7 Things Small Business Owners Need to Know About Firewalls.

While we don't advocate that small businesses set up or manage their own firewalls, it's still a good idea for owners and managers to know and understand best practices for firewall setup and maintenance.  Here are a few basics that all small business owners and managers need to know.

1.       Bundled Security Suites: Most current firewalls have one or more security suite bundles that need to be renewed on a regular basis. We recommend that such security suites include antivirus/anti-malware systems, web filtering, intrusion detection systems, Virtual Private Network (VPN) support at minimum.

2.       Logging and Monitoring: Make sure your firewall has adequate built-in storage for log files. Many low-end systems do not include much local storage so it can be difficult to detect anomalies, unauthorized access attempts, or other unusual behaviors by looking at the log files.

3.       Intrusion Prevention/Detection: Be sure that intrusion prevention/detection mechanisms are enabled which will identify and block suspicious or malicious activity in real-time.

4.       Web Filtering: Enable web filtering to black-list certain pre-categorized web sites. This can prevent users from visiting social media, gambling, adult content, or other undesired locations on the web. Web sites like these can also be a breeding ground for hackers and scammers so blocking them is generally a good idea.

5.       Remote Access: If the organization allows remote access to the network, use the built-in capability of most firewalls to provide VPN service. VPNs are used to access corporate network resources via the internet. VPNs enhance security by encrypting all data while it is being transmitted. In addition, be sure to use strong authentication mechanisms like multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA services require that the user authenticate themselves through a separate device (typically a cellphone).

6.       Secure the firewall’s admin interface: Implement strong authentication methods for accessing the firewall's administrative interface. Use complex passwords and MFA authentication.

7.       Regular Updates and Patching: Keep your firewall's firmware and software up to date with the latest security patches to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited.

Dominant Systems installed it’s first firewall in 1995 and has installed hundred of firewalls since then. in 2023, we recommend Fortinet firewalls because they offer a wide range of high-performance, yet cost effective firewalls with features suitable for both small and large organizations.