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1. Small Businesses Won’t Be Attacked Online

The internet is a massive place, and no one is safe from hackers today. You might think that just because your company only has a few devices or you just work on your phone, you don’t need to protect yourself with a Sonic firewall. That’s not the case at all. Regardless of how many computers and pieces of software your business uses, you need to ensure you are protecting yourself from attacks. Each year, these attacks are getting more and more complex, meaning anyone is open to these issues. These hackers are becoming even more advanced, which is why you need to start protecting yourself now before it’s too late.

2. All You Need is a Firewall and Antivirus Software

Using SonicWall firewalls is one of the best ways to protect yourself from hackers and other issues. We also recommend looking into antivirus software to make it less likely for an intruder to access your system. However, that doesn’t mean you can do anything online and just have no concerns about security. As a business owner, we recommend that you make sure you keep your software up to date and educate your team about online security. So often, these attacks occur as a result of someone not understanding the risks involved with clicking links or opening attachments online. The more business online security you can offer your employees, the more you’ll protect your organisation in the future. On top of that, also think about endpoint protection if you have a lot of your team working from home still to protect your business wherever it’s operating from.

3. Mac vs Windows

When it comes to using different types of computers, most people naturally think that Apple products are completely protected from intruders. However, you’ll be surprised by how much risk is still out there for Mac users. While they are usually more secure than Windows devices, this doesn’t mean they are immune from any issues. You’ll find that as this type of device has become used more often, there is more risk for Apple users. This is one of the top cyber security myths and one you should keep in mind when purchasing new devices for your workplace in the future.

4. The Cloud is Too Risky for Businesses to Use

The cloud is one of the newer inventions that businesses are now relying on each day. We have started to hear more news stories about hacking in the cloud, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great option for your company. In fact, when you offer yourself the right protection, you’ll find that it’s a great way to store data away from your hardware. Make sure you compare cloud services before selecting the one that’s right for your company. For the most secure option, try and find one with a private server, which will offer you full security without sharing your server with anyone else. There are different options for any type of business, so research the solutions out there and discuss with our team how we can help you to protect yourself when working in the cloud.

5. Protecting Your Computer Will Slow It Down

A reason that some companies tell us they aren’t interested in using a firewall is that it might slow down your computer. With the advanced technology on offer today, you’ll find this isn’t the case at all. You don’t need to worry about your software or hardware working slower, as this just isn’t an issue with modern SonicWall firewalls. You’ll still be able to complete your work at the same speed as before while also knowing you are fully protected from malware and hackers. This is one investment you shouldn’t skip over and it will ensure you give yourself the protection you need for many years to come.

To learn more and see how we can help protect your business, call 0330 1340 230 or email your requirements to enquiries@sonicwall-sales.com; we'd be happy to help.

Protect a Large Number of Users

When a higher number of users are using your system at one time, you naturally put yourself at a greater risk. The new SonicWall TZ firewall is ideal for anyone who has a high number of users simultaneously needing to be active on your system. In comparison to other solutions on the market today, you’ll find that this is a great option for medium to large businesses, but smaller businesses will also benefit from this product as well. When you have more employees, you are more likely to be the victim of an issue that occurred due to human error. This is something we can do very little to avoid, so it’s best to always do everything you can to protect yourself.

Stop Advanced Threats

There’s no denying that hackers are becoming more and more advanced now. You’ll find that regardless of what type of business you own and operate, you’ll be more likely to be the victim of a cyber threat in the future. The SonicWall Capture Advanced Threat Protection sandbox offers you the protection you need against more persistent threats and these new and advanced attacks. Even if malware has never been seen before on your system, it will help to stop over a thousand attacks each day. SonicWall Capture ATP is only available on newer firewalls, which makes it one of the top reasons to upgrade your system this year.

Performance Won’t Be Slowed Down

You should never have to compromise performance just because you want to offer your business a more secure firewall. With more companies relying on video streaming during the recent pandemic, you need to ensure you can still push out content without impacting your performance. The new firewall offers you the SonicWall support you need to work with a high capacity and enjoy fast internet speeds. At the same time, you’ll appreciate the full protection you receive, and you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your company is protected for many years to come.

