According to a survey, 47% of companies with fewer than 50 employees do not have a dedicated cybersecurity budget. Among those larger companies with more than 250 employees, only 18% of them have a dedicated cybersecurity budget. Small Businesses are having a higher risk of cybersecurity. When protecting yoursmall business, a business firewall is one of the best tools in your arsenal. But what exactly is a firewall, and how does it work? This article will answer those questions and explain why a firewall is so important for small businesses.
What is a firewall?
A firewall is a piece of hardware or software that helps to protect your network from unauthorized access. Firewalls can block incoming traffic, outgoing traffic, or both. They work by inspecting each packet of data that passes through the network and deciding whether to allow it through or not.
How do firewalls work?
Firewalls inspect each packet of data that passes through the network and decide whether to allow it. If a packet is allowed through, it is forwarded to the appropriate device on the network. If a packet is blocked, it is dropped and never reaches its destination.
Why are firewalls important for small businesses?
Hackers and cybercriminals often target small businesses because they are easy targets. Without a business firewall in place, your business is at risk of having its confidential data and information stolen. A firewall can help to protect your network from these attacks and keep your business safe.
Below find a detailed explanation of the importance of investing in a firewall:
- A firewall can help to protect your network
Protection is the main purpose of a firewall. It will protect your Local Area Network (LAN) from outside attacks on the Internet. A well-configured firewall can block most attacks and keep your network safe. Additionally, a firewall can also help to protect your network from viruses and other malware that may be present on the Internet.
- A firewall can help to improve your security
Security is always a concern for businesses, especially small businesses. Using a firewall can add an extra layer of security to your network. This will help to keep your confidential data and information safe from hackers and cybercriminals.
- A firewall can help to improve your productivity
A firewall can also help to improve your productivity by blocking unwanted traffic from the Internet. This can include ads, pop-ups, and other distractions that interfere with your work. You can focus on your work and get more done by blocking these distractions.
- A firewall can help to save you money
Investing in a firewall can help to save you money in the long run. This is because a firewall can help to protect your network from attacks that could result in data loss or damage to your network. A firewall can also help block unwanted Internet traffic that can use up your bandwidth and slow down your network.
- A firewall can give you peace of mind
Finally, a firewall can give you peace of mind knowing that your network is protected from outside attacks. This can help you to focus on running your business without worrying about the potential for cyberattacks.
Ways your business can choose a firewall vendor
When choosing a vendor for the firewall for your business, you should keep a few things in mind. Below are some factors to consider when choosing a vendor:
1- Make sure the vendor offers support
When choosing a firewall vendor, make sure that the vendor offers support. This is important if you run into any problems with your firewall or need help configuring it. Your vendor should be able to offer you support either by phone or email.
2- Make sure the vendor offers training
Another thing to consider when choosing a vendor is whether or not they offer training. Training is important because it can help you learn how to use your firewall and configure it properly. Configuration entails specifying which traffic is allowed through the firewall and which is blocked. Many vendors offer training either in person or online.
3- Consider the cost of the firewall
When choosing a vendor, you should also consider the cost of the firewall. The cost will depend on the features and functionality you need. In general, firewalls can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. You should also consider whether or not you need a subscription-based firewall or if you can purchase a one-time license.
3- Consider the vendor’s reputation
When choosing a vendor, you should also consider the vendor’s reputation. This is important because you want to ensure you work with a reputable company that offers good customer service. You can check the vendor’s reputation by reading online reviews or talking to other businesses using the vendor’s services.
4- Make sure the vendor offers a money-back guarantee
You should make sure the vendor offers a money-back guarantee. This is important because you want to be able to get your money back if you are not satisfied with the firewall. Many vendors offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5- Consider the features offered by the vendor
When choosing a vendor, you should also consider the features offered by the vendor. This is important because you want to ensure the vendor offers the needed features. Some of the features you may want to look for include:
- The ability to block specific traffic: This feature allows you to block specific traffic, such as ads, pop-ups, and other distractions.
- The ability to prioritize traffic: You need to ensure the vendor offers this feature because it allows you to prioritize traffic. This is important if you have time-sensitive data that your network needs to send.
- The ability to monitor traffic: This feature allows you to monitor traffic to see what is happening on your network. This is important for troubleshooting and security purposes.
- The ability to schedule updates: This feature allows you to schedule updates so you can install them at a convenient time. This is important because you want to ensure your firewall is always up-to-date.
- The ability to create reports: This feature allows you to create reports so you can see how your firewall is performing. This is important for troubleshooting and security purposes.
Choosing the right firewall vendor can be a difficult task. However, by keeping the above factors in mind, you can be sure to choose a vendor that best suits your needs.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the importance of an enterprise firewall for small businesses, it’s time to invest in one. Doing so can protect your network from attacks, improve your security, and improve your productivity. Contact Sangfor Technologies today to learn more about our firewall solutions.