Why You Want a Next Generation Firewall

Cybercriminals are on the attack as never before. But there are ways and means of network security to help keep you protected. One such method is through the advancements available with the Next Generation firewall, which can add the additional protection you need.

What is a Firewall? 

A firewall is a necessary component of your overall network security plan, which is designed to protect internal networks from cybercriminals and their cyberattacks. Specifically, a firewall is just what the name suggests: it is a barrier for protection. In network security, firewalls provide a layer of safety measures that oversee the traffic coming in and going out of the network via the Internet.

There are several types of firewalls available on the market, but the technologically superior firewall for today’s advanced security needs is known as Next Generation firewalls. 

What Are the Benefits of a Next Generation Firewall?

Next Generation firewalls take firewall security to the next level in protecting from malware, external attacks, and other intrusions. The plethora of high-security benefits they provide include:

• Advanced Threat Prevention – Designed with the superior performance of rocket-fast speed and processing, delivering a multifaceted level of threat prevention through real-time deep memory and deep packet inspection, blocking the worst types of intrusions and attacks. 
• Network Control and Flexibility – Increase your network, as needed, while lowering costs since certain Next Generation firewalls do not require any additional licenses as your network grows. 
• Secure, Easy-to-Use Mobile Connectivity – Next Generation firewalls can detect and remove threats to a company’s VPN, enable connectivity from different operating systems, and provide access to resources behind the firewall in a remote location.

Firewalls for Employees Working from Home

It is best practice to have third-party firewall software installed to ensure your system is highly protected.

Currently, the typical firewall for home internet access is now part of the router. Still, employees who work remotely from home should not rely on their Internet Service Provider’s default settings to protect them from viruses. 

Employees working from home should have both a private WiFi network and a guest WiFi network, each configured appropriately and having their own passwords. Also, employees need to change the default password that comes with their firewall and adjust settings from the defaults. Managed IT Services can provide support to your remote workforce should they need it. 

How Do I Know the Firewall is Working?

Just because you don’t experience a cyberattack or a breach doesn’t mean your firewall or cybersecurity protections aren’t working. In fact, when hackers are not fulfilling their criminal attempts, that is all the proof you need that your firewalls are doing their job. 

However, breaches from a faulty firewall can occur in every industry, mainly because firewalls are just like computers and can become out-of-date. So just like a computer and its security software, firewalls require updates and security patches. Therefore, your company’s firewall needs to be installed and maintained by your IT department or your managed services provider.

The cybersecurity experts at Midnight Blue are working around the clock to protect your company’s network and remote staff members against hackers and cybercriminals. Reach out to our team today to start protecting your networks and systems from cyberattacks.