A Cost-Effective Solution

When we are first approached by companies looking for support from SonicWall-Sales, they often seem concerned about the cost this will add to their company. Firstly, we always encourage you to think about security as a long-term investment for your company. When you stop issues from happening in the first place, you’ll find that you save a fortune clearing up the mess after being the victim of an attack. One thing we love about the SonicWall products and services is that they really are for any type of business. They are perfect for small and medium-sized businesses, and you’ll find that they are one of the best value for money options on the marketplace today. Support costs will also be reduced as you’ll find there are fewer issues on your system, and our SonicWall UK support team will be here to help you at any point should an issue occur.

Protect Your Remote Workforce

Finally, one of the biggest reasons that you need to upgrade your firewall this year is due to the number of remote employees. You need these employees to be able to work safely and securely from anywhere and at any time. The larger number of people who are using a VPN, the more chance you will have of an attack taking place. SonicWall support UK is available for anyone with a large remote workforce, which is the majority of companies out there today. We’ll offer you SonicWall firewall support for your employees based anywhere in the world. Many companies find they are saving a huge amount of money by allowing their employees to work from home. Invest this back into securing your network and the future of your business with this upgraded firewall.

Who is the Inventor of the Firewall?

Over the years, there have been many discussions about who invented the firewall technology. Nir Zuk says he developed the technology which we now see in all SonicWall firewall features today. However, David Pensak is the one who claims to have built the first firewall that was a commercial success. On top of that, we have Marcus Ranum, who also claims to be the father of the firewall. As you can see, it’s a complicated story with so many people taking the claim to the title of the inventor of this incredible solution. However, other people state none of them invented the firewall, and they were just involved in creating the filtering technology that’s critical to its success.

The History of the Firewall

All of the individuals listed above were involved in the evolution of the firewall in some way. While some can be traced back to the start of the firewall, others played their role within the technology development area. In fact, it can be said that all of these men and a few other figures helped to make the first firewall and develop this technology to what it is today. When looking at who invented firewalls, we need to head back to the late 1980s. You might be surprised to hear this technology dates that far back, but this was when it was first developed by the Digital Equipment Corporation. At this time, the firewalls relied on the Open Systems Interconnection model and the first four layers of this model. These ensured packets were either dropped or allowed to move forward in the system, creating the basic function of a firewall.

While this was a great resource to begin with, it soon turned out to be very resource-heavy, which is why Check Point Software Technologies then introduced the circuit-level firewalls. These were later called stateful firewalls, and this was what is considered to be the first generation of firewalls we know and use today. This then led to the packet-filtering firewall and became stateless in regards to the connection aspect of this system.

Modern Firewall Solutions

If you’ve been using a SonicWall small business firewall, you’ll know that the technology has come on a long way since this time. The firewall development has continued for many years to make the solutions we know and use currently. Organic development led to the firewalls that are on the market today, and you’ll find that they now all benefit from user content management and intrusion prevention. The open-source firewall first came to the market in 1993, which offered more layers of firewalling for companies. This was a huge leap forward for the industry and had a heavy influence on products for the next two decades. This was released by Trusted Information Systems, but DEC had also launched a product a couple of years earlier, which was very influential within the industry.

The main takeaway from this period in the history of the firewall is that layered security is the way forward. While network and perimeter firewall solutions might not assist with the cloud, you’ll find that they are still critical for any business today. The need for strong border controls has never been higher, so we can be sure this layered security model is here to stay for many years to come. As with anyone operating in the technology industry, there are always going to be new solutions and changes made to products. Next-generation firewalls will only continue to fight the issues that companies are currently facing. Even small and medium-sized businesses are finding solutions tailored to their needs. Our team knows that not one product is right for every business, and the wide variety of firewalls on offer is one of the best things about the changes in the past years.

Why is Cloud Security So Important?

Cloud security is becoming more of a risk to companies around the world. It’s believed that by last year, over half of the world’s companies’ budgets would have increase in this area due to the number of risks to keep in mind. However, so many people don’t realise that their current security setup has no use in the cloud. You’ll find that cybercrime is only continuing to increase year after year, which is why looking after your business in the cloud is so important. While the cloud offers many advantages to business owners, you need to ensure you are protecting yourself while working in the cloud.

