For a business, an internet firewall plays an important role on two fronts. First, it safeguards the network from intruders. Second, it prevents your employees from accidentally leaking and compromising your data by visiting harmful sites and downloading malicious files on their systems. An internet firewall acts as a defense barrier between your organization’s network and the outside world. Regardless of the location of your data (whether it is in the data center or the cloud), a firewall can help protect your network and systems.

 

When it comes to choosing a reliable brand, Fortinet firewalls are considered the best choice as they deliver cutting-edge enterprise security at all scales while providing full visibility and threat protection. But before looking for one of the best Fortinet distributors in your region, the one thing you should know is that there is no cookie-cutter approach to cater to each client’s unique cyber security needs.

Fortunately, several types of firewalls are available, each with unique pros and cons. You can select the firewall type that best suits your business needs and preferences.

Types of Firewalls

Hardware Firewall

A hardware firewall is a physical device positioned between the uplink and your computer. In this setup, the network cable attaches to the firewall instead of directly to the server. It reviews all incoming data, allowing safe data packets through and blocking potentially hazardous ones.

Hardware firewalls resemble servers and require skilled professionals for configuration to boost security without impacting performance. This setup enables companies to monitor network protection from a single unit, making it ideal for those with an IT department or managed IT service provider.

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Software Firewall

As the name suggests, a software firewall is a program installed on each device in the network. Unlike hardware firewalls, software firewalls can differentiate between programs on a device. They allow safe programs to run while blocking unsafe ones and can filter ongoing data.

However, software firewalls require substantial maintenance since each device needs separate installation, maintenance, and upgrades.

Combined Firewall

Companies can use multiple types of firewalls together. While combining software firewalls can cause conflicts, using several hardware firewalls can strengthen security by reducing vulnerabilities. The downside is that this setup needs complex configurations to avoid incompatibility and ensure safe data isn’t blocked.

Cloud Firewall

Cloud firewalls are software-based and deployed in the cloud, designed to prevent unauthorized access to private networks. They meet the needs of modern businesses by working within online application environments. Cloud firewalls offer secure access, similar to hardware and software firewalls, by controlling information flow between external domains and the internal system. If your business operates in the cloud or plans to, firewall cloud security is essential.

Selecting the Right Firewall for Your Business

A reputable Fortinet distributor will advise that the ideal firewall depends on your security needs, not just market trends. For a very small business or individual operator with minimal sensitive data, the basic firewall on your computer may suffice.

However, if your business handles sensitive data, advanced internet firewall with unified threat management solutions are crucial. Companies with websites should also invest in a load balancer to protect their servers.

Key Tips for Choosing an Enterprise Firewall

• Intensive Monitoring: Choose a firewall with email filters, SSL encryption, VPN protection, and web domain blocking to safeguard customer data.
• Antivirus Scanning: A robust firewall should include an antivirus scanner to scan documents, emails, websites, and links, reducing the need for separate antivirus software.
• Wireless Internet Access Control: This feature controls wireless internet connections (tablets, laptops, smartphones) linked to the network. If your employees work remotely, this feature is essential.
• Sandboxing: This feature opens files in a virtual environment when users click links, blocking malicious content from entering the system.

IT Networks Technologies is one of the most trusted Fortinet distributors in the UAE as they provide high-performance security firewalls to deal with highly targeted cyber attacks. If you need help choosing the best Fortinet Firewall for your enterprise or want to buy Fortinet Firewalls,