This guide to firewalls and network security will help one navigate the landscape to better understand their benefits to users, especially in a time when cybersecurity is at the forefront of every business owner’s mind. For example, the Colonial Pipeline and JBS hack earlier this year showed the world just how vulnerable even the largest businesses can be against a hacker’s determination.
What is a Firewall?
You may have heard the term firewall many times before. You might even know what it’s supposed to do, but do you know how it does it and why? Understanding firewalls and network security can lead you to better understand why every business should have one, no matter how small. Simply put, a firewall is a gateway. It chooses which internet traffic is allowed into and out of your network.
The reason why this is so important is that it provides an extra layer of protection and filtering while browsing the web. The hope is that the firewall will filter out malicious and/or suspicious activity before it becomes a problem for you.
Are there different types of firewalls?
Yes! There are many different types of firewalls. Each of them serves a different purpose, but their ultimate goal is network traffic monitoring and control. There are some firewalls that will monitor suspicious activity and applications, too.
However, it’s important to understand that having a firewall doesn’t mean you’re protected from hackers. Traditional firewalls monitor your traffic as the first line of defense, nothing more. For better protection, it’s best to go with a full cybersecurity solution.
What is Network Security, then?
The term network security refers to more than what a firewall accomplishes on its own. Software like that offered by WatchGuard Security, for example, is a leader in the defense of its users. It not only offers a firewall but includes a whole slew of features, one of which being Threat Detection & Response, which adds a prevention layer that a traditional firewall doesn’t have.
The biggest differentiator between a traditional firewall and a network security suite is a proactive monitoring feature that can detect new and evolving cyber threats. The online world is becoming more and more dangerous, which is why it’s crucial to consider a network security option.