Cloud Security Best Practices

By following these best practices, you can ensure you protect your business when working in the cloud. While incidents could happen at any time, the more you prepare for all eventualities, the less likely you’ll be to suffer from issues in the future.

Choose the Best Cloud Service Provider

If you aren’t already working in the cloud, we recommend taking the time to research the right cloud service provider for your needs. Opt for one which has some form of cloud security built into the solution. Read reviews online and see what other companies have to say about their services. While a company can share with you everything they have to offer, it’s always best to hear what other customers have to say first. Ask them to confirm what they offer and show certificates where applicable.

Train Your Team

When we install a secure cloud system within our business, so much of the time and effort goes into the installation itself. While a SonicWall firewall will offer your office many benefits, you still need to train your team on why you are using this in the first place. The more your team are aware of the risk of cybersecurity threats, the less likely they will be to click on a malicious link. They’ll also need to know the correct way to report any concerns they have. By offering an open chain of communication to your whole team, you can be sure that everyone is on the same page and isn’t afraid to bring up any concerns they have about your cloud security software.

Consider Your Password Policy

An important part of protecting any business and software system is the password that you are using. Your business needs to have a policy in place for secure cloud services to ensure passwords are changed frequently. Old and new employees need to be reminded of their privileges, and you should have the ability to take these away as needed if someone leaves your organisation. When you first welcome an employee to the company, ensure they are only given access to the tools they truly need to do their job. While it can be so easy just to give everyone access to anything in your business, this is usually a recipe for disaster for most business owners.

Opt to Use SonicWall Firewall Software

SonicWall firewalls are one of the world’s leading solutions for companies who are concerned about cloud security. Since the invention of the firewall, the team at SonicWall has invested their time and energy into creating resources that are suitable for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Your office is never going to be too small to benefit from working with our team and finding the right firewall for your needs. Many small business owners believe they don’t need to worry about cloud security, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Start protecting your business today by investing in the right solutions to protect your company from cybercriminals. You’ve invested so much time and money into your business already, so make sure you aren’t letting that go to waste.

Before delving into some more technical parts of cloud security, the biggest risk for many companies is a lack of knowledge and expertise in this area. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to cloud security, this is a big sign that you might need some assistance in this area. When security isn’t given the attention it needs, you’ll find that you might be opening your business up to risks in the future. A SonicWall firewall is a great place to start for anyone looking to improve security in their business. It’s a great solution for small and medium-sized businesses, which also need to ensure they are doing all they can to protect themselves in the cloud.

Data Security

Unfortunately, cloud computing still has some risks of traditional storage solutions. Virus attacks and website hacking occur in the cloud, which offers a big risk to companies storing a large amount of data in this way. Companies need to think about this very carefully before opting to use the cloud for the first time. When you transfer your data over, you then need to make sure you are using a cloud security system to protect it. We recommend working with our team to ensure you follow the proper procedures and don’t leave your system and data open to intruders. It’s critical that you keep your customers’ data safe in order to avoid violating GDPR and other regulations in this field. This should be the top priority for anyone using cloud security, yet it’s one of the toughest cloud security challenges.

The Additional Costs of Security Solutions

Cloud security doesn’t have to be costly, but this is one of the biggest misconceptions we see in cloud security articles. The great news is that SonicWall firewall security is designed for businesses of all shapes and sizes. It doesn’t have to cost you a fortune to protect your business, but it’s well worth investing in this. It’s never too late to start protecting yourself further and begin following cloud security best practices. While money is tight for many companies right now, you’ll find yourself in an even worse position if you were the victim of an attack. Keep this in mind before making any decisions or trying to save a tiny bit of money on your cloud security.

New Technology

Technology is developing at a rapid rate, but naturally, this brings with it some challenges. You’ll find that while cloud computing is at the cutting edge of technology, this means there are still some weaknesses in these systems. We recommend always protecting yourself from a security point of view, as virtual reality and AI are still so new to us all. You never know when something might go wrong when using the cloud or how hackers will continue to find their way into new systems in the coming years. Be wary about what technology you are adding to your organisation, and test things carefully before adopting new ways of working.

