A managed firewall protects your networks from attacks, both the networks that connect to the Internet and internal company networks. The firewall acts as a sort of policeman, so every message coming in or leaving the network needs its approval. It can also control who has access to the network through logins and security codes.
You can install firewalls as hardware or as software, but the better security systems combine both.
Some of the more common types of firewalls are:
- Packet Filters. While hard to configure, these filters decide which packets of information get through according to pre-set rules.
- Gateway Firewalls. Application and circuit-level gateways control which applications and connections are acceptable, so only approved traffic gets through.
- Proxy Server. A proxy server controls which messages are acceptable, and it also hides the real network addresses.
A firewall is just one line of defense against cyberattacks. There are many other defenses, so review them while speaking with a firewall management service consultant.
Outsourcing managed security services: key considerations
There are many pros and cons to outsourcing security services to a managed security service provider (MSSP). Some of the main advantages, though, are cost, resource availability, and technical expertise.
Installing and maintaining a private security service takes a great deal of time and resources. Your team has to decide which parts of the system need security, and then how to implement it. Security also requires additional software and hardware to anticipate and defend against all possible threats. Whoever maintains the security has to keep up because attackers keep finding new ways to target information systems.
By using an MSSP, an organization can cut costs and maximize security. A managed security service can spread the costs of investigating attacks and implementing defenses over many customers. As a result, the organization pays only a small percentage of security costs. It can then save its human resources for production and other work that generates profit or serves customers.
Compliance and legal requirements
Compliance is another reason to use an MSSP. Companies often have to meet legal standards, such as HIPAA compliance or compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards. Keeping up with the legal requirements can be another expensive part of security. You also have to implement systems that manage the legal and technical requirements. As with other security concerns, you can apportion and reduce these costs if you outsource the service.
Outsourcing to an MSSP also raises a few risk concerns:
- How sensitive is the information?
- What does the MSSP do to meet privacy and integrity concerns?
- Does adding an extra layer of involvement increase or decrease the likelihood of an attack?
Questions to ask a managed firewall provider
Here are some questions to review with the MSSP before you sign:
- Will the MSSP store the information in the cloud?
- Is a hybrid or bare-metal cloud a better option?
- Who has access to the information that needs protection?
- Are there any services you should keep in-house?
- How does the MSSP handle firewall security monitoring?
- How does the MSSP handle virtual private networks?
- Does the MSSP offer DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) protection, and can it also do vulnerability scanning?
- How does the MSSP keep computer logs?
Get help with managed firewall services by speaking with a managed security service provider today
There are many ways to protect your computer systems from outside attacks. A managed security service provider understands the common and uncommon ways to protect against computer breaches, including managed firewall protection. If you need help with firewalls, security services, disaster recovery, or other safety issues, call a Volico representative today at (305) 735-8098. Our experienced staff is ready to answer your questions and guide you through the complexities of securing your company’s data.
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