Firewalls Explained
Firewalls Explained
There are loads of terms flying around in the cyber security market, which can make it challenging for business leaders to keep up with the latest developments or understand what they need to keep their precious data safe.
One common term that you’ll hear a lot when researching cyber security is firewalls. Firewalls are an essential part of any cyber security effort, but if you don’t understand them, then you won’t be able to use them effectively.
At UK Cyber Security, we understand that cyber security can be confusing and complicated. We also know that every business owner needs to understand basic cyber security principles and terms, no matter what size or type of organisation they manage.
That’s why we’ve put together this blog post to discuss firewalls and why every business needs to be using them to protect their data.
What Is A Firewall?
A firewall is a common network security system that monitors and regulates the traffic coming into and going out of a network at any given time.
Based on a set of pre-arranged parameters, the firewall determines if a source of information, such as a website or domain, is safe.
These parameters might include the web speed of the site, the name of the domain, or the past history of interaction between your site and theirs.
So, if you or a member of your team opens a file or website that appears dangerous, the firewall will block it and inform you.
As such, firewalls are the first line of defence for any business that wants to reduce the chances of a cyber attack and improve its overall online security.
With cybercriminals becoming increasingly brave and clever, it’s vital that businesses such as yours remain vigilant and that they adapt accordingly.
A firewall is a great start and can help your business to reduce the chances of a criminal gaining access to your business’s network.
How Can Firewalls Benefit Your Business?
Firewalls can help your business to reduce the chances of a virus attack crippling your network. Whether it’s a random attack or a targeted one, a firewall can reduce the impact it has and stop it from getting through its defences.
Whether it’s a virus sent via email or malware on an abandoned domain that’s been repurposed by hackers, a firewall will act as a block and stop malicious software from reaching your network.
As such, it promotes privacy and security in your organisation and reduces the chances of an employee clicking on a bad link or accidentally opening an unsafe email.
Most firewalls also come with access control options so that you can give access to your network to specific applications or users.
That means that you can ensure that everyone who is using your network remotely is authorised and that no one else slips in and starts manipulating, stealing or otherwise corrupting your business-critical data.
Therefore, with a firewall, you have complete control over who has access to your network and can reduce the chances of a hacker slipping through and potentially causing significant damage to your business.
How Can Firewalls Help Your Business Achieve IASME Cyber Assurance?
As firewalls are a key part of keeping your network and data safe online, it’s understandable that they’d be part of the IASME Cyber Assurance tests.
Based on the UK Government-backed Cyber Essentials certification from the company that helped to develop it, IASME Cyber Assurance is a great way to show that your business is dedicated to cyber security and to improve your team’s online practices.
Firewalls are part of the training and should be implemented in any business looking to achieve IASME Cyber Assurance certification.
That’s because firewalls are a vital part of any cyber security process, and team members should understand what they are and why they’re so crucial.
Also, employees need to know how to allow or block access using a firewall so that they only allow safe and authorised individuals access to your network.
Getting IASME Cyber Assurance certification can be useful, as it can highlight your business’s dedication to digital safety. It’s also easier than you might think to get certified.
With UK Cyber Security Group & IASME Cyber Assurance support, you can get the support you need to get this certification and prove to the world that your organisation is dedicated to staying one step ahead of the fast-paced world of cyber crime.
Improve Your Business’s Cyber Security Today While they are important, firewalls aren’t the only way to improve your business’s cyber security. There are many solutions available to you, ranging from penetration testing to data loss prevention and much more.