- Monitors Network Traffic –ย The ability to monitor network traffic is the foundation of all firewall security benefits. Data flowing into and out of your systems opens the door for threats to compromise your operations. Firewalls protect your systems by monitoring and analyzing network traffic and applying predefined rules and filters. You can manage your levels of protection based on what you see coming in and out of your firewall with a well-trained IT team.
- Stops Virus Attacks–ย Nothing can bring your digital operations to a halt faster or more forcefully than a virus attack. With hundreds of thousands of new threats being developed every day, it is critical that you put safeguards in place to keep your systems safe. The ability to control your system’s entry points and stop virus attacks is one of the most visible benefits of firewalls. Depending on the type of virus, the cost of damage from a virus attack on your systems could be immeasurable.
- Prevents Hacking–ย ย Unfortunately, the trend toward more digital operations invites thieves and bad actors to follow suit. With the rise of data theft and criminals holding systems hostage, firewalls have become even more important in preventing hackers from gaining unauthorized access to your data, emails, systems, and other resources. A firewall can either completely stop a hacker or deter them from attempting an easier target.
- Stops Spyware–ย Stopping spyware from gaining access and infiltrating your systems is a much-needed benefit in today’s data-driven world. As systems become more complex and robust, the number of entry points criminals can use to gain access to your systems grows. One of the most common ways for unauthorized people to gain access is through the use of spyware and malwareโprograms designed to infiltrate your systems, control your computers, and steal your data. Firewalls provide an important barrier against these malicious programs.
- Promotes Privacy–ย The promotion of privacy is a major advantage. By working proactively to keep your data and your customers’ data safe, you create a privacy environment that your clients can rely on. Nobody wants their data stolen, especially when steps could have been taken to prevent the intrusion.Upgraded data-protection systems can also provide a competitive advantage and a selling point to customers and clients. The benefit grows as your company’s data becomes more sensitive.
How to use firewall protection
Proper firewall configuration and maintenance are critical for keeping your network and devices secure. Here are some pointers to help you with your firewall network security practices:
1. Always update your firewalls as soon as possible: Firmware and software updates keep your firewall up to date on new vulnerabilities. Personal and home firewall users can usually update immediately without risk. Larger organizations may need to check network configuration and compatibility first. However, everyone should have procedures in place to ensure that updates are made as soon as possible.
2. Use antivirus protection: Firewalls are not designed to prevent malware and other infections on their own. These may bypass firewall protections, necessitating the use of a security solution designed to disable and remove them. Kaspersky Total Security can protect you across all of your personal devices, and our numerous business security solutions can protect any network hosts you want to keep clean.
3. Limit accessible ports and hosts with an allow list: Inbound traffic should be denied by default. Inbound and outbound connections should be limited to a strict whitelist of trusted IP addresses. Reduce user access privileges to the absolute minimum. It is easier to maintain security by allowing access only when necessary rather than revoking and mitigating damage after an incident.
4. Segmented network revoking: Malicious actors’ lateral movement is a clear risk that can be mitigated by limiting internal cross-communication
5. Have active network redundancies to avoid downtime Maintain active network redundancy to avoid downtime.