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A UTM firewall solution can offer many benefits to your business. When you are looking at investing in this type of solution, you’ll want to take the time to consider the top features that you need for the protection you require. Learn more about the products we offer here and how we can help you to protect your business networks. Keep reading as we share the top unified threat management firewall features so that you can take full advantage of this excellent solution in the future.

A Firewall

UTM combines a variety of different solutions to help offer you a full range of security protection solutions. The number one thing that every business needs in this day and age is a firewall. No matter the size of your business and the number of employees you have, this can protect you from some of the most common cybersecurity concerns that we have to face today. Over the past few years, there have been more issues than ever before when it comes to cybersecurity threats. SonicWall firewalls are perfect for small and medium-sized businesses, which are often the victims of these concerns. We highly recommend that this is the first investment you make for your business if you haven’t already, and our team will be here to support you in finding a firewall solution that’s right for your needs.

Virtual Private Network

A site-to-site or client-to-site VPN is another part of the unified threat management firewall for business security solutions. It doesn’t replace a firewall but will work alongside it to create a private network that encrypts over the public network to hide your data from other people. VPNs are commonly used by people who travel and work away from the office, who maybe can’t always benefit from UTM in firewalls. A VPN will create a digital connection that goes between your device and a remote server that’s owned by the provider. It will mask your IP address, so you can overcome firewalls online and work as needed from anywhere in the world.

URL Filtering

When considering UTM for business, you might also want to think about URL filtering, which is one of the top features to consider in this type of solution. As you research a unified threat management firewall solution, you’ll realise that the internet has far more risks than you might even be aware of. When you have a large group of employees navigating the internet for their work, the chance of someone falling victim to a phishing attack is greater than ever. By investing in URL filtering, you can improve your network security and reduce the threats to your business. URL filtering blocks some URLs from loading on your network. You can have more control over what people are looking at and ensure that your business remains safe when using the internet on a daily basis.

Antivirus

As well as a SonicWall firewall, we recommend that every business has antivirus software in place to offer yourself full protection when working on your computer network. This type of software allows you to protect your computers and remove any potentially malicious software that could damage all of your hard work. Over the past few years, malware has become increasingly advanced, wreaking havoc for business owners around the world.

While conventional antivirus software options used to work in the past, you’ll find you now need to look at the more modern and advanced solutions on offer. You’ll find software today that has global scanning, cloud integration and alert options, which will help to provide your business with the most protection possible. It’s one of the UTM features that literally every business and individual should have, helping to keep all of your devices safe every day.

Who Should Invest in a UTM Firewall Solution?

A UTM firewall solution could benefit literally any business owner. However, you’ll want to take the time to compare the features you really need and focus on adding those first to your business. If you are a small business owner who doesn’t work online too much, you may find a basic firewall and antivirus software is the best option for you. Our team can advise you about the SonicWall firewall options that would suit your business operations and provide you with the best protection for years to come.

Are you looking to improve your network security within your business? If so, a UTM firewall solution is a great option for modern businesses that are concerned about the threats of cyber hacking. Our team will be here to share with you a variety of options that we have for small and medium-sized businesses and ensure that you find the right solution for your needs based on your current business and security concerns.

When looking at ways to protect your workplace systems, you may find that you come across the term unified threat management. This type of firewall protection is now becoming increasingly popular within the cybersecurity industry. A SonicWall firewall can offer you the full protection you need as a small or medium-sized business owner, but today we’ll look at who should also consider a UTM firewall and the benefits of this solution. Get in touch with our team to learn more about the range of firewalls we offer and how they can protect your business for years to come.

Unified Threat Management – What Is It?

When looking at the UTM firewall meaning, you’ll find that it’s the practice of combining early detection systems and security tools to monitor and protect the network within your business. It uses a combination of tools such as event management, intrusion detection, and security information to help counter threats that could put your business at risk. This system will collect all of these tools in one place, which could include a firewall or networking security system. You’ll only have to worry about dealing with one solution and vendor, offering you the full protection you need no matter the type of business you operate. A UTM network could simplify your life as a business owner and save you time and energy in the long run.

