Firewalls

Internet usage without a firewall is like leaving all the doors and windows on your home or office wide open and going on vacation. Obviously, the results would be disastrous for your business or personal data. A firewall operates like a one-way mirror, you can see out, but no one else can see in. Intrusion detection reporting features allows a visual audit trail of all the various ports that are constantly being probed by malicious automated “bots” and hackers. You may be blissfully unaware of how your network and workstations are being probed for vulnerabilities.

Hackers and people with malicious intent employ automated programs to test and log potential exploits. While static IP addresses are the most vulnerable, having a dynamic IP address does not minimize your risk. Banking and financial records need to be kept safe from prying eyes. There are more than 65,000 ports in the TCP/IP specifications. Do you know which ports are open on your network? If you’re not behind a firewall all 65,000+ ports are open for exploitation.

Content filtering allows you to block access to sites or themes of your choosing, Examples include social media sites and adult content. Users will receive a browser message that management prohibits this content.

Anti-Virus/Spam/Malware

Trojan viruses and malware can corrupt and disable your ability to operate your computer. Newer forms of these viruses will actually hold your computer hostage until you pay a fee to unlock your workstation. Prevention is much easier than the cure. Keeping current with regular updates is considered a “best Practice”. This is one area that accounts for a large percentage of automated spam arriving in your e-mail inbox. Trojan viruses can turn your workstation into an unwitting accomplice in the ever increasing volume of unsolicited e-mails.

Doing the math: are managed firewalls a good deal?

A basic firewall capable of protecting up to a 60 MB synchronous Internet connection with basic features such as port forwarding, VPN tunnelling, DDNS client, QOS, and load-balancing can be configured and installed for $600. Many Internet service providers offer managed firewall services when they pitch their T-1 or broadband circuits. This service is added to your monthly bill at a cost of $60 or more. On a typical 36 month contract that $60 per month adds up to $2160.00. If you put in your own firewall at the previously aforementioned cost of $600, it pays for itself the first year. Deduct the $600 from the $2160 and you can see an savings of $1560. If you’re paying for managed firewall services you should contact us today.