Firewall Security

Why Every Business Needs a Firewall

A common misconception about firewalls is that they are only necessary for large companies or financial corporations. In reality, every business that has a network should have a firewall. Cyber criminals constantly seek out businesses and networks with vulnerabilities that make them easy prey.

A firewall, which can be hardware, software or a combination of both, is the first layer of defense in cybersecurity. It monitors incoming and outgoing traffic on a company’s network and decides what traffic to block or allow based upon defined cybersecurity rules.

A firewall does more than prevent cyber criminals from accessing data. It also protects a company’s network and computers from being compromised and used for illicit activities without the business owner’s knowledge.

Here are a few startling statistics that highlight the importance of firewall security:

• 2017 saw a record high of 1,579 data breaches, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. This represents a 44.7 percent increase over 2016.

• Ransomware attacks increased more than 90 percent in 2017, according to a report from Malwarebytes. These attacks involve malware that encrypts data and holds it hostage—usually with a threat to erase it unless the target pays a ransom.

• 45% percent of Internet of Things (IoT) organizations suffered a cyber breach in the past year. As wonderful as smart wearables and connected devices are, they open a whole new pathway for cyber attackers to gain access to networks…and even more reason to make sure businesses take security seriously.

Based on these reports, cyber attacks and data breaches are increasing by an alarming rate…with no end in sight. Without firewall security, it’s just a matter of time before a business is successfully attacked.  

Not sure what type of firewall security is right for your business? Want to make sure your firewall is configured correctly? Our experts can help. Contact us to learn more.