Network security is of paramount importance and the first line of defense is a firewall. A firewall can be hardware, software, or both and monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic. It then uses a defined set of security rules to decide whether it should allow or block specific traffic.
If you want to make the most out of the firewall you installed, you need to monitor and manage it and carry out regular maintenance. This can be costly in terms of time, money, and resources. A certain level of expertise may also be required when using this type of network security.
This is where managed firewall is of relevance.
Security management services like managed firewall are a service around the firewall that ensures three key factors. The first is the establishment of clear and well-maintained firewall rules that are modified as needed.
The service will also ensure policies, patches, and updates are managed and applied in a timely manner and that a proactive approach is taken with monitoring. This includes regular feedback, reports, and analysis.
However, a managed firewall service is also important during installation. Companies and organizations face various threats and must ensure there are no vulnerabilities in their system that can lead to cyberattacks and data breaches. Considering this, firewalls for businesses are more advanced and complex.
The installation and administration process of such firewalls may require technical expertise and resources the business does not have. This means that a business may be better off acquiring the services of an IT service management company from the very beginning, starting with the installation.
There are two main aspects to a managed firewall service. Application control is when certain applications or features are blocked or rate-limited in order to maximize employee productivity. Web content filtering blocks access to websites that are considered malicious or objectionable based on the content.
There are several benefits to a managed firewall service. One of the key benefits to consider is how it empowers digital transformation. Businesses around the globe are taking steps to replace business operations and functions carried out manually with the latest digital technology. This process is further enhanced with the use of cloud services, the Internet of Things, and Software-as-a-Service.
While digital transformation can increase productivity and efficiency and boost innovation and creativity, digital systems face security risks and threats. Digital transformation efforts can thus be put on hold if the business lacks the necessary security infrastructure.
With managed firewall services, the business can ensure they have the necessary security devices in place.
IT managed service experts will also consider your environment and current infrastructure to customize the solutions provided to you. The service may install an on-premises firewall if it is better suited for your environment or may install a cloud-based firewall if it is better suited for your company.
Customized solutions like this ensure the firewall installed to protect your system is one that meets your specific requirements and needs.
Not only will a managed firewall service ensure network security, but they will also manage and monitor the firewall and network around the clock. Even after your IT team ends their shift for the day, the service provider will carry out their monitoring services.
They are also likely to have emergency backup power and advanced security technologies to ensure uninterrupted service.
In terms of advanced security technologies, a managed firewall service will invest in the best security tools equipped with next-generation features and capabilities. They will also invest in the right tools to monitor the global threat landscape and keep track of the latest tools, tactics, and procedures used in malicious attacks.
Doing this is extremely important as the tools and procedures used for attacks are constantly evolving and security devices must keep up in order to protect systems and networks. A business may not have the resources to do this but a managed firewall service will.
By opting for a managed firewall, your business can thus have access to the latest tools to protect your network from malicious attacks. This too is another benefit of the managed firewall.
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