With more companies exchanging and transferring information electronically, firewalls now play an increasingly important role in safeguarding networks from hackers and computer viruses. The term "firewall" applies to a broad range of security hardware that "polices" networks, detecting potential problems such as viruses and worm programs. Once aware of a threat, the firewall immediately blocks network traffic and fixes the problem. The firewall reopens the network as soon as conditions return to normal.
How firewalls have evolved into anti-virus platforms
The Internet offers the convenience of a wide range of must-have applications such as website browsing, sending and receiving email, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Instant Messaging, point-to-point file access and wireless networking. As an investigation-only, anti-invasion tool, firewalls are clearly insufficient to secure all these applications. Spam email and worm viruses are creating new security headaches, and each requires a different solution. Worm viruses hide in computers by disguising themselves within normal services. As such, they can only be detected by Deep Inspection Anti-invasion Scanning technologies. Consequently, the more companies rely on their networks, the more manpower and resources they need to spend on security issues. The filtering of viruses and website content and functions is also becoming an increasingly important part of network security. As a result, firewall users have begun to demand more functions and network security applications to match their increasingly diverse networking needs. The subsequent integration of traditional firewalls into different kinds of network security systems has created a new type of hardware called Unified Threat Management (UTM).
Many network security tools providers are now marketing UTM systems, which enhance traditional firewall technologies with specially-created security functions that enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to consolidate multiple security tasks into one package. This helps SMEs to cut manpower costs.
Ensure your business is totally protected against network invasion!
UTMs are like Swiss army knives in that they supplement a basic firewall function with a range of other essential safeguards, such as anti-spamming and blocks on excessive usage of point-to-point (P2P) downloading software. Some full-function UTM programs even augment their stronger security power with a user-friendly SSL VPN and offer users exceptional value for money. As UTM programs vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, please consult a reliable systems integration company for further information before you make a purchase.
Most new, updated firewalls no longer simply focus on security, and come complete with a VPN function that allows businesses to use public networks. Such firewalls also safeguard enterprise information accessed by email and IP telephony communications over the Internet. Offering huge savings on connection fees and outstanding convenience for mobile users, VPN is one of the most successful network applications in recent years.
Taking SME management convenience to new heights
In closing, we must mention one major UTM disadvantage. By adding more security functions to your network, UTMs can slow your data flow. Ultimately, UTMs will eat up your processorˇ¦s memory, increasing its workload and slowing its processing speed. So, in addition to considering the number of authorized users and software renewal costs, your company should take network connection speed into account before purchasing a UTM. Larger-sized enterprises may not be able to cut costs by switching to a UTM.
As a multi-functional hardware tool, the UTM can cut costs and manpower needs for system administrators when compared with other types of security hardware tools. As such, they remain an outstanding option for SMEs.
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