However, it’s important to note that a UTM threat management system might not be the right option for your unique needs. We offer SonicWall firewall support for businesses of all sizes, and we’ll help you find the right option based on the type of network you operate. Cybersecurity isn’t one size fits all task, and you’ll find that UTM network protection might not be the right option for you at the current time. You’ll still need to use antivirus software and a SonicWall firewall for the best protection of your mobile devices and desktop computers. By putting all of your hope in one UTM cybersecurity product, you could become too reliant on this system and end up putting your network at greater risk. It’s all about weighing up the pros and cons to ensure it’s the right fit for your needs.

Types of Unified Threat Management Solutions

There are many different products and services which fall under the category of UTM. You’ll find that different vendors offer a variety of options, which will allow you to find one that best fits your needs. There are both software and hardware options, with UTM devices on offer to protect your network. A UTM firewall is one of the most popular products in this category, but you’ll want to compare these to next-generation firewalls to see if it’s the right option for your business. A firewall helps to offer you cybersecurity protection that will filter out traffic that could be damaging to your network.

VPNs can also fall under this category, helping to make your network traffic anonymous to anyone else. They are an excellent option for mobile users or anyone working remotely, offering the protection that’s necessary when travelling. UTM data loss prevention can also help to provide you with data backup, which will help to restore your work if you do find that you lose it in the future. These aren’t all the solutions you’ll find when it comes to unified threat management systems, but they are some of the most popular options your business might want to consider.

Who Should Use a Unified Threat Management System?

Unified threat management systems aren’t necessarily a good option for every business owner. Our team will be able to advise you about the best options based on your unique needs, which will vary for every business. You need to start by identifying everything you need to protect and the current risks to your business. Make sure your whole organisation is on the same page when it comes to your cybersecurity strategy, which will help to get more buy-in and support from key management positions. You don’t necessarily want to completely replace your current system either with UTM. You could simply consider upgrading your solutions to have a more comprehensive cybersecurity solution in place.

As you can see, there are many benefits of a unified threat management system. Our team will be here to talk you through the various options on offer at the current time from SonicWall. We’ll be able to support you in choosing the right option for your business based on your current security concerns. Contact us today to learn more about this topic, or take a look through our product pages for more information about the solutions we have on offer. We’ll be here to support you in making this year the most productive and secure one yet for your business.

After you’ve invested in your new SonicWall firewall from our company, you’ll want to make sure you learn about the SonicWall settings that will help you use this purchase to its full advantage. With so many benefits of a SonicWall firewall, you’ll want to ensure you are using the right management settings to enjoy protection no matter the size and type of business you operate. If you do find you need SonicWall firewall support, our team will be here to answer your questions at any time. Keep reading as we share some of our top tips for firewall management setting options to make the most of your SonicWall firewall this year.

Changing Your Firewall Management Settings

The first thing you need to learn about SonicWall firewall support is how to adjust your management settings. This basic skill can save you from needing professional help over and over again and can resolve many of the issues you may have with your firewall. Use the system tree and then select Management to find the page you need to access. One thing to keep in mind is that if you do change these settings, it may adjust units to become disconnected from GMS. Make sure you don’t make any major changes to your system without being sure it’s the right thing to do. Otherwise, contact our team with any questions you have first to avoid further issues.

You’ll then enter the port number in the HTTP Port field or choose Enable HTTPS Access to the unit if this is the option you need. You can use 8443 as the port for HTTPS access, so you won’t have to download a new certificate every time you want to use this system. You’ll then have the choice of whether you want to manage your system with GMS or a VPN, which you can choose in the Enable Management menu. The next thing to consider is the LAN interface and whether it’s online. Always select Enable Ping from LAN/WorkPort to the management interface for this option. By choosing to follow these tips we’ve shared above, you’ll have the basic settings in place to ensure you follow the top firewall management setting practices.

