Understanding Firewalls
Firewalls are a cybersecurity measure that protects your network from unwanted and unrecognized sources. By filtering incoming traffic, firewalls block malicious software from infecting your computer. They are the barrier that separates your network from the public internet. A firewall only allows information and connections that it has been configured to allow. With a successful firewall in place, only trusted sources are allowed into your network.
A firewall shields your computer from hackers and malware that can cripple a company. Firewalls can be configured to block specific data from specific sources or more broadly from all other sources before being scanned and let into your network.
Understanding firewalls can be difficult, but you can trust wts to secure your network .
There are many different types of firewalls available and a trusted MSP can help you decide which level of protection you need for your business. Choosing from packet-filtering, proxy services, stateful multi-layered inspections, unified threat management, next-generation, NAT, and virtual firewalls can be difficult if you’re not an expert. But the technicians at WTS are experts in cybersecurity and can make sure your network is safe.
If your computer is connected to the internet, it can be accessed by anyone else who’s connected to the internet. A firewall can help prevent access to your network from unauthorized users. This is essentially important for businesses that hold company and customer data. Cyberthreats are evolving so you’re protection must do so as well.
Risks of not having firewalls
1. Open Access
Without firewalls protecting your network, your computer is open to accepting any traffic that comes in its direction. If a hacker targets your network, they could send any type of malware into your system and cause irreparable damage to your business.
2. Compromised Data
Cybercriminals can easily gain control over your device or company’s entire network. They could delete your data, hold it for ransom, or sell your data on the dark web for other hackers to exploit.
3. Decreased Productivity
With unfiltered incoming traffic accessing your network, your server may run slower and decrease business productivity. If your network is trying to handle too much data at one time, all your programs will take the hit.
4. Inability to Use New Technology
Many new devices and applications may not work correctly without the use of firewalls. Not only will your server need to run the data from the new technology, but some of them may even require your system to have a firewall in place to install.
5. Network Crashes
Imagine coming into work one day and your network can’t be accessed. No device will work, you can’t access your server, and have no way of doing business. It could happen if you don’t have firewall protection and a DDoS attack has been implanted in your network.
Want to learn more? Let’s talk. Contact our team at 843-236-6436.
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