Many small businesses initially start out trying to do everything themselves, but soon realize that data security can make or break a company. Just one data breach can mean the loss of sensitive client information, data security fines, and loss of customer trust.
This is why many companies outsource IT security to a trusted provider. Connect2Geek takes our responsibility to provide airtight data security managementto Nampa, Idaho businesses very seriously, and we do this through a multi-layered approach including managed networking and next-gen firewalls.
81% of small businessesreport that network attacks and malware have gotten through their antivirus solutions.
The days of just being okay with an antivirus solution for computer and network protection are long gone. Hackers use multiple routes to try to breach a computer network to steal financial information, client or employee SSNs, or plant ransomware or spyware. A firewall and managed networking can work hand-in-hand to provide a solid perimeter of security and proactive threat management.
Managed Networking & Firewalls Explained
Managed networking and a next generation firewall are two important pieces of a multi-layered cybersecurity plan. In a nutshell, here’s what each one is.
What are Next-Gen Firewalls?
Next generation firewalls offer multiple security protections in a single application. If a simple firewall was a lock on your door, a next-gen firewall would be a lock, security camera system, alarms, and perimeter fencing.
Some of the key security elements include:
- Deep packet inspection of digital traffic
- Monitoring of encrypted traffic
- Built in antivirus and anti-bot solutions
- User-based site and traffic settings
- Control of application security
What is Managed Networking?
Companies using managed networkingenjoy the convenience and security of having their network managed by a trusted 3rdparty service provider. Working with Connect2Geek, for example, your network could be managed in two ways:
- It would be hosted on our secure cloud-servers and monitored and managed 24/7 for you, reducing your IT hassles and security concerns. A hosted managed networking solution also reduces your hardware overhead.
- If you prefer having your own server on-site, we can install our monitoring client that allows us to maintain and proactively handle all server needs, including patch security, firewall management, and regular maintenance.
How Your Data Security Benefits from a Firewall and Managed Network
The costs of not protecting your network can be catastrophic for both small and medium-sized businesses. The average cost of a data breach for small businessescan be as much as $117,000. Many companies never fully recover from a breach due to loss of customer trust and business.
Here are the benefits of using these two cybersecurity best practices to secure your network so you focus on your business worry-free.
Stops Multiple Threats
Next-gen firewalls that are part of a managed network receive timely patch and update management to keep them up-to-date with protections against any newly identified threats. Firewalls have the ability to monitor for malware, viruses, and look for any anomalies in network traffic, putting them into quarantine and alerting the administrator.
Can Identify and Secure Different Applications
Offices today use multiple cloud and web-based applications on a daily basis. You might use QuickBooks Online, Microsoft Teams, Facebook for social media marketing… and the list goes on.
Next-gen firewalls are able to identify each application and give you control over which can be used on your network. For example, you may want to enable Facebook but disable Facebook Messenger access.
Ability to Monitor SSL and Encrypted Traffic
Threats like malware can often be encrypted to get past weaker security protocols. Firewalls give you the ability to monitor all traffic through your network, both encrypted and non-encrypted, to ensure any threats are identified before they cause a breach.
Increase Productivity
If your team is spending time putting out network security fires, they’re not focusing on growing your business. Having your network managed by an IT pro, pays for itself and more by keeping your technology secure and running smoothly, reducing lost time spent dealing with security and network problems.
Automated Reporting Delivered to You
Good security platforms are a living entity within your organization, always monitoring and alerting you to any threats or attempted attacks against your network. If you don’t have centralized and comprehensive reporting, you can’t make needed adjustments and are in the dark about what’s going on behind the scenes of your network traffic.
Next-generation firewalls + managed networking can ensure you’re always kept in the know with simple and comprehensive reporting that lets you know what threats are being found and what protocols are suggested to avert them.
Lower Costs & Downtime
The cost of running your own server and proper security can get quite high when you factor in hardware, software, and in-house administration costs. Another cost factor is downtime, which can cost companies hundreds of dollars every minute their network is down.
Managed networking reduces costs by providing you one affordable monthly payment that’s all inclusive of network monitoring, maintenance, management and rock-solid security.
Let Connect2Geek Help Secure Your Business IT Today!
Your company could be one wrong click away from a data breach. Don’t let that happen to you. Contact Connect2Geek today to discuss managed networking and firewalls. We’ll find a network security solution that fits your needs and your budget.
Schedule a free consultation online or by calling 208-468-4323.