EVERY TIME TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES TO create new business capabilities, op¬portunities arise for that technology to be used to harm your business. Case in point: intranets and extranets. Networks are invaluable, keeping your employees connected whether they're in the office or across the country. But networks are also a prime target for hackers, malware, and other threats. So a fundamental item in your security arsenal needs to be a bulletproof, centralized firewall.

The idea, essentially, is that there are bad guys out there, and you need to put something between them and your network. A firewall controls your network traffic, allowing or blocking activities and access based on security policies you set.
It's a little like protecting your house. You prob¬ably lock all your doors when you leave for work, but what if you forget and leave one unlocked? If you have an alarm system, you probably worry less about checking each door and window every time you leave, because you know that the alarm system gives you common protection across all vulnerable doors and windows.

It's the same thing with a firewall. You might get the same level of protection by making sure that each employee's computer is protected with device-lev¬el software that serves as a personal firewall, but what if one person forgets to download an update? Just one open door nullifies the many padlocks and deadbolts you have securing the other doors.

Of course, a network firewall doesn't do a thing for you if you use a laptop and take it home or on the road to do work. That's why IT security professionals often like to talk about "layers of security." What they mean is that one way of protecting yourself isn't enough. So an IT consultant or a solution pro¬vider will often recommend a combination of tools to give you the best security capability for your money. Frequently, that means protection for your office network (via a network firewall) and for each individual device (via a software-based personal firewall and an antivirus utility).

It's fairly easy to misconfigure your firewall if you don't have strong technology expertise among your staff. The result? You think you've protected your business, but you've actually created easier ways to get hurt. Many IT consultants, or solution providers, have specialists in security who can help you set up and maintain your firewall to give you the best protection possible. Remember also that your security environment is dynamic: What protected you last year may not be enough this year.

Stop Security Breaches
If you have a network but don't have a firewall, get one as soon as possible. Protect each individual device in your network, or ones that could be used on your network, with device-level security tools. Think of security as an ongoing process, not something you deal with once and can then forget patches for network and desktop operating systems, applications, and security software as they are made available.

Make sure that you properly wall off all applications and data from unintended external and internal use. Consider investing in an annual security assessment from :1 reputable IT consultant or solution provider.Look to an IT consultant or solution provider to help with your implementation. A qualified professional can guide you through the process, ensuring that you will be able not only to protect yourself but also to carryon your business .