Educating Your Team

As the cloud is still so new to many people, employees find their team is often disinterested in learning about cloud security. They might not take this type of security as seriously as they would when compared to other forms of security in their workplace. It’s so important to take the time to educate your team about working in the cloud and the tools you’ve put in place to protect your team. When you first install a new SonicWall firewall, share with your team why you’ve done this and how it will protect their jobs. The more you can inform your team about the changes they are making and why you’ve done them, the more likely they’ll be to engage with cloud security best practices in the future.

New SonicWall Firewalls

Let’s start by taking a look at the three new SonicWall firewall options on the market. These are the SonicWall NSa 4700, NSa 6700 and NSsp 13700. They offer triple the protection your business might currently have and give businesses of any size an easy way to increase their security while still enjoying the high-performance levels that SonicWall firewalls are known for. Each of these options is supported with the current TLS 1.3 encryption standard, and they are powered by SonicOS 7.0.1. They offer users a modern experience with advanced security and improved management capabilities.

The great benefit of these new solutions is that they are supported by the Capture ATP with patented Real-Time Deep Memory Inspection. This has been highly rated in various industry tests, so you can be sure your business is fully protected from the ever-changing threats that are out there. Let’s take a look at which option would be best for your business depending on your company’s size and current needs.

SonicWall NSa 4700 and NSa 6700

Both of these solutions would be ideal for a mid-sized network. They offer some of the highest port densities when compared to other similar products, which still have a lower TCO. The NSa 4700 has 18 Gbps of throughput, whereas this increases to 36 Gbps with the NSa 4600. As far as the performance levels, the NSa 4700 is 17 times better than the last SonicWall generation, whereas the NSa 4600 is six times better. They are a great option for a business that is looking to expand and scale up in the next few years, as you can connect with millions of users with ease. The 6700 has the added benefit of both 40G and 25G connectivity, which offers multi-gigabit threat protection.

SonicWall NSsp 13700

For larger businesses, service providers, or government agencies, this is a great option to help support millions of connections. It’s a high-end firewall solution that will stop any bottlenecks from forming and keep up with your demands even as a large business. This is one of the top new firewalls for larger organisations and offers TLS/SSL performance that’s improved by seven times when compared to the previous model. It has high-speed GbE ports and is ideal for businesses looking to grow and connect to a wider audience in the near future.

SonicWall Capture Labs Portal

As well as offering new firewalls, SonicWall also has a few other updates to their solutions. The one we are most excited about sharing with you is the SonicWall Capture Labs Portal. It will offer you a free and centralised location that allows you to learn more about security news. The SonicWall threat search team is known for their cutting edge news and information, and you’ll be able to learn more about potential malicious activities that might impact your business in the coming years. We really encourage you to use the research tools that are included in this solution, as you’ll be able to search for threats and learn more about what could impact your business with a single interface. As with anything in life, the more information you equip yourself with, the more you’ll be able to protect yourself along with your SonicWall firewall.

SonicWall NSM 2.3

If you are looking for a way to simplify the management and deployment of distributed networks, this is an excellent option with improved capabilities. It’s a more intuitive, self-guided option that allows you to deploy and manage SD-WAN networks across all sites. You can do everything from one place, which we know many business owners will appreciate. The Template solution will help to save time as you won’t need to use manual configuration when you are adjusting each site’s requirements.

Perimeter Firewalls

A perimeter firewall works to defend your private network from other public networks, for example, the internet. This security application can be installed as either hardware or software and is the first way to stop intruders from getting into your business. A perimeter firewall will inspect any packets that come in and out of the network and then block or allow them based on the rules that are set.

These rules are better known as access control lists, which specify which network names, port numbers, and IP addresses are allowed. You can configure these to control both the inbound and outbound traffic. The main reason any company would decide to install a perimeter firewall is to protect the company from external attacks. They can also be used within larger companies to stop insider threats and create improved segmentation. Companies of all sizes and in various industries could benefit from this security solution, which is why it’s so important to understand perimeter networks.

What is a Network Perimeter?

The terms firewall and network perimeter can sometimes be used to describe the same thing, although they do really have different meanings. Your network perimeter is the edge of your internal network, and it is the boundary that controls what comes in and out of the network. On the other hand, your new SonicWall firewall will work to filter out the traffic that’s trying to cross this boundary. The network perimeter also includes other elements, such as the border routers. This is used to describe any type of router that is in two networks, one that’s internal and one public network. Intrusion detection systems and intrusion prevention systems are also critical for the network perimeter and will help to monitor and detect malicious activity. Finally, demilitarized zones sit between the internal and public networks. These all work together to keep your network secure at all times.

