What is a firewall?
A firewall is a network security system that helps prevent the spread of your private data to hackers and scammers. It can be a hardware, software, or some combination of the two.
A firewall is your first line of defense when it comes to cyber security because it keeps unauthorized users from gaining access to your network in the first place.
Some companies install and manage their own firewalls, while others choose to rely on managed firewall services. Both can be effective security measures, but putting your cybersecurity in the hands of a dedicated firewall service provider ensures you gain top protection with little effort on your end.
Here’s a list of all the specific benefits you can expect from investing in managed firewall services or installing your own firewall for your business:
- Protect against hackers and malicious code
Hackers are trying to infiltrate business networks all the time, which means your company needs 24/7 cybersecurity protection.
How does a firewall protect your business? By checking every bit of code that comes in and out of the company network and blocking anything suspicious or unordinary.
Firewalls can also remember and block malicious apps, viruses, spam, and other unwanted internet traffic. Just calibrate the firewall to your tolerance level.
- Control internet traffic
Firewalls also allow you to block outbound network access to unapproved sites like gaming sites, illegal pirating sites, and other unapproved sites and online distractions.
This helps protect the company network and keep employees on task (boosting productivity) at the same time. It’s a win-win.
- Set limits on bandwidth usage
In a similar vein, you can set limits on bandwidth usage. Instead of blocking non-work related internet usage (like videos, music, and games) altogether, you can meter it to an acceptable level.
This frees up company bandwidth for more work-related traffic.
- Increase network security for remote employees
These days, many employees work remotely. Since they use a different internet service provider (ISP) at home, it can be difficult to protect company data. But firewalls are an easy solution to this.
Firewalls can block unauthorized access to data used by remote workers, no matter where they are located.
- Protect cloud data
Storing company data in the cloud is convenient and efficient, but it also comes with some risks: You don’t control the servers your data is stored on, so you must trust the IT resources of the cloud provider.
However, a firewall can monitor your cloud connection to significantly minimize the risk of a data breach.
- Provide VPN services
Many firewalls come with site-to-site connectivity through virtual private networks (VPNs). These provide more secure access across mobile devices and remote users through encryption. That way, you gain an extra layer of security when employees access the company network from outside the office.
The bottom line
Whether you own a small business or a large enterprise, you can’t afford to not have a firewall. It’s the first line of defense against hackers and other unwanted network access.
So shop around for a firewall or managed firewall service today. Your business will be better off for it.