It is cyber threats that put your data at risk. Hacking, malware, and phishing attacks are everywhere. A durable firewall is your front line of defence. It blocks out unwanted traffic. Those are unwanted and it makes your network safe in this way. The next thing is to set up the firewall the right way. It is the key to getting the best protection.
Many of us who put one are sceptical about the fact. They do not configure the firewall correctly. In case permeating the right settings, cybercriminals still can find it. This manual will guide you through the setup of a firewall for the best protection. Be it a home or a company, this guide will help to protect you and your data from hackers.
What Is a Firewall?
A firewall is a security system. It can filter the network traffic both incoming and outgoing. It prohibits illegal entry while allowing secure connections. There are at least two types of them:
- Hardware Firewall: A physical device that is responsible for protecting the entire network.
- Software Firewall: A program that is put on each device. It helps to do the job of security and protection of the device.
One of the most popular methods of security is employed by most businesses. It is the use of both of them. A firewall inspects traffic. In case it does not meet the rules set, it blocks it. Among the risks related to an improperly configured firewall. It is a fact that hackers can abuse open ports and inadequate security settings.
Step 1: Choose the Right Firewall
Firewalls are not all the same. The choice you make will depend on what is required of you. These are the options that you have:
- Basic Firewall: Coming from routers and most suitable for home users.
- Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW): Extensive scanning, detection of potential threats and prevention of malicious intentions. That makes it a preferred choice.
- Cloud-Based Firewall: It does not only protect the cloud applications. Also, it protects the workers working remotely.
NGFW is the best for businesses. It provides enhanced protection against current threats. A properly configured firewall is capable of blocking ransomware, phishing, and unauthorized access attempts.
Step 2: Configure Firewall Rules
After it is installed, the firewall needs to have rules to control the movements of the traffic. Use the steps to follow up:
- Block Unwanted Traffic: Arrest the strange IPs and suspicious connections are encountered when they come.
- Allow Trusted Networks: Just let devices that are approved and known to communicate.
- Enable Logging: Record the whole process and check it for possible threats.
- Set Up Alerts: Be informed of any suspicious activity the firewall may have caught.
A firewall without proper rules. It may allow malware to spread within the network. Safety and usability should be carefully considered when you configure the rules.
Step 3: Update and Patch Regularly
Firewalls are they are effective only if they are always updated. Cybercriminals come up with new methods on a regular basis to escape from security. The usual updates solve security vulnerabilities. It enhances security.
Try to offer updates with a certain frequency automatically. Examine the bugs at least once every 30 days. Hackers usually gain entrance to networks via outdated firewall software. Up-to-date firewalls keep the risk at a distance of this type.
Step 4: Enable Intrusion Prevention and Detection
Many modern firewalls incorporate Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS).
- IPS: It repels threats before they get to your network.
- IDS: The traffic is being tracked and it is you who gets notified in case of something off.
Implementing both services will bring you an extra safeguard to your security. A firewall with IPS/IDS can spot odd behaviors. And, It responds by shutting down threats immediately.
Step 5: Set Up a VPN for Remote Access
If you are working remotely and your employees are elsewhere. But, they are connecting and deploying a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A VPN is a secured channel. It shields the market from unauthorized access. Many firewalls come with the built-in VPN support. Allow it for the safety of the remote workers. A firewall that has a VPN function. Indeed, it guards the networks against remote workers. They might bring harmful substances.
Step 6: Restrict Outbound Traffic
Many firewalls essentially work to block and filter incoming threats. Consequently, network administrators are limited. It goes out of the network.
- Disable unneeded (open) ports as it is a source of data leaks.
- Watch for suspected outgoing connections or malware. It can usurp connections.
- Allowing users only to run approved applications. It will lessen the chance of virus attacks.
The principal point of watching outgoing traffic is by a firewall. It is data breach prevention by unauthorized file transfers.
Step 7: Test Your Firewall
Here are your new firewall testing methods after the setup. Take them:
- Online Firewall Test Tools: You should thoroughly review some websites. Such as ShieldsUP! and check the ports are not left open.
- Penetration Testing: Use the services of an ethical hacker (White Hat). It assists in checking the security of your network. See who the real hackers are!
- Log Analysis: Clean the logs and then make a second check. It helps to find threats stopped by the firewall and whether the best solution has been chosen.
In any circumstance, you detect any loopholes. Immediately, adjust your settings. You should increase the safety level. A firewall has gone through a wide-ranging test. It is the top defense against cybercriminals in the digital world.
Step 8: Train Employees and Users
The usage of a firewall will not improve the security situation. Unless the users also observe the security rules and do not use any weak practices. Employees should take a class on secure browsing, scam emails, and password protection. A very good security policy. It is meant to be one of the best that should be written.
One of the things that a firewall does in most cases. It tells the users what threats are out there and the ways to get around them. The fact is that they often take advantage of human mistakes. It helps to get past the firewalls and penetrate the networks is the reason why.
Step 9: Monitor Firewall Performance
Setting up a firewall is not a one-time deal. But, it is a continuous monitoring process. firewall constantly adapts to stay ahead of emerging threats. On a regular basis, it is important to check the firewall logs for any suspicious activities. You should also be cautious. Especially when you see multiple attempts to log in with the wrong password or incorrect permission requests.
There is a use of a firewall management tool. It is specifically designed for tracking. So, it may simplify the task of tracking. Most firewalls provide a live dashboard. From there, you can monitor the network to observe in real time. If anything suspicious occurs, we immediately investigate the issue and resolve it right away.
Step 10: Use Multi-Layered Security
A firewall alone is not the only cyber protection solution. It is best to get several security layers for the most effective protection:
- Antivirus Software: It identifies and cleans up viruses and other malware infections.
- Email Filtering: We identify and eliminate phishing emails and spam.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): It provides an additional layer. Verifying the user’s identity is becoming easy with that.
- Regular Backups: It works as the assurances of the essential data. In case of an attack, it will be restored.
In order to have a more secure infrastructure, you have to add to these systems another robust firewall.
Conclusion
Firewall security has proven to be the number one method. It helps to save data from being stolen. The procedure for picking a firewall is the main idea. If you forget to do this, your specified rules will not have the right angel script. Therefore, your network system will be in trouble. Developers should remember that is important the software. It should be updated on a regular basis. By properly implementing each of the above points, your network should stay secure.
Are you unfamiliar with setting up your own firewall? Contact us for a security checkout and a firewall installation. Our workforce is well-skilled. We dedicate ourselves to giving you full customer satisfaction!