Firewalls are important pieces to network security. They prevent random connections from penetrating infrastructure and keep most malicious third parties at bay. The firewall is so essential most operating systems come pre-installed with their own type.
But, basic firewalls are limited in what they can do. Additionally, for larger companies trying to employ more extensive firewall security, the process can be clunky and sometimes debilitating to network performance.
To help with this, there are a few ways a business can help strengthen its firewall and enhance security internally.
You can strengthen your security by your firewall protection by enhancing other parts of network security. If your company utilizes a VPN in some fashion, for instance, it’s a good idea to limit what those VPN connections are allowed to access. This is because the VPN will likely work outside of the firewall’s protections and technically, that circumvents it completely.
For other alternates, companies can choose to migrate their firewall protection to hybrid firewalls. These newer versions of traditional firewalls have more complex, in-depth options for each level of security. It’s called a “granular” approach because nearly every aspect of user defined security can be modified.
Of course, this is a considerable hurdle and something your business may not have time for. Fortunately, there is one other element which is adjustable without any serious revisions to infrastructure.
The “human firewall” is a clever term for the personal element regarding security. This refers to the competences and security policies put in place for a workforce, including their ability to recognize threats and practice safe network habits. While a firewall itself can stop most threats, it is guaranteed at some point intrusions will occur – and this is where the human aspect steps in.
Improving firewall settings may have to do with limiting what users can do at certain levels, or only allowing certain workers to access specific parts of a network. But, this only works when workers are competent with security settings, and understand how to gauge threats as they occur.
To improve the human aspect, compliance with security must be enforced, but it must also be engaging. Many businesses only have annual audits which barely touch the importance of good security habits, and as such, even the greatest firewall will not stop the tide of potential internal threats caused by lethargy.
So, it’s important for companies to indulge their “human firewall” with engaging security habits and knowledge. Even if a regular firewall is stopping malicious threats, what happens if they occur because of human error? That is because they were either ill-informed or uninterested in the security aspect.
At the end of the day, separating who can access what into tiers are easy ways to strengthen firewalls. But teaching employees about safe browsing habits is just as important, because it proactively stops threats thanks to a competent workforce.
If you’ve noticed numerous errors and threats occurring from within, it’s time to take a look at your firewalls. Give Stratosphere Networks a call at (877)599-3999 or fill out a contact form to speak with an award-winning security provider about your best security practices.