Managing Your SonicWall via HTTP

SonicWall firewalls can be managed by either HTTP or HTTPS and your web browser. The default setting is HTTP management, but you’ll find that you can log into the management interface to switch over to HTTPS. As far as the default ports, you can use 443 for HTTPS and 80 for HTTP. The Certificate Selection option offers you the option to use a self-signed certificate if that’s something you would prefer. Another important feature to use is the Delete Cookies button, which will remove browser cookies. Remember that this will delete any unsaved changes that you’ve made within the management tool, so only do this if you are happy to lose anything you’ve recently updated. We always encourage you to double-check before making any changes within the management settings, as you don’t want to undo the protection your firewall is offering you.

Use Tooltips for Extra Assistance

Something we really like with the SonicWall firewall management settings and system is the option to use their tooltips. These tips are embedded into many elements of the user interface. You’ll find little pop-up windows appear when you put your mouse over one of the elements you may be looking at. They give you a small description of the element, so you can learn more about the changes you might make to your settings. Keep in mind that not every element has this option, so if you hover your mouse over it, and it’s not there, don’t worry, as it’s just not available for this element.

These tips are a great way to learn more about the management system by yourself, and you’ll find your knowledge continues to expand the more you use this system. They are enabled automatically, but you do have the option to disable them if you don’t find value in them any more. You can also change the configuration of these tooltips, which can make them even more valuable to you as a user.

SonicWall management settings offer you the chance to have full control over your firewall. The more time you spend using this system and making changes to the settings, the easier it will be to know how best to protect your system. We recommend always taking your time to learn about the settings before making major changes, as you don’t want to reduce the protection you have if it’s serving your business well. Our team will be here to answer your questions at any time on this topic and support you with making adjustments to your management settings if needed. Get in touch with us today to learn more about the services we offer and how we can support you with a new SonicWall firewall this year.

Good security management relies on understanding your security environment. And not just parts of it. All of your network environments.

You need to have a holistic overview of all aspects of your network and levels of security to put you in the best possible place to prevent malicious and relentless cyber-attacks. Attacks that can cost your business thousands.

Often, at SonicWall-Sales, we find businesses operating across numerous security platforms, with data reporting complex and varied, making for poor information and analytics.

In turn, this varied security detail can lead to confusion regarding what your security systems are managing and, indeed, reporting on.

Instead, you need to be able to react to security threats quickly and effectively. You must have robust processes in place to manage your network security and, ideally, be able to do this all from one central location.

The good news is that the SonicWall GMS (Global Management System) can do all this and

more.

Providing you with robust management, monitoring, reporting, and analytics across all SonicWall firewalls, you can now view and capture your entire security environment with one system.

In addition, you will also receive SonicWall firewall support, management of wireless access points, effective email security, mobile access, monitoring of third-party networks, and more; with the SonicWall GMS, you can now have a centralised hub for all security monitoring and management.

SonicWall Global Management Systems

• Bring your security environment together under one unified system.
• Reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and provide quicker response times.
• Integrate software and applications seamlessly into other security software.
• Continue to meet stringent compliance regulations.
• Allow you to make better and more informed security decisions based on real-time data and monitoring.
• Provide you with complete and consistent analytics and reporting, clear audit trails, and more.

How to configure firewalls

Within your network, you will need to work within the administration tab of your network settings. From here, identify the firewall to be configured and select `enable GMS management.` Then click, configure.

Any SonicWall firewall policy changes are configured through GMS and also colour-coded to highlight the changes in the system.

Validation and testing of the firewall will then be carried out.

Audit trails will act as reviews of the updated firewall changes.

And, once approved, firewall changes will be deployed across the entire security environment.

Finally, change logs will be updated for auditing and compliance purposes.

Our team of security professionals can help you to configure SonicWall firewalls and GMS if required; call us at 0330 1340 230.

You can also check out our more detailed guidance HERE.

How to configure SonicWall remotely

If you have remote branches or office locations, you can also use the Zero-Touch deployment service, which is part of GMS.

Simplifying, updating, and making changes to firewalls remotely, you can now operationalise your network's firewalls at scale, removing the need for individual configuration and installation.

Configure Firewall

All firewalls must be registered to the GMS using their serial number and authentication code.

You will then be required to connect the firewall to the network where it can be discovered, authenticated, and added to the appropriate Capture, configuring this with SonicWall.