What are the Benefits of a Perimeter Firewall?

Before investing in a Sonic firewall, it’s important to understand the benefits that it can offer to your business. Any business today needs to have a Soho firewall or a similar solution in place to ensure you prevent the sophisticated attacks that are being seen more commonly. No company is too small to be concerned about their security, as you could quickly lose your business and data if you aren’t careful. One of the top benefits of a perimeter firewall is traffic monitoring. It will allow the firewall to monitor incoming and outgoing transfers of data, protecting your network from any malicious data entering.

A firewall will work to detect and prevent Trojans, which smuggle themselves into your network when they attach to files. These can quickly take over your network and make them more vulnerable to even greater attacks. No business can afford to be taken down by one of these attacks, which is why we recommend everyone uses a firewall to protect themselves. Finally, you’ll find that keyloggers can be stopped by firewalls, which are spyware that try to steal your personal information by recording keystrokes. This is an advanced solution that will put your business at risk if you aren’t careful about protecting yourself.

The great news is that there are many options on offer for businesses of all sizes when it comes to choosing a perimeter firewall. Our team will be happy to guide you through this process and ensure you are set up with a solution that’s affordable and effective for the type of business you run. We can work with you to understand your current concerns and ensure that the SonicWall firewall you choose is a suitable solution for the network you are operating currently.

What is a VPN?

Before we go any further, let’s clarify what we mean by a VPN. VPNs allow you to work from anywhere in the world securely, and it is an abbreviation for the virtual private networks. You’ll be able to securely connect to your office network, and you’ll feel like you are still working in your office even when you are in the comfort of your own home. The connection is encrypted, so you don’t have to worry about anyone else seeing what you are up to online. This allows you to work from anywhere in the world with this private pipeline looking after your work wherever you are based.

What Do You Need to Set Up an Office VPN?

Many of our clients wonder what they will need to set up a VPN at home and wonder if their home office setup is advanced enough to install a VPN or perimeter firewall. A home firewall with VPN can benefit anyone working from home, but you’ll need to find the right option to fit your needs. VPN-enabled routers need to offer you both wired and wireless connectivity, and they can support up to ten connections. A SonicWall firewall is the best option for any home office, and you’ll find that there’s a solution to fit everyone’s budget and requirements.

When you purchase a VPN-enabled router, it should come with the full instructions and a setup wizard to help you with the process. The software will be installed with the help of the wizard, and you’ll just need to follow the steps that appear on your screen. You don’t need to be particularly advanced at using technology to follow this process, and you’ll find that it will be configured for your computer and network without you having to do anything too difficult. Of course, your team will be more than happy to assist you with this task and guide you through the process if you are struggling during the installation.

In order to make your VPN as secure as possible, ensure you choose the most secure encryption option on your router. For most people, you’ll want to select WPA2 with AES. From there, make sure you change the router’s password. It will likely come with a very simple password that hackers can easily guess, so you’ll need to create something unique to you with numbers, letters, and characters. Create a strong password that can easily be remembered but that no one else will be able to get into.

Setting Up Users on a VPN

If you have someone else working with you at home, you might need to grant access to the VPN. While this isn’t such a big concern when working from home, if you are installing an office VPN, this is something you must do. You will use remote management for this task, which allows you to create accounts and then download and install the VPN client on the computer. You’ll repeat this step for everyone who needs to be installed on the system, but if you are the only one working at home or in your office, you can skip over this step. You’ll now be able to access your work from anywhere in the world, so the next time you have to travel for business, you won’t have to worry about falling behind.

With so many types of firewalls to choose from, we know the options can be overwhelming. SonicWall offers a wide variety of options to fit businesses of all sizes, and you’ll find there are some great solutions for home office VPNs. You’ll be able to continue working from home for the foreseeable future in a safe and secure manner while still being able to get as much work done as you would in the office. For many companies, VPNs have been a lifesaver in the past year, and they have helped companies to stay ahead of the competition during this challenging time.