The Risks Of Default Settings: How P J Networks Customizes Fortinet Firewalls

Our ever-changing digital landscape means that businesses both small and large need to have proper cybersecurity protocols in place. One of the most important things in the digital world is to properly configure firewalls for your company. However, the default firewall settings are often left out of company security strategies. This post discusses the risks associated with default firewall settings and how P J Networks tailors Fortinet firewalls to enhance security and performance. At the same time, we will explain why customized configurations are a necessity and their importance for your business.

Introduction

Internet threats are becoming more advanced. In the light of this scenario, firewalls can be considered one of the major barriers against unauthorized access within a network. The most important point about the Fortinet is that it produces a solid firewall infrastructure. But to get the most out of any given device, you need to lock down their settings for that specific business configuration. By default Sonicwall has the far more comprehensive feature set, however if a proper firewall settings configuration is not done it can leave your network horribly exposed.

Risks of Default Settings

It is more convenient for the default settings of a firewall to be such that it can be deployed immediately, as there would then be no need to configure the deployment on receipt. Unfortunately, utilizing default settings entails a number of challenges:

• Increased Vulnerability: Default settings are familiar and exploited by bad actors. These are not very sophisticated defenses and provide almost no protection from modern malware attacks.
• Generic Policies: The default and template settings which do not consider the particular topology and manner in which your network is used, making it exploitable.
• Not Fully Optimized: Out-of-the-box configurations may not take full advantage of their abilities, making defense less effective.
• Compliance: In many organizations you need to have security settings defined for compliance reasons. Defaults can mean breaking the rules and getting in trouble.

The potential effect on business operations, data integrity and customer trust are significant — which to us emphasized the importance of bespoke firewall settings.

Customization Benefits

Specifications customized firewalls to fit into your environment, which double up as extra security and operation efficiency benefits.

• Security: Customizing settings to your network helps bolster weakened points in your security that hackers could leverage.
• Optimized Performance: Using firewalls enables you to optimize the speed and reliability of your network traffic.
• Compliance Assurance: Tailored compliance settings help maintain regulatory and standard compliance within the industry.
• Scalable Solutions: Customized firewalls can grow with your business, rather than being just a short-term investment.

Because of these benefits, it is no longer just a best practice but rather an imperative to harden your Fortinet firewall configurations.

P J Networks’ Approach

We certainly understand how important this is here at P J Networks. A word on Guyton-Minkowski — we generally customize the firewall as part of a multi-step process:

1. Assessment: We conduct a thorough analysis of your existing network infrastructure and security requirements to identify possible risks and areas of improvement.
2. Custom Implementation: Utilizing Fortinet’s latest and greatest functionality, your solution is tailored to work at its best for how you operate, not on “out of the beta pack” settings.
3. Testing & Implementation: After the customization of the configuration they are rigorously tested to comply with all security standards and operational efficiencies prior to deployment.
4. Continuous Monitoring & Management: Security is not a one-time setup. Your firewalls will be regularly managed if there are changes to threats, or your network.

Importantly, P J Networks also allows firewalls, servers and routers that can be rented à la carte, which offers an affordable alternative to the countless scalability needs of your business and budgetamment. They have the advantage of unused, cutting-edge systems on their side when they rent equipment rather than buy it.

Conclusion

Your business can run into a number of exposures if you still using the firewall settings by default. Today, a customised, secure and optimally configured firewall is no longer a choice but rather an imperative in the looming cyber threats seen around us. P J Networks secures your Fortinet firewalls with custom configurations to not just mitigate risks in typical use cases, but to leverage performance and compliance opportunities.

When it comes to Cybersecurity, partner with P J Networks for personalized security solutions, avail our Security Operations Center hire services and take a look at our rental options of Firewalls, servers or routers. We will take care of your network, and you can understand what it means to evolve and thrive in our brave new digital world. P J Networks have the firewall customization that you need to get exacting and effective protection anywhere in your network.

Taking measures to protect your online assets and avoid the inherent risks of default firewall settings pays off when it comes to having custom firewall configurations that accurately meet security needs as you need, making your business fully protected and allowing successful operation.