Did you know that if you connect an unprotected PC to the internet it will most likely be affected with malicious software such as viruses, worms, Trojan horses and spyware within only 60 minutes?
Because of the interconnected nature of the web it is impossible to go online without being exposed to some kind of a threat. Therefore it is vital that you manage the risks and protect your system by using strong passwords, anti-virus software that you keep up-to-date, and working firewalls.
Simply put, a firewall monitors the incoming and outgoing network traffic in order to protect your network from threats. More and more businesses are opting for cloud-based firewalls (also often referred to as network-based firewalls) instead of, or to augment, their traditional premise-based firewalls.
Let’s quickly establish what the different types of firewalls are. A traditional firewall, or host-based firewall, is a piece of software that is installed on an individual computer and protects it regardless of the network it’s connected to.
A cloud-based firewall is located in the “cloud” – or more accurately, on the service provider’s server. A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) is an Internet Security Provider (ISP) that allows organisations to outsource their security functions to them. Your organisation’s server will connect to the internet through the secure cloud server, meaning that your whole network is protected.
Cloud-based firewalls have certain advantages over traditional firewalls:
- Traditional on-premise firewalls need upgrading when the bandwidth increases, whereas cloud-based firewalls are designed to scale as the bandwidth grows.
- On-premise firewalls are only as reliable as the existing IT infrastructure, whereas cloud-based firewalls are available with a full host of protections in place, such as backup power, network services and backup strategies.
- On-premise firewalls may need to be placed in several locations for companies that operate in multiple locations; whereas cloud-based firewalls are available anywhere there is a protected communications path.
Many organisations opt for a hybrid system with both a cloud-based and a traditional firewall. This might be necessary if you have external partners coming into your network through dedicated paths or need firewall protection between different internal divisions of your company.
Just as with any other service providers, it is advisable to shop around for the right MSSP and make sure you choose one that understands your company’s specific needs and the nature of your industry.
You don’t want to put the security of your business in incompetent hands. Contact us today to discover more.