Once it has been discovered, captured, and configured, you're now able to manage and control all firewalls centrally through your cloud-based management system.

This will allow you to initiate updates, patches, and any configuration changes at a group level – saving you considerable time and resources.

With GMS-configured firewalls, you can quickly and easily set policies all from a central point.

Benefits of configuring firewalls to be managed by GMS:

• Ensures all firewalls are updated at the same time – avoids discrepancies and a lot of time and resources being deployed.
• Minimises service disruptions – teams can remain largely unaffected by software updates occurring in the background or scheduled for out-of-hours.
• Simplifies your security management – everything is in one place, reporting is consistent, and data and information come from one source.
• Produces robust reporting to aid better decision-making – you now have the option of real-time intuitive information available at your fingertips.
• You have limitless scalability – providing you with complete flexibility, as the system can grow when your business grows.
• Provides visibility of all your devices from one central location – see exactly what is going on, where, and when, all in an instant.
• You have interactive dashboards – this allows for on-the-spot decisions to be made, allowing you to stop cyber-attacks in their tracks.

SonicWall firewall support

It is possible to create a strong yet flexible security environment that is operational from one point, allowing you to stay one step ahead of cyber-criminals at all times.

Working with the right team and deploying the right software for your business is key.

Protecting your business and its data and information is our top priority.

To learn more and see how our systems and software can help you today, call us at 0330 1340 230 or email enquiries@sonicwall-sales.com

If you’ve been given the task of being the network administrator for your new SonicWall firewall, then you may be looking for the best ways to manage this system. The good news is that SonicWall firewall support is readily available to business owners who’ve recently installed this system. You’ll also find the system to be very intuitive, so you can learn by yourself how to troubleshoot firewall issues. Visit our firewall page to discover more about the products we offer and to learn about the benefits this investment could make to your business.

Resetting Your SonicWall Firewall

One of the most basic things to learn when discovering how to troubleshoot a firewall is how to reset the system if you need to. While we hope you won’t need to do this too often, it’s something that can sometimes be necessary for a variety of reasons. To start the process, access your Settings menu, and then choose the Device button. Make sure you always create a backup and then use the local backup option to save your current settings. You’ll then be ready to go ahead and do the full reset, which you can access at the back of the device using a pin. Make sure you only reset your device in an emergency situation or if it’s really not functioning properly, as this isn’t something we recommend doing too frequently.

Connectivity Issues

Another commonly discussed area when it comes to SonicWall support troubleshooting is connectivity. You’ll find that the majority of issues with firewalls are due to the network it’s running on, but it may also be to do with the settings. If you don’t have your firewall configured properly, then you’ll find it won’t be able to perform its desired role to the best of its ability. When the firewall isn’t set up to the best of its ability or is working with a weak signal, this can leave your network open to attack. Make sure you double-check all of your settings if you suspect there are issues, and then you should be ready to enjoy maximum protection again from your firewall.

Internet Access with the SonicWall Firewall

It’s very easy to allow internet access through your firewall, which you can set up using the web-based management interface. You’ll need to log in to your account first, then you can navigate through the settings to approve internet access. Go to Network, then choose Zones, and you’ll be able to select a new zone for your internet. You can then allow different protocols and ports for your internet access, before applying these changes and saving them. SonicWall troubleshooting is quick and easy when you know how, but it’s something we recommend you take the time to learn about so that you don’t have to keep calling for professional assistance.

Throughput Concerns

A very common firewall troubleshoot concern that we hear about from business owners is regarding SonicWall throughput. If the device doesn’t receive enough data to process or gets too much data, then this can lead to a drop in the throughput and efficiency of the system. Make sure you first try to identify and rectify the issues causing this decrease in the throughput. You’ll also want to ensure that you have done all of the recent updates to your SonicWall device. When you don’t keep your device fully updated, you’ll find that it won’t be as effective as it could be and may not be able to offer you the full protection you expect from this investment.

