Network security is equally important for businesses of all sizes. Ensuring that your infrastructure remains firm is one of the most crucial tasks in managing a business. You don’t have to do it alone, though. There are enterprise-level tools available that can give small businesses the same security standards as larger organizations, and it all starts with a Unified Threat Management (UTM) solution.
Computerware Blog
Your company’s network contains a gold mine of sensitive information that you need to protect at all costs. While it’s absolutely the case that you need to make network security a top priority for your business, thankfully, multiple aspects of your security can be covered easily enough by implementing a single, enterprise-level security solution.
The solution we’re referring to is a Unified Threat Management (UTM) tool. It’s a powerful tool that combines the fundamental security features that every business needs, into one easy-to-manage package. If you’re looking to get a handle on your company’s network security, then consider these four ways that a UTM provides comprehensive protection.
Firewalls
A firewall is the first line of defense for your company’s network, protecting your business from the onslaught of online threats trying to sneak their way in. One can go so far as to compare a UTM firewall to a sort of virtual bouncer for your network that; assesses the threat level of your network’s traffic, garners if it’s a security risk, and then clears for passage only what’s deemed to be safe.
Antivirus
Every good firewall needs an antivirus solution to compliment it. After all, some forms of malware are sneakily engineered to play on a user’s ignorance so as to bypass the firewall. In such a scenario, antivirus software is there to quickly catch and eliminate threats such as viruses, trojans, spyware, ransomware, and more. Given the destructive nature of many of these threats, you’re going to want a powerful antivirus solution in place that prevents such viruses from spreading across your network and wreaking havoc on your systems. Additionally, while there are many kinds of antivirus solutions on the market, businesses will want to take advantage of a centrally located antivirus solution like what comes with a UTM. This way, updates and scans can be done automatically and in one fell swoop, instead of being left up to each individual user.
Spam Blocker
Having spam in your inbox is totally annoying, and it can also be dangerous. One common way for hackers to spread malware is by attachments found in spam messages. Plus, savvy hackers will employ spam as a phishing tactic to trick users into opening the message and following its instructions which appeal to emotions. Examples include a fake summons to jury duty, a fake package that couldn’t be delivered, a fake resume for a job opening, etc. A quality spam blocker will prevent these messages from hitting employee inboxes in the first place, which greatly reduces the risk of a user being tricked by spam.
Content Filter
Businesses also need a way to protect their networks from the vast amount of online threats that come from visiting dangerous websites. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy for an employee to stumble upon a website that’s designed to harvest credentials or download an attachment designed to infect your network with a virus or even ransomware. With a content filter protecting your network, you’ll be able to block users from accessing suspicious websites in the first place. Additionally, a UTM content filter allows you to block time-wasting websites like social media, YouTube, Netflix, etc., making it a valuable tool that both protects your network and enhances productivity.
In order to be adequately protected, your business needs all four of these security features. A UTM from Computerware conveniently offers your network protection in all of these ways, and more. To equip your network with a UTM security solution that’s customized to fit the needs of your business, call us today at (703) 821-8200.
Every consumer-grade PC comes with a basic firewall. Enterprise environments, however, require that the base infrastructure has a stronger security solution that provides greater controls, above and beyond the basic firewall. One solution that provides enhanced firewall capabilities is the Unified Threat Management system.
Companies that do their business online experience threats from all sides. Therefore, a comprehensive security solution is required. Without one, you’re at risk from malicious websites, spam messages, ransomware, and much more. Designed with the security needs of enterprises in mind, a Unified Threat Management solution can protect your business from every side.
Network security is an important, yet complex practice. For small and medium-sized businesses, it can be challenging to understand and implement solutions that cover such a complex subject. However, it doesn’t have to be. There are many security solutions out there, and they can generally be found in one convenient package.
Compared to the hackfest that was 2014, 2015 has been relatively calm so far. However, that doesn’t mean that you should let your guard down. In fact, it’s always important to make sure that your network is in tip-top shape to prevent hacking attacks. 2015 might be halfway over, but it’s always a good time to protect your network from the threats that want to bring you down.
The online world is full of threats that are waiting for you to let your system's guard down. Thanks to powerful security measures, you might not be worried enough to consider that hackers have found ways to get around your defenses. If you’ve grown complacent, you might be in for a rude awakening when a hacker’s phishing scam works on you.
Just like any other high-profile entity, a government should place great emphasis on its IT infrastructure. The U.S. government is moving through 2015 with an increased awareness of the state of cybersecurity, and with all of the huge security breaches that happen almost regularly, it qualifies cyber threats as important as other national security threats.
Doing business today is much different than it was in medieval times. Thanks to the Renaissance, modern businesses now have a technology-based economy, instead of one that's magic-based--this has been an especially difficult transition for wizards. Although, one medieval business practice that's still going strong is the idea behind guilds.
Working with technology can get pretty complicated and technical at times. We're here to help. We've got plenty of technology tips to share with the world, and we're going to unleash them on you once a week. For more helpful tech tips, search our previous blog articles. This week's tip will help you spot a nasty APT hack on your company's network.
Smell that? That's the stench of your computer burning because you ignored the hackers and viruses constantly trying to gain access to your network. It takes more than just vigilance to keep your precious data from being accessed by criminals. You need something that can take the heat in the event of an attack. You need protective software, like a firewall. The term was coined because, just like a firewall confines a fire in a building, it can also keep threats out of your system. Sometimes, all it takes is a little protection to prevent catastrophe.
The Internet is a big place that connects your business and your employees with over 2.7 billion people from around the world. Unfortunately, not everybody and everything on the Internet is worth connecting to. With a Unified Threat Management tool, you can make sure your network only connects to the right people and places on the Internet.
Today's international headlines are dominated with stories like WikiLeaks spreading secret documents, and the United States' NSA spy scandal. These stories are making people doubt how secure their communications really are, which is why Russia is taking the drastic measure of using paper to communicate in a digital age.
Have you ever got those e-mails that state that there is a problem with your bank account and that they need to verify your personal information? Or while researching material on the web, click on a site where it wants you to download something? You may know that these things pose threats to your security, but not everyone in your office does, which could mean trouble if they don't.
How much time do you think you spend on your smartphone each day? Your answer will be different depending on your generation, but a recent survey by Experian Marketing Services determined that on an average, adult Americans spend one hour of their day using a smartphone. If you're part of the younger generation then that number probably seems quite low.