As a CIO or IT manager, you’re responsible for keeping sensitive data secure and meeting the necessary industry regulations—this is where a managed firewall quickly proves its value. You’ve probably come across the term before, but what does it involve? And is it something your business needs? Keep reading on to find out if a managed firewall is the right fit for your organization. What is a Managed Firewall? More than just a wall between your network and possible threats, a managed firewall provides several additional layers of protection. It’s a complete service provided by Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) that simplifies firewall management. MSSPs, as the name suggests, are the experts in managing your firewall. They handle the day-to-day operation, administration, and monitoring of your firewall infrastructure, allowing your team to focus on other priorities. This service includes: Creating and adjusting firewall rules Monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity Providing detailed reports and analysis With an MSSP, you get continuous oversight and expert management to make sure that your firewall remains effective and up-to-date, giving you the peace of mind that your network is secure. Features of a Managed Firewall When setting up a managed firewall, MSSPs handle the entire process, from your installation to ongoing configuration efforts. They make sure that the firewall is tailored to your organization’s needs, managing application control to determine which software can access your network and implementing web content filtering to block harmful or inappropriate sites. MSSPs also manage regular patch management, keeping your firewall up-to-date with the latest security fixes. Continuous monitoring is a key aspect of managed firewall services. MSSPs monitor your network traffic 24/7 and are there to respond to any probable threats. They proactively manage and update firewall rules to adapt to new security challenges, apply necessary patches, and conduct regular audits. Benefits of Using a Managed Firewall Service Teaming up with an MSSP for your firewall needs offers several advantages that go beyond basic network protection. Managed firewall services can help improve your organization’s security while streamlining costs and making your team more productive. Increased Security Professional monitoring and management significantly boost your network’s security. Managed services can detect and respond to threats more rapidly than your in-house team might, which helps minimize risks and keep your network safe from conceivable breaches. Improved Cost Efficiency Opting to outsource firewall management can be a more cost-effective approach than establishing an in-house cybersecurity team. With expert services at a fraction of the cost, MSSPs let you strategically allocate resources across your business rather than focusing everything on IT. Greater Productivity With the burden of firewall management off your team’s shoulders, your staff can focus more on business-critical activities such as developing new products, improving customer service, or enhancing operational efficiency. The shift can lead to greater efficiency and productivity within your organization. Complete Coverage and Customization Managed firewall services offer a wide range of protections, including virus protection, intrusion detection, and web filtering. You can adjust these services for your specific needs, providing custom solutions that cover all aspects of your network security. Common Challenges in Firewall Management Managing multiple firewalls presents its respective challenges, especially if you don’t have the right resources in place. Each firewall needs regular maintenance and monitoring, and the workload multiplies with every additional device. Skipping regular firewall audits is another common issue. Without consistent reviews, outdated rules or unnoticed vulnerabilities can leave your network exposed. MSSPs can help by performing these audits regularly, helping to identify problems earlier on. Misconfigurations and security gaps also pose significant risks for organizations of all sizes. For example, leaving certain ports open in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) can create a vulnerability that hackers could exploit. MSSPs have the expertise to spot these gaps, correct misconfigurations, and strengthen your network’s overall security posture. Do You Need a Managed Firewall? Firewalls play an important role in meeting compliance standards such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR. These regulations require strict controls over network security, and remaining compliant is difficult without the right expertise. Companies that lack in-house cybersecurity resources might find it difficult to keep up with these demands, making managed firewall services an attractive option for effectively meeting these requirements. Managing firewalls internally requires significant time and expertise. It involves constant monitoring, rule updates, and patch management, which can stretch your IT team thin. Outsourcing firewall maintenance to an MSSP can ease this burden, giving your internal teams the ability to focus more on core business objectives. A managed firewall service provides the specialized skills and ongoing attention needed to keep your network secure and compliant, making it a practical choice for many organizations. Leading Managed Firewall Services A managed firewall plays an important role in protecting your organization’s network and meeting compliance requirements. If managing firewalls has become overwhelming or you’re aiming to strengthen your security approach, working with an MSSP like Shield 7 Consulting could be the solution you need. Shield 7 Consulting offers powerful managed firewall services designed to go beyond traditional protection. With state-of-the-art firewall technology, 24/7 monitoring, and a proactive approach to network protection, we deliver unparalleled defense against cyberattacks. Ready to strengthen your cybersecurity? Schedule a consultation with Shield 7 Consulting today, and let’s secure your organization with the best managed firewall services.