To help discover the root cause of your performance issues, make sure you take the time to test the performance and settings. As you adjust various settings, you’ll want to make sure you put the security level to the lowest option. Disable any features you don’t need to use if there is an issue with the overall power of the firewall. After some time, you may find that you need to upgrade your firewall, especially if you aren’t already using a powerful device like those offered from SonicWall. Our team can help you troubleshoot a firewall but will also be able to support you in choosing an upgraded device if you feel this is a good option for your business at the current time.

By learning these simple ways to troubleshoot your SonicWall firewall, you’ll find that you can resolve most major issues by yourself at home. Our team will always be here to support you after you’ve purchased a new SonicWall firewall from us, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about using this device to protect your business. Contact us today to learn more about the SonicWall firewalls we offer or to discuss any concerns you have about your current system.

That leaves us to the fourth and final step: book your seat for MINDHUNTER #12, Cybersecurity: Preventing Disaster from Being Online. This is where you can pick up active lessons on cybersecurity from experts in the field today. Get the most from better online behavior and be boundless with excellent cybersecurity solutions and technology. The event is scheduled for April 18, 2023. Good hunting!

While the cloud environment has many great advantages for business owners, security risks are now becoming more common in this field. To keep working safely in this environment, you need to make sure you do all you can to prevent cloud attacks. Go to our page to learn more about the products we offer which can support you with this task or keep reading as we share our top tips to reduce risk in a cloud environment.

Install a SonicWall Firewall

As a SonicWall firewall support company, our number one tip for improving your security in a cloud environment is to use a firewall. Many people believe that just because they are working in the cloud, they don’t need to install this. However, it’s one of the most critical tasks you can perform to reduce security risks in cloud computing. SonicWall is one of the most advanced and effective options for small and medium-sized businesses, offering a range of products to fit everyone’s needs. Our team will be here to support you in choosing the right option for your business and users to improve your security and safety.

Two-Factor Authentication

When it comes to who can log into your cloud environment, we recommend two-factor authentication. You’ll combine a password with a second type of authentication, such as a PIN. Your IT team can choose the best option based on the users in your business so that you always have a way of ensuring only the right people are accessing the files and items they need. The more you can do to restrict the chance of hackers entering your cloud environment, the more protected you’ll be. Many of the world’s top companies use this to help with mitigating security risks, so make sure you consider this when setting up your cloud systems.

Reduce the Number of Users

While it can be tempting to think that you can give everyone in your organisation or team access to a cloud environment, you’ll want to think about what this does for the risks with cloud computing. The fewer people you allow to access this system, the better it will be in the long run for your team and security. We recommend only sharing with people who critically need access to your system the username and password information, otherwise, you may have too many people trying to use one system. You’ll also find that there are fewer issues with files and errors being made, which is another cloud security risk when too many people are involved.

Don’t Share Accounts

It’s very common in workplaces for multiple users to share access information for a cloud-based platform. This is one of the biggest security mistakes you can make and can be a huge disaster when it comes to protecting your data and information. You never know who is going to get their hands on the login information, which is why every user should have their own set of credentials. Make sure your employees are educated about the risks of sharing their information with others, even if they think they are a co-worker they can trust with this information.

Don’t Cut Corners on Security

While you might think you can save time and money by making a few changes to your cloud environment, this is one of the worst things you can do in the long run. We always recommend investing in the best firewall you can afford to offer yourself maximum protection. Also, increase your storage and security in your cloud environment in the first place, so that you can get the best usage out of this environment. The upfront cost may seem like a lot to spend, but you’ll find that in the long run, you won’t have as many issues or concerns about security and safety. Ensure you also invest in training for your IT team where needed, so that they can resolve any issues further down the line.

A cloud environment is an excellent way for many businesses to operate today. You’ll find that it’s a very cost-effective solution for most companies, helping you to maximise the storage space on your physical devices. However, when it comes to working in the cloud, you’ll want to make sure you do all you can to keep safety and security as your top priority. Our team will be here to help you with this with the support of SonicWall, which offers a range of excellent firewalls that are suitable for everyone’s business needs. Get in touch with us today to learn more about the range of SonicWall products on offer. We’ll be here to answer your questions about security in the cloud and ensure your business remains protected for many years to come.

