Tech Force
  • Home
  • I.T. Support
  • Managed Services
  • Cloud Solutions
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Tech Bits & Bytes Blog

Why You Need Both Software and Hardware Firewalls

9/21/2020

Comments

 
A firewall sounds like a pretty intense thing – unless you’re an action-movie stuntman. Yet when it comes to internet security, you may not have as much firewall protection as you need.
Picture
Many internet security products bundle antivirus and firewall software, and many users think this is enough. But first, let’s be clear about what a software firewall actually does:

  •          It regulates data through port numbers and applications.
  •          It allows you to block incoming traffic from certain locations.
  •          It distinguishes between computer programs allowing data to one program while blocking another.
  •          It blocks traffic attempting to leave a device to access other devices on your network.

There are drawbacks, though. Software firewalls work only on the computers on which they are installed, and you’ll need to buy multiple licenses to protect several computers.

You also need expertise to administer the firewall to keep up with changing threats. And there are security threats. Bad actors target software firewalls. They're right there on the computer they seek to exploit.

Beefing Up Your Firewalls

Many businesses also use hardware firewalls to add security. A hardware firewall around your office network acts as a perimeter boundary. The hardware firewall is like the border guard keeping an eye out for dangerous traffic. The firewall inspects incoming internet traffic to protect you from malware and cyber-threats.

IT experts can set up firewalls to pass only safe data. This adds a layer of protection to your network and also secures network-connected devices. Workstations, printers, digital equipment, and telephone systems often don't have software firewalls.

So, combining firewalls protects both local computers and other devices on your network. The hardware firewall checks traffic coming in from and going out to the internet, whereas the software firewall secures what’s coming into or out of the computer, even from internet sources.

Think about it this way: A cyber-criminal is trying to access your systems. They take many approaches, one of which is trying to breach your network perimeter. Another is sending targeted communications to sucker someone into clicking on a virus-laden email. The hardware firewall could stop the perimeter attack, but the software helps stop the malware infection spreading from the user’s computer to others in your office.

Partner with a Firewall Expert

Firewalls can give your business tremendous control over:
​
  •          How users connect to the internet;
  •          What information is retrieved from the internet;
  •          Whether files can leave the company over the network;
  •          What devices are accessible and from where.

Yet both software and hardware firewalls need the right expertise to install correctly. Firewalls must be regularly monitored and managed, because threats are constantly changing.

Combining firewalls adds protection but only if you configure them to minimize weaknesses. You’ll need someone to identify compatibility issues and avoid blocking legitimate data.

Partner with an IT expert. We know how to work with firewall rules, and understand what they mean and how to react to alerts generated. Have you heard of a breach that compromised Target's point of sale systems? That fiasco involved ignored firewall alerts! Don't let it happen to you.

We can help you set up and maintain the firewall protection you need. Contact us today at 262-515-9499!
Comments

    Tech Force Blog

    We provide you with  important, practical tips and insight for your technology and networks for both home and business.

      Contact Us for Help!

    Submit Request

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    July 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016

    Categories

    All
    Business Continuity
    Business IT
    Cloud Computing
    Cyber Security
    Networking
    Tech Talk

    RSS Feed

Get in touch with us!

p.   (262) 515-9499
e.   support@techforceonline.com

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday:  9am - 5pm

Contact Us Today!
Remote Support
Residential Online Backup

Picture

See what our clients have to say...

Very pleased with Tech Force!  We've been using Tech Force for over four years now.  We've had a lot of different people do computer and IT stuff for us, but Tech Force is the first to come in and implement a plan.  The plan was executed and we've had no problems.

Tech Force is very good at getting back to you when you have a problem. You don't have to wait and wait for things to get done. If they can't take care of the problem remotely, they will come over here. They always send somebody who is skilled and knows how to take care of the problem, unlike the companies we've used in the past. We've been very pleased with Tech Force!  ~ Ed V., Advanced Spine & Sport

More Client Reviews

Read Our Customer Reviews


We service Racine, Mount Pleasant, Sturtevant, Wind Point, Union Grove, Elmwood Park, Franksville, Caledonia, Kenosha, Somers, Pleasant Prairie, Bristol, Parkside, Oak Creek and Franklin, WI and surrounding areas. Copyright © 2009-2020 Tech Force Computer Service, LLC.
  • Home
  • I.T. Support
  • Managed Services
  • Cloud Solutions
  • Blog
  • Contact Us