Firewalls are a crucial part of network security and should be part of any business’s overall cybersecurity strategy. It’s true that no organization is 100% safe from harmful actions, but a good network firewall software can help you stay protected from viruses, malware, and even malicious hackers.
Each firewall is different and ideal for various setups. Here’s a list of essential features and capabilities you should focus on when choosing a firewall software:
Network Segmentation
Network segmentation is the act of diving a single computer network into multiple logical networks. This way, the traffic from one segment is hidden and cannot be passed to another segment. Consequently, this results in a significantly lower risk of attack if there ever is a breach.
Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
VPNs are networks that are built using public wires to connect remote users and regional offices to a company’s internal network. So if you need to create a secure infrastructure, a VPN is vital to your firewall. They implement site-to-site encryption and make your IP address unidentifiable so that hackers and their malicious activities will only detect that you’re connected to a VPN server. This keeps you incognito while browsing.
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Proxy Server
As mentioned, a VPN encrypts traffic passing through the server, but this time, a proxy encrypts your IP and can handle countless simultaneous connections. As such, a firewall proxy server essentially provides safety or security by controlling the information going in and out of a network. It filters cache, log, and control requests coming from a client in order to ensure that the network remains secure and free of viruses and intruders.
Bandwidth Control
Also known as traffic shaping, bandwidth control is one of the best elements to look for in a firewall because you don’t always have unlimited amounts of bandwidth. Using a firewall with this feature allows you to control the bandwidth available for applications, sites, and users.
Hybrid Cloud Support
Everyone’s using cloud computing these days, and most users are going for a hybrid cloud deployment. Look for a firewall that is easily deployable and scalable. The security team should be able to manage all of the security settings from a single console.
Sandboxing
Sandboxing is a technique in which companies create an isolated environment to test code, without affecting production data or putting users at risk. A sandbox takes a file or executable then opens and scans it to look for malware or any suspicious activity.
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Main Takeaway
Choosing the best firewall for your business can be challenging because not all firewalls are created equal. But as you go through these features, you may already have an idea what type of firewall is suited for your needs.
Are you interested in learning more about firewalls and cybersecurity? Reach out to a managed service provider like 1+1 Technology. We are a premier MSP that provides quality IT solutions. Contact our support team at 925.406.3881 to get started today.
