If you’re concerned about your network security, the question ‘what does a firewall do?’ may be a prominent query. Understanding what a firewall does is crucial for businesses aiming to protect their data and remain secure online. Our managed firewall services serve numerous purposes, acting as a first line of defence against online cyber threats.
With so many different hardware and software firewalls on the market at the moment, choosing the right one can be difficult – particularly if you’re a new business. Luckily, the expert team at M247 is here to help you with your dilemma. We’ve created this page to guide you through the question of ‘what does a firewall do’, covering a range of topics to help you make the right decision for your needs.
What is a Firewall?
Essentially, a firewall is a network security solution that actively monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic. A firewall provides device protection, as it will either allow access to your internal network (if a connection is not perceived as threat), or block access (if a threat is recognised). Whether or not something is classed as a cyber security threat will be based on a set of security rules integrated into your firewall, which you may be able to change yourself if required.
Firewalls come in many different forms, including:
- Hardware firewalls
- Software firewalls (usually software as a service, otherwise known as SaaS)
- Public cloud firewalls
- Private cloud firewalls (virtual firewalls)
It’s important to have a firewall, particularly if you work with sensitive data. Which option you go for will largely depend on your own personal preferences and budget.
At M247, we offer a number of managed firewall services, able to tailor your package to your every need. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you stay secure.
What Does a Firewall Do?
Now, you should have a foundational understanding of firewall solutions, it’s time to address the central question: What does a firewall do?
As previously stated, firewalls prevent unauthorised traffic from accessing your virtual network, regardless of whether the traffic is going in or out of your network. They also have the ability to inspect and authenticate all data packets in network traffic, before they are moved to a more stable network.
Firewall logs can also be accessed, enabling you to use identity monitoring tools to determine the amount of malicious traffic that has attempted to enter your network. Filtering out malicious traffic in this way allows you to prevent important data breaches and system compromises. It’s also important to review your firewall security occasionally, so you can ensure you’re always using the right tool for your business needs.
These factors make firewalls essential for all modern businesses, whether you decide to use a hardware firewall or one based within a cloud environment. You can also place your firewall on specific parts of your network to protect against different security threats. For example, you can choose a particular hardware firewall to guard against insider threats on a network segment. On the other hand, you could choose a different type of firewall to act as a barrier against external cyber security risks at the perimeter of your private network.
Without a firewall, you’re essentially allowing all traffic to enter your network. regardless of the nature of the traffic. A firewall gives you extra protection based on a set of predefined rules, safeguarding you from any threats that might appear, such as unwanted cookies and viruses hosted in pop-up windows.
What a Firewall Doesn’t Do
We’ve already covered what a firewall does. So, is there anything a firewall can’t do?
Well, quite a lot actually. Whilst they’re essential tools for anyone wanting secure internet access, there are several threats a firewall can’t detect. These cyber security risks can still have a negative impact on your network if not handled correctly, so it’s important to educate yourself on all possible threat actors before taking action.
One of the most advanced security risks that can appear is malware. Firewalls may be able to detect malware in some cases, but malware is instead transferred via email. The term malware refers to any malicious form of software that is specifically designed to disrupt, damage or gain unauthorised access to your computer system and internet connection, including:
- Computer worms
- Pharming
- Phishing
- Trojan horses (often caused by DDOS threats)
- Adware
- Spyware
- Other computer viruses
Malware is often sent via a link in an email which a firewall may not be able to detect – if you accidentally open the email containing the malware, your computer system and network may still become infected. Another thing to consider is that if you have a firewall positioned before your wide-area network (WAN) and a device that has already accessed your WAN carries a threat, it may be able to bypass your firewall and infect the rest of your network.
Firewalls also cannot prevent physical security threats, such as someone gaining unauthorised access to your computer due to using a weak password. A firewall will also not protect you from physical theft, although tools such as two-factor authentication may be useful within these occasions.
Whilst a firewall cannot protect against every single security threat, it still remains an essential tool in your arsenal. It’s crucial to complement your firewall with a range of other risk prevention measures, such as antivirus software and multi-factor authentication (MFA). A multi-faceted approach will provide more comprehensive protection and reduce the risk of any threats attacking your network.
Why Are Firewalls So Important?
Firewalls are crucial tools for modern organisations, so it’s essential that you keep them activated during all your business activities. We’ve previously discussed the importance of firewalls and what a firewall does – now, let’s take a look at some of the additional benefits a firewall can offer:
- Protection against cyber threats – The main reason for having a firewall is that it grants you protection against cyber security challenges. Your firewall will run in the background as you use your network, filtering out threats and devices with unauthorised access, automatically protecting you from cyber attacks.
- Adherence to regulatory compliance – Many industries using the internet are now subject to a host of regulatory and data security compliance measures, with severe consequences if this guidance is not adhered to. Implementing a firewall can help you comply with these regulations, enabling businesses and organisations to avoid legal and financial penalties.
- Network segmentation – Firewalls also enable network segmentation, which can help prevent threats from attacking the entirety of your network. Different parts of your network can be isolated from one another, containing potential data breaches where needed. By segmenting your network, you can limit the spread of malware and restrict unauthorised access to sensitive data.
- Logging and reporting functions – A decent firewall is the first line of defence for your network, providing you with firewall logs that enable you to determine the amount of malicious traffic attempting to access your connection. These logs can be used to identify patterns and threats, aiding a proactive security management approach.
- VPN and antivirus software support – Many firewalls now support a multi-faceted approach and can be used alongside other security tools. You may even find that your chosen firewall company has their own VPN and antivirus software, adding an extra layer of defence when cyber attacks occur.
It’s evident that firewalls are invaluable tools in the world of cyber security, making it crucial to use them whenever necessary.
The Final Word on Firewalls
We hope that you now have an answer to the question, ‘What does a firewall do?’
Firewalls are a fundamental component of any robust cybersecurity strategy, enabling you to prevent potential threats from accessing your devices and network automatically. Whilst a firewall cannot address every single security challenge on their own, they’re still increasingly effective – particularly when used in conjunction with other security measures.
If you’re considering investing in a new firewall solution, our managed firewall services may be exactly what you’re looking for. We also have our powerful MSecure security system, providing a robust security system for growing businesses.
Get in touch today to find out more about how we can help you stay secure.
