A firewall has the security features you need to keep your systems protected, but they are only as effective as those who are managing them. To get the most out of your firewall, it’s vital to have a trusted partner to manage it properly.
Let’s look at the features of a managed firewall solution and learn why it’s essential in eliminating threats to your business.
What is a Managed Firewall?
Managed firewall is a third-party service offered by a team of qualified security experts to provide security solutions for administration, monitoring, and operations, including set-up, maintenance, and modifications of a firewall infrastructure.
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can prevent any unauthorized users from getting into your network data, servers, emails, VPNs, and workstations. They also incorporate detailed analyses of the network, prepare reports, provide feedback, and monitor network traffic to identify any atypical changes.
Managed Firewall Features
Managed firewall is a multi-layered defense approach that offers high security for business networks. Successful managed firewalls combine key features for the best protection:
1. Threat Prevention
Cyber threats are dangerous for any organization. The longer threats have access to a network, the more expensive it becomes to resolve them. Cyberattacks can leak sensitive data that can result in legal penalties. A cyberattack also affects work productivity and can cause revenue loss. The best way to minim cyberattack damage is threat prevention by blocking an attack before it enters the network boundary. Features like anti-malware, anti-phishing, and anti-bots can keep the network safe.
2. Integrated Security Management
Networks are growing more complex with the integration of cloud, mobile, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Organizations must keep up with rapidly increasing network security practices. Managed firewalls with integrated security management can manage security policies across all devices in the network.
3. New Applications and Integration Inspection
Digital transformation requires organizations to continually evolve and deploy new applications, however, digital transformation comes with cybersecurity risks. Different applications have a variety of policies and require various permissions. Based on the permission and threat evaluation, security teams can decide whether a specific application should be blocked or allowed access. Managed firewalls scan applications and their policies to keep the network safe.
4. Hybrid Cloud Support
Organizations are using hybrid cloud strategies to scale their business, but there are many different cloud solutions to choose from, each with its own security needs. Private and public cloud deployments come with different security policies that should all be strictly enforced. Managed firewall solutions can be easily incorporated, allowing security teams to access and manage security settings from a central location.
Other Important Managed Firewall Features
- URL/content filtering
- VPN configuration
- Log monitoring and patch management
- Ticketing and tracking
Benefits of Managed Firewall
Reduce Costs: Hiring staff for the sole purpose of data security can be expensive. Managed firewall services offer access to an entire team of qualified IT professionals with the proper knowledge and expertise at a lower monthly subscription than an in-house security team.
Stay Up to Date: Failing to install the latest updates and patches for firewalls can put your business at unnecessary risk. Consistent and continuous updates are important. Managed firewall services ensure all updates are made to keep your business secure.
Recover in No Time: With new security threats and attacks created and released every day, cyber threats can damage a business. Managed firewall services allow networks to be recovered in no time.
Report in Real-Time: Managed firewall services provide analytical reports of the entire network, allowing your team to identify any weak points to potential threats.
