Cyberattacks are increasing in size and scope. As organizations continue to do more business online and use cloud resources, there are more opportunities than ever for cybercriminals to infiltrate your network, steal data and shut down your systems.
Network firewalls can protect your company by preventing unauthorized access to your network by threat actors. Here are seven reasons why you need network firewall security to protect your network.
Reason No. 1: Protection Against Cyberattacks
By screening incoming and outgoing network traffic, a network firewall security solution can detect and prevent malicious traffic, such as viruses, malware, ransomware, and other suspicious activity.
A network firewall prevents unauthorized access to your network to keep your data safe by letting you control network traffic and set policies for access, services, and applications.
Reason No. 2: Protect Against Network Vulnerabilities
It is possible to configure firewalls to protect against other common network threats, such as:
- Remote code execution that can allow attackers to gain control of your system.
- Exploiting system vulnerability, such as structured query language injection or cross-site scripting attacks.
- Preventing access from known threat actors.
- Blocking potentially dangerous websites or malicious traffic.
Reason No. 3: Early Detection of Cyberthreats
A network firewall triggers real-time mitigation of potential security breaches.
Early detection of breaches is essential to minimize potential damage. For example, ransomware attacks often begin with one infected file that replicates throughout your network. The sooner the attack is identified, the more data you can protect from being encrypted and held for ransom.
Hackers also tend to test systems to look for vulnerabilities and may deliver malicious software before executing it. If you can block it or find it before the payload is launched, you can prevent damage.
Reason No. 4: Maintaining Network Uptime
If an intruder breaches your network, it can do significant damage. The intruder can steal sensitive data, shut down your system, or take control of your network to conduct illegal business using your resources. A network firewall prevents these scenarios and keeps your business running efficiently without having to worry about downtime from security issues.
Downtime is expensive, and it can be devastating to your business. If customers cannot buy from you online, reach your website, or contact you on your VoIP phone system, you can easily lose business. If your employees cannot access the network, productivity can grind to a halt.
Reason No. 5: Compliance with Industry Regulations
Most industries conducting business are subject to regulations, such as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) for payment cards or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for health information. Firewalls help you maintain compliance as an essential part of your network security.
Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to significant exposure, including fines, legal action and reputational damage. It can also inhibit your ability to do business. For example, violation of PCI DSS regulations can lead to the revocation of your ability to use credit card processors.
Reason No. 6: Centralized Management
Network firewall security solutions let you manage and monitor your security from a centralized platform. Whether employees are working at your location, connecting remotely, or connecting from another store or branch, you can manage security from one interface.
Reason No. 7: Cost-Effectiveness
A network firewall is an extremely cost-effective way of securing a network for businesses of all sizes. Large enterprises can prevent data breaches that can cost millions of dollars. While data breaches for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) generally cost significantly less, the median cost of an attack for SMBs is about $18,000.
Sometimes, small businesses are unable to recover. One study showed that 60% of small businesses suffering an attack go out of business within six months.
When you consider that nearly half of all small and medium-sized businesses have experienced a cyberattack in the past year, a network firewall is an inexpensive investment in protecting your business.
Prevent and Resist Cyberthreats
While a network firewall will not protect you from every possible cyberthreat, it will block a lot of malicious activity and enhance your overall security posture. Used alongside antivirus software and safe computing practices, you can significantly strengthen your ability to prevent and resist cyberthreats.
Contact LOGIX Fiber Networks online, or call 888-505-6449 to discuss your network security options and how we can help.