How a Firewall Protects Your Data From the Worst of the Web

Since you run a business, you know that your business’s network requires a secure firewall to keep threats out. In fact, the firewall is the most basic of security protocol that you should be taking advantage of. Knowing what a firewall protects you from, and what it doesn’t protect you from, is an important first step toward improving your data infrastructure’s security and improving your business’s continuity.

What is a Firewall?
The firewall is your first line of defense against online threats. It analyzes the traffic that goes to and from your network, making sure any identified threats are not allowed passage. You can think of it like a bouncer for your network, making sure that only the data that you want gets in, and any data you find threatening stays out.

As defined by Gartner’s IT glossary:

A firewall is an application or an entire computer (e.g., an Internet gateway server) that controls access to the network and monitors the flow of network traffic. A firewall can screen and keep out unwanted network traffic and ward off outside intrusion into a private network. This is particularly important when a local network connects to the Internet. Firewalls have become critical applications as use of the Internet has increased.

In other words, it keeps the bad stuff out while still allowing you to browse the Internet and take advantage of your web connection. In today’s online society, a proper firewall is an absolute necessity, even for the average PC user. Computers and other devices aren’t nearly as wary about sharing their information as they should be. This is generally why businesses integrate separate security solutions that are crucial to the success of operations.

Why You Need One
The Internet is full of threats of all kinds, including viruses, malware, spyware, and so much more, all of which that can put your organization at risk. These threats can steal information, render your infrastructure inoperable, lock down your systems for ransom; the potentials are, quite literally, limitless. This is why it’s so important to keep threats out of your network, and promptly eliminate those that do infiltrate it. Furthermore, if your organization handles sensitive data, like Social Security numbers, credit card information, and personal records, the last thing you want is for your business to be subject to the immense fines that come from violating HIPAA, PCI, and other compliance regulations.

Firewalls allow you to take a proactive stance against threats that could potentially derail your entire operation. This is why it’s a best practice to integrate a firewall, as well as other aspects of cyber security, including antivirus, content filtering, and spam blockers. Smart Services' myWeb Defense utilizes Cisco Meraki Security appliances and provides the best comprehensive online threat defense solution for your business. Our web defense solution not only blocks spyware, viruses, and internet threats, it also helps optimize bandwidth, keeping your agency connections fast. To learn more about myWeb Defense, give us a call at (586) 258-0650.