You might be interested to read: How to configure firewalls to be Managed by Global Management System

Our team is proud to offer a fantastic range of SonicWall firewall products. These products are designed to support small and medium-sized businesses that are looking to improve their company’s security. When you first invest in a SonicWall firewall, you’ll want to do all you can to configure its settings and make the most of this purchase. Today we’re going to take you through the process of setting up your SonicWall firewalls so that you can take advantage of all of the fantastic features and benefits of this product.

What is Firewall Configuration?

Firewall configuration is the process of setting up your firewall so that all of the settings fit the unique needs of your business. Businesses around the world rely on Sonic firewalls to improve their safety and security. You’ll find that they are ideal for small and medium-sized businesses, helping you to enjoy peace of mind when working on your computer systems. SonicWall firewall configuration uses the SonicOS operating system or the SonicOS enhanced operating system which is now available on most of their systems. This helps to improve your security when configured correctly. By taking the time to learn about all of the features and settings available to you, you can enjoy years of protection from your new firewall.

The SonicWall Installation Wizard

SonicWall configuration is made simple with the installation wizard. These devices have various wizards based on the model you choose, which will help with the configuration of firewall settings on your firewall. You’ll find a menu when you first use the firewall, which will make the router deployment quick and easy. Even if you’ve never used this type of device before, you’ll find that the setup process is easy to follow on the Setup Wizard. Follow the steps through slowly to make sure there aren’t any errors and that you’ve chosen the settings that will best suit your needs.

Address Object Configuration

One of the first things you’ll need to configure is the address object. You need to configure the address object to fit the SingleComm domain, which we can help you with when you first invest in your new firewall. This can be accessed on the Network tab, then the Address object button. Here you’ll find a list of object groups which you can also work on, but hit Add which is found under Address objects to add the address. Set the address to the WAN zone and hit okay, repeating this step for every SingleComm FQDN you need to connect to.

Logging in For the First Time

When you first set up your SonicWall, you’ll need to add a username and password. This will be required any time you need to make changes. As with any username and password combination, make sure it’s secure but easy to remember. Also, only share this with the people in your business to who you want to grant access to your SonicWall settings. This should typically be just your IT team and only a couple of members of staff. The more people who have access to this, the more likely you’ll be the victim of a hacking attack.

Creating Access Rules

Your SonicWall firewall will also require you to create access rules, which you can find under the firewall button. You’ll then see the matrix or drop-down boxes radio button, where you can apply the access rules. Clicking add will finish off this process. Make sure you set this up correctly so that only the right people can access the system and so that your firewall offers you the effective protection you need.

Who Can Benefit From a SonicWall Firewall?

Anyone can benefit from adding a SonicWall firewall to their business. No matter the shape and size of your business, you’ll find that you enjoy years of use and protection from this type of firewall. As long as you take the time to configure your settings correctly, you’ll be sure to benefit from this investment for years to come. Our team will be here to ensure you make the right choice when it comes to which firewall to choose for your business and then install it with our assistance if needed.

Are you looking to purchase a SonicWall firewall for your business? If so, get in touch with our team today or look through our selection of firewalls on offer on our site. Our team will be here to answer any of your questions about the benefits of using a firewall and how you can set one up for your business. We are always passionate about helping companies to improve their operations and make the most of the amazing tools on offer to you today. With technology only continuing to advance, we can’t wait to help you make this the best year yet for your business.

Recommended article to read: Effective Ways to Reduce the Risk of Your Cloud Environment

Firewalls are your first line of defence against all potential cyber-attacks.

Acting as a blockade between your network and the internet, firewalls ultimately block, contain, and remove any malicious internet traffic and suspicious content from entering your systems.

However, it is those point-of-sale environments where PCI-compliant firewalls come in.

PCI-DSS (payment card industry, data security standard) firewalls work hard to protect cardholder data from cyber-attacks.

With the protection of business data and customer information a formal requirement, there is more scrutiny than ever before on businesses who manage card payments and how they manage their firewall compliance.

