The Dangers of Over-Permissive Firewall Rules and How P J Networks Strengthens Security

Introduction

Cybersecurity is no longer optional, but an essential consideration that must start and remain within every company for many reasons in today’s digital world. Not the least of which would be setting up firewall rules correctly. Unfortunately, this results in many administrators establishing a lax set of firewall rules for their organizations that could in turn leave security holes. This blog covers the risks that these permissive environments introduce and how P J Networks leverages Fortinet firewall rule security to heighten security standards. This discussion is of even greater relevance to you if you have been looking into the option of renting dependable cybersecurity tools like a firewall, server, or router.

Over-Permissive Rules Overview

Firewalls are the initial barrier to external attackers who try to come into a network like a filtering mechanism, working on security rules one can develop that determines what packets or streams have entered in and out of the network. But over-permissive rules are when these configurations are overly generous and allow more network traffic than is required. The cause of this is often an intention to reduce complexity in the data flow or fasten troubleshooting. While it started as a way to provide convenience, too permissive firewall rules start to introduce many flaws.

This over-permissiveness is generally reflected in an attack surface that is overly permissive such as overly permissive IP ranges, opening of large numbers of traffic ports, and using generic protocols for the same purpose. The simple settings we make are functional in the short term, but they could end up causing great breaches.

Security Risks

• Unsanctioned / Unauthorized Access: Simply due to huge traffic permissions, hackers can easily hack the way into the system, and then it becomes very easy for them to exploit the system. Using existing firewall rules with loose configuration, they can find a way or another to have unauthorized access.
• Increased Attack Surface: Overly liberal rules extend the attack treemap of a network. Unrestricted traffic means businesses, in essence, offer attackers various avenues to access systems and hence the ability to obtain sensitive information.
• Data Leakage: Extended outbound permissions can also result in data leakage where secret information leaves the organization’s network. Industries that are most at risk are those in the likes of finance and healthcare.
• Malware Infiltration: With such permissive rules, it becomes easier for harmful entities to push malware into the network. Malicious software can move internally with few hurdles to overcome if proper checks and balances are not enforced.

It may seem that to reduce how long configuring a firewall with fewer rules would be the time-saving approach, but in actuality, it means vastly increasing the possibility of risk factors.

P J Networks’ Approach

P J Networks understands these risks and therefore pro-actively looks at securing our customer networks, beginning with the blocking of unauthorized content and a lot more besides. Those are all wastes of time, and instead, use technology to turn that old network of yours into a cyberspace fortress!

Network Analysis

When it comes to network analysis, before making changes in configuration or tightening firewall policies, our team performs an exhaustive network infrastructure view. This is a critical stage for recognizing vulnerabilities and tailoring specific solutions to our clients.

Rule Optimization

With Fortinet firewall solutions in place, we guarantee that every rule is functional and 100% cybersecurity focused without risk. Our experts optimize rules to make sure each rule is as specific as it can be, removing any permissions that are not needed.

Audit and Update Frequency

Since it is difficult to keep up with the advances of cyber threats, firewall rules and security measures need to be updated regularly. P J Networks also schedules regular audits and updates to improve security configurations.

Training for the User

Security by obscurity does not actually count as security, so another angle to this article is that it involves effort from your network users. For example, we offer training sessions to train all employees in network security and the importance of their role in keeping confidential information safe.

Renting Solutions

P J Networks also provides affordable renting solutions for Fortinet firewalls, servers, and routers for businesses that are not ready to make permanent investments. By using technology like this, companies can achieve a good security level without bearing additional expenses because owning this type of security equipment is costlier. Therefore, they can utilize another method of protecting their network with less expense to keep their network up to date.

With these programs, the P J Networks firewall rule becomes much more reliable and efficient.

Conclusion

By leaving the firewall overly welcoming, we expose our systems and therefore our businesses to potential infamous attacks, which can have catastrophic effects on both network security and the integrity of business, as well as consumer confidence in our services. Firewall optimization is important in our current digital age because as cyber threats continue to become smarter, so should the ways we protect ourselves from them.

To manage this need effectively, P J Networks steps up with streamlined cybersecurity services and rental options that are both versatile and cost-effective. For organizations wanting to enhance the security of their firewalls and protect confidential data, dependable solutions are available via our Fortinet firewall configuration services.

Applying secure network rules properly will protect a business from the deadly cyber threats that stalk users. It is important to adopt discipline in terms of vigilant practices with routine updates and configurable rule settings. This helps organizations protect their own interests and ensure they can continue to operate in a field of rapidly mounting cyber threats.

To learn more about how P J Networks can help your organization by implementing Fortinet firewall rule security and taking the strategic steps you need for secure, productive business operation, visit us at our website! Make the strategic choice to place your cybersecurity at the top today!