How To Select The Best Firewall For Your Small Business in 2020

What are Small Business Firewalls

The cybersecurity of small businesses has never been more important in the digital age. As companies rely more heavily on conducting business through online transactions and operations, cybersecurity is becoming a bigger issue, forcing small businesses to implement some sort of reliable security system. Part of every strong cybersecurity plan is a firewall. It is a sharp boundary that checks the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on certain predetermined security rules. Choosing the appropriate firewall can be overwhelming for small businesses — but worry not! Below you will find a small business firewall that meets your needs, along with reviews to get the best guide. This post will take a deeper look at how you can balance security requirements with your budget to receive a security solution that is both cost-effective and customized for your business.

Assessing Security Needs

Let’s assume your SMB requires a firewall. All businesses have their unique needs, and being able to understand what you need from a firewall can save you time and money as well as protect precious data.

1. Define Assets: This will help you pinpoint what needs to be secured. Types of information might include customer-specific data that is deemed sensitive, financial accounts, and proprietary business-related data.
2. Know The Size: A complex network will require a different type of firewall. Remember to think about how many devices are connected and how much data they create.
3. Analyze Threat Risks: Take into account what threats are unique to your industry. For instance, an e-commerce website could prioritize safeguards against exposure to data breaches of customers, while a consultancy firm may be concerned with preventing unauthorized access to important client files.
4. Plan Today, Scale Tomorrow: Your business is not the same as it was 5 years ago and neither will be your network security tomorrow. Make sure it is able to meet future demands without having to replace your firewall completely.

Detailed Features & Pricing Comparison

After assessing which security services you need, it is time to compare them with different features and their cost. Keep in mind, price is important — but do not jeopardize the security of your business!

Features to Consider

• Packet Filtering: Permits or denies packets by predefined rules to prohibit unauthorized data into the network.
• Stateful Inspection: Observes the state of active connections and utilizes this information to make decisions on traffic, going beyond basic packet filtration.
• Proxy Service: Acts as an intermediary between end-users and the internet, filtering requests to block attacks.
• Virtual Private Network (VPN) Support: A necessity for businesses with remote workers, providing secure encrypted connections to your network.
• Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): Identifies and blocks suspected dangerous traffic on the network.

Pricing Considerations

Even the most feature-rich dedicated firewalls are great for large companies, but small businesses often require more modestly priced options.

• Initial Cost Saving: Renting eliminates expensive upfront costs, allowing businesses to allocate resources elsewhere.
• Flexibility: Change your plan without hassle as you manage your security needs.
• Maintenance and Support: Rental agreements generally come with support and maintenance to ensure your firewall is always up-to-date and performing correctly.

P J Networks Recommendations

P J Networks provides expert guidance on firewall purchases for small businesses. Here’s how we can help:

• Custom Assessments: We start with design discovery based on the business landscape of your company, current security state, and threats it might be vulnerable to.
• Tailored Recommendations: We offer corresponding firewall solutions that fit within your budget, including renting options for less financially viable solutions.
• Best Firewalls: Our custom picks, like SonicWall TZ Series, Cisco Meraki MX, and Fortinet FortiGate, offer strict security options and scalability for your business.
• Post Installation Support: We provide continuous support and updates to ensure your firewall resists new threats.

Conclusion

Selecting the right firewall for your small company does not have to be daunting. Conduct a Security Needs Assessment, evaluate essential features, and compare pricing for seamless renting options. Secure your budget without sacrificing security with an easy-to-use, managed security solution to fit your business needs regardless of size. P J Networks can guide you through this process step-by-step.

Whether you’re an experienced tech entrepreneur or new to cybersecurity, a safe and secure online presence is vital. Investing in a good firewall not only protects you from cyber-attacks but also builds trust with clients and customers. In today’s digital business environment, compliance and security are paramount. P J Networks is the perfect choice to protect your small business conveniently!