Most businesses, regardless of size, are composed of complex networks. As a result, SMB networks encompass several cloud business servers, firewalls, apps, Wi-Fi routers, PCs, and laptops. However, the complexity has risen in this era of remote working. Sometimes managing these complex networks becomes resource-intensive and time-consuming. The good news is that Cisco Meraki firewalls come to help.
Cisco Meraki’s firewall includes wireless APs and MX security appliances. It gives the administrators control over applications, users, and content within their network. A regular host will not be sufficient with mixed-use networks and high-technology applications.
This firewall stands out because you can choose the application to give access to and which to block. Even in web-based applications, customizing this process is straightforward.
It helps prevent possible threats from entering your network since the firewall will adequately scan every allowed application for a wide range of threats.
What’s Cisco Meraki?
Cisco Meraki allows users to configure security for internet-connected firewalls, devices, switches, and Wi-Fi networks that a company uses in an internet-connected browser. It’s efficient and convenient for configuring a company’s network.
Firewall Benefits in your Start-up Business
Traffic Classification and control
A firewall evaluates network trafficking using complicated fingerprints to identify the content users and applications on the network. Its network workflow will be categorized then accessed controlling policies will be used. For example, you will be able to block video apps such as Netflix, but at the same time, you can allow video conferencing.
The firewall also controls evasive, encrypted apps like BitTorrent or skype that traditional firewalls cannot prevent. The next generation includes wireless access points and heightened security.
Security prevention and invasion detection
Any business company, regardless of size, is a target of hackers. That’s why you must get a firewall with sturdy security features that are easy to implement. The firewall will provide these benefits;
- Content filtering: most businesses use a firewall to filter content. It operates by specifying content patterns, such as images and text strings. Any content that doesn’t match the desired content is screened out.
- Phishing and anti-virus control: a firewall blocks any malicious worm that could infect your computer operating systems.
- Advanced malware protection: this will help protect your devices and manage your data network traffic. It works by blocking unsolicited malicious incoming networks. The firewall authenticates access by rating incoming traffic. Anything malicious is blocked, which could infect your computers.
- Integrated intrusion prevention and detection: the firewall will give access or block network traffic between computers according to the rules you have set up as an administrator. Every traffic pattern is based on a rule, and the firewall will detect and take action when a pattern is detected.
- Geo IP Based firewalling: a firewall will block traffic depending on the traffic source country, either inbound or outbound.
This means firewall features intertwine the intrusion, detention, and prevention engines to protect your company against diverse malicious threats. It offers the best security for your business network by using features like protocol, signatures, and anomaly-based inspection techniques.
Value of Firewall in Protecting your Business Against Cybersecurity
If you lack protection, your company’s sensitive information is vulnerable to attacks. And it’s also advisable to vet every network to determine if it’s harmful. Whenever you connect your computer to the internet or any IT system, you expose it to potential threats.
Companies face hacking or online fraud threats when they expose their company devices to other networks. But when you have a firewall, it offers proactive protection; thus, you can surf the internet safely. You can block and filter any potential threats on your network without compromising your work.
Types of Firewalls
A firewall could either be a hardware or software device. Firewall software is a program that you can install on your devices. They help in monitoring and regulating network traffic through applications and port numbers. On the other hardware firewall is the material you establish between the customer network and gateway.
Firewalls differ depending on their functionality, structure, and their filtering methods. Here are the most common firewalls
Packet filtering
These firewalls’ function is to analyze small data amounts before distributing them based on their filter standard. The firewall will assess the packet destination and source before giving it access or denying the transfer. This firewall also monitors application transfer data protocols before it makes the decision.
Proxy service firewall
A security network system is a gateway between the internet and internal users. It’s usually installed on the company’s network or in a remote server, but an internal network can access it.
It provides security in a company by monitoring and blocking traffic networks to and from the internet. The proxy firewall will help your business accomplish the following;
- Filter unwanted texts and packets on your internal network
- Protect against network invasion and espionage
- Ensure only authorized users can access the company’s computer network
Additionally, you can use a proxy firewall to restrict access to specific sites. For example, you can prohibit employees from accessing sites like Twitter or Facebook during working hours.
Next-generation firewall (NGFW)
This firewall offers a sturdy level of inspection in all data packets. It can be used as software or hardware and create policies to boost security for your business clients. In addition, NGFW conducts a quick network assessment and alerts of any intrusion or suspicious activity.
NGFW also provides application awareness and blocks any risky apps. Using this firewall ensures your clients’ access techniques that will help them deal with cyber threats.
Stateful inspection firewall
A stateful inspection firewall has dynamic packet filtering where you can monitor active connections, thus determining packets that will pass through the firewall. It also blocks and gives access to traffic according to on-set protocols, ports, or states.
Conclusion
Firewalls such as Cisco Meraki firewalls are essential when blocking suspicious applications. They offer enhanced security for vulnerable networks. Unauthorized cannot access your private networks when using a hardware or software firewall. Your networks will be safe against phishing attacks and other cyber threats. When using a firewall, you will enjoy email filtering capabilities that block any suspicious incoming emails.