The good news is our team is always on hand with up-to-date SonicWall firewall support, and we work with businesses of all sizes and with firewalls requiring numerous configurations.

Make sure to contact us if you have any specific or further questions.

What is a PCI Firewall?

PCI DSS firewalls go further than your average firewall and, as such, have additional requirements (which we’ll cover below).

A PCI-compliant firewall is configured for business payment card settings, protecting the cardholder data environment.

PCI compliance firewalls sit between your payment system and the internet; these firewalls segment all the secure payment elements of your network from those identified as less secure. Allowing customers to access web servers on other publicly available services while your internal networks remain protected and secure.

Ultimately, firewalls are designed to secure sensitive card data and details at all costs, and they do this by restricting the flow around the card environment.

To protect card payment environments, PCI firewalls come in the form of hardware, software, and various web applications. All working together to provide a layered approach to card environment security, as the more zones you create, the more secure your network will be. (Note: you may require multiple firewalls depending on your requirements, network, and payment environment.)

However, it is the rules that you set for your firewall that allow you to keep tight control and management. It is these rules that give firewalls their security power.

That and setting high-security standards, using virtual private networks (where applicable), and adding/closing switch ports.

Firewall configuration standards

These specific firewalls do have set requirements and guidelines, and as a first and foremost, they must also have periodic security reviews and software patching.

You must also consider the following:

Working with a professional vendor – a team that understands PCI compliance and its application to firewalls, who can support with installation, configuration, and more.

Location – devices should be in a secure location, often in an access-controlled server room restricted to specific personnel only.

Restricting access – restrict access to network equipment to security teams and senior management.

Manage all firewall configurations appropriately. Configured to block unauthorised access to your network, firewalls help to keep your network and customer payment data safe.

Integrate intrusion detection features, if appropriate and applicable.

Test your systems regularly. Testing is a vital part of the process and each test should include documentation of findings and any changes implemented.

Configuration of SonicWall firewalls

• Create a strong password.
• Turn on intrusion detection. Implementing measures to detect and prevent fraudulent IP addresses from entering your networks.
• Only allow necessary inbound and outbound traffic to your payment systems. Do not allow unauthorised traffic from the cardholder data environment to the internet.
• Turn on alerts and notifications.
• Deny/restrict all traffic that you haven’t explicitly authorised. Restricting connections between untrusted networks and the cardholder data environment.
• Hide your internal addresses from the internet through NAT (network address translation)
• Allow only established connections into your network.
• Keep firewalls updated and vulnerabilities to a minimum.

We advise all SonicWall firewalls and PCI firewalls to be properly installed, updated, and maintained by professionals, with checks and reviews carried out bi-annually.

As a business, you will also need to establish formal processes to validate and test connections, with clear documentation outlining all security measures. In fact, robust log management is a big part of PCI DSS requirements. This documentation outlines clearly defined rules and requirements, with these rules being the focal point of your SonicWall firewall configuration.

SonicWall firewall support

Numerous requirements relate to PCI DSS firewalls, making it challenging and time-consuming for many small to medium-sized businesses.

You need to understand how your systems interact with cardholder data, which is discovered through accurate cardholder data flow diagrams. Outlining network flows and more, it’s essential that you have full visibility of your system and the flows throughout.

We know that it’s vital that you respond to threats in a timely manner, and we understand that you need and want a system that supports your configuration requirements, with rules specifically set around your data flow diagrams.

That’s why our team is always on hand to help.

Professional and experienced security professionals, we can help you with various types of firewalls, setup, configuration, maintenance, and so much more.

Call us today on 0330 1340 230 or email us at enquiries@sonicwall-sales.com.

SonicWall CEO Bob Van Kirk and SonicWall Threat Detection and Response Strategist Immanuel Chavoya discuss the exclusive research and unmatched insight you can find in the 2023 SonicWall Threat Report.

2023 SonicWall Threat Report - SonicWall

The 2023 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report uncovers critical findings to help arm your organization with exclusive threat intelligence to safeguard against the ever-changing cyber threat landscape.

Download the report here.

In the ever-growing digital landscape we operate within, cyberattacks are very much present, with ransomware as one of the biggest threats to businesses and individuals to date.

As these attacks grow in sophistication, identifying vulnerabilities in your systems before hackers do, has become essential.

Many businesses made the shift to cloud-based services during COVID-19 when the majority of workforces took to working from home, allowing companies to be more flexible and mobile and encouraging and improving collaborations online.

However, cybercriminals also took notice of this shift, and we soon began to see new strains of ransomware specifically targeting cloud operations. Making devices unusable, encrypting files, and only releasing these once a ransom has been paid.

For security teams everywhere now, protecting against ransomware in the cloud is a team effort that requires a layered approach with multiple solutions.

(Make sure to check out our page on cloud firewalls, features, benefits, and how we can help.)

Cloud Storage Ransomware

Cloud Ransomware is where cyber criminals access your accounts and network, installing ransomware applications that will start to encrypt cloud data. To release this encryption, they will then demand a ransom or threaten to expose the victim if they refuse.

There are three main types of cloud ransomware attacks:

First, ransomware infects file-sharing services – in this instance, the file-sharing service that all employees can access is infected with a malicious program that goes on to encrypt files stored on users' machines.

Secondly, ransom cloud attacks – affecting email services such as Office 365, phishing techniques are used to gain access to a user's email, encrypting these and then demanding a ransom.

Finally, ransomware targeting cloud suppliers – cloud suppliers become the target with the ransomware installed across all programmes. This is the most damaging of cyber-attacks as the entire cloud platform could be compromised in these situations.

With more businesses moving their digital infrastructure from hybrid to cloud operations, your security teams must be aware and stay updated with developments surrounding cloud ransomware attacks.

Fortunately, support and guidelines are available to further help businesses in this area. These guidelines look at ways to protect cloud operations, not too dissimilar to traditional on-site security network infrastructures – with the same aim – to protect against malicious ransomware.

But what is cloud ransomware, and how can you protect against it?

Ransomware attacks can happen if, for example, access cards are stolen, and attackers then use employees' workstations to access cloud services and steal/encrypt valuable and sensitive data and information.

If there is an unknown vulnerability in your system/network, a hacker will be able to find a way in and leave a programme to run in the background that will plant the ransomware.

Or if an email from an unknown sender is accidentally opened or a malicious link is clicked on etc.

All of these and more lead cyber-criminals directly into your network.

To combat this, there are several solutions to incorporate:

You can't protect what you can't see – you need complete control and visibility. You must identify all of your systems, users, data, applications, and more within your cloud network.

Restrict access, providing individuals and teams only with the access they need. Look to set time restrictions and even restrict specific resources.

Ensure all firewalls are correctly configured, controlled, managed, and maintained, with systems in place to provide you with an alert when something isn't right.

Speed up incident response times with provider alerts, monitoring feeds and allowing alerts to be directed to the appropriate team for immediate investigation or response.

Implement just-in-time authorisation and real-time monitoring, allowing you to identify and respond to any suspicious activity in real time.

Educate staff teams – carrying out regular security training gives all employees the knowledge and insight into how to spot a fake email, an unauthorised attachment, and more.

Backup your data – we always advise that you take regular backups and ideally store these in a separate location from your main network servers.

Install updates – you should always have the latest updates and patches installed, avoiding and fixing any vulnerabilities in your system.

Look to incorporate PCI-compliant firewalls if you have payment options for customers – check out our article on this area of firewalls and what it means for your business.

SonicWall firewall support

All businesses want to put preventative measures in place to stop, remove, and recover from a cyber-attack. And as a business, you are responsible for all the data you collect and store.

This means you are responsible for managing the security of this data and information.

However, you need to find a solution that comprehensively views your network security and configuration. Ideally, a solution that will integrate seamlessly into your current systems, adding to your layered approach to security – solutions like SonicWall firewalls.

SonicWall firewall features provide peace of mind that malicious attacks are stopped in their tracks, as well as assurance that patches are put in place to block ransomware attempts and remove them from your networks and systems completely.

Ask for a demo today.

Call 0330 1340 230 or email enquiries@sonicwall-sales.com.