Latest News
Check the latest blogs and updates from SonicWall-Sales.com
Introducing the Updated SonicWall Network Security Administrator (SNSA) for SonicOS 7 Course
With plenty of customers now running SonicOS 7.0, SonicWall Global Enablement has updated the SonicWall Network Security Administrator (SNSA) course to show you how to take advantage of SonicWall’s most advanced security operating system yet.
The SNSA training curriculum is designed to teach students specific SonicWall network security technology. The course will provide students with the skills to successfully implement and configure SonicWall firewall appliances and security services.
Improvements included with the updated SNSA course:
- Two days of instructor-led classroom training: 80% hands-on labs and 20% lecture
- Four hours of online learning modules (recommended to be completed prior to the classroom portion)
- Instruction and materials based on the recently released SonicOS 7 firmware
Essential Security Tips For IT Infrastructure
IT infrastructure is something that needs to be protected in businesses today of all sizes. There are a few key areas which you should always consider when setting up your IT infrastructure. If you are looking to apply for a scheme such as the Cyber Essentials scheme, you’ll need to meet certain requirements to ensure your business is secure before receiving the certification. Today we’re going to share the key areas you should be looking at when it comes to IT infrastructure management this year.
Firewalls
A firewall is critical for any organisation today, and it will ensure that your network is protected whenever it’s in use. Restricting access to your network can minimise your chance of attacks. A SonicWall firewall can secure your network by restricting the traffic that travels inbound or outbound to your network. It can be used with mobile devices and computers and reduces your chance of an attack. Ensure your SonicWall firewalls are configured correctly and that you have someone within your organisation who can manage this firewall. This will offer you the protection you need within your organisation today, especially with the increasing risk that companies face today when completing most of their work online.
Accounts and Passwords
Secure configuration is critical for devices and systems today within any business. You want to prevent employees and outside users who shouldn’t have access to your system from entering the first place. Firstly, you’ll want to assign users to the systems they need access to and don’t overextend the number of users on each system. You should only be offering your employees the access they need to complete their job role and nothing extra. When you have guest accounts or temporary accounts that are no longer in use, ensure these are removed as soon as possible to avoid issues in the future.
Passwords should be used to protect your systems, and your company should create a password policy. Ensure passwords have a minimum length requirement and no maximum length requirement. If it seems that a system has been compromised, ensure the system forces passwords to be reset. Encourage employees to choose safe and complex passwords and to use different passwords on every device they use.
Malware Protection
Protecting your devices of all types from malware risks is crucial for IT infrastructure support. You should work to restrict malware and untrusted software, which can cause damage to your systems and give someone the chance to access confidential data. This risk is most apparent when your employees access the internet, where viruses and worms are more likely to make their way into your system. Educate your employees on the risks of downloading online applications, opening an unusual email attachment, and installing software that they aren’t authorised to use. We always recommend using anti-malware software, which can detect and disable malware before it makes its way into the system. On top of that, only allow your employees to download and use software that’s placed on a safe list by your organisation.
Patch Management
Finally, patch management can be applied to both your devices and servers. This will ensure that your software and devices aren’t vulnerable to further security issues when these could be avoided or fixed. Any device today that uses software has vulnerabilities, which are regularly found in software. However, once these are discovered, hackers quickly exploit these weaknesses to attack computers. Patches can help to support your company through these issues, and they are often released immediately once an issue is found or during a regular update schedule.
To secure your devices and software, you’ll need to ensure you are regularly updating your software. You’ll need any software you used to be both licensed and supported, and you should remove any software that you no longer use. Within two weeks of a patch being released, you need to update the software if it’s marked as a critical or high-risk issue. This will help to protect your network and software throughout your time using it. Keeping on top of software you no longer use is critical to avoid weakening your system and subjecting your network to attacks.
There are quite a few elements that come together to secure your IT infrastructure, but we always recommend starting out with a firewall. A Sonic Firewall can protect your system for years to come and avoid you losing crucial data or jeopardising your business. When you combine all the tips listed above, you’ll create a completely secure system for your business, which will allow your employees to keep working with ease. Ensure accounts and software that you no longer use are quickly removed from your system and that you assign someone in your business to oversee this task. With more education for your employees about the importance of cybersecurity, you can encourage everyone to work together and protect your systems.
Reference video: CSIAC
What is a Cloud Firewall?
A cloud firewall is a network device that’s software-based but developed in the cloud. They are used by businesses around the world today to stop unwanted visitors from gaining access to their network. This is a modern business solution that any company that works online should be considering for their business today. A firewall is a crucial security consideration for businesses of all sizes, but there are now a few different options you can choose from to secure systems. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits a cloud firewall could offer to your company today.
What is the Cloud?
Before we get started looking at cloud firewalls, let’s discover the cloud definition. Cloud computing is used to describe computer system resources, such as data storage, which are available to users over the internet. These often don’t need active management from the user, and the software or database is run on servers that are based online. The cloud is used by so many service providers today, and cloud firewalls are a popular cloud-based security solution for companies.
Why Should I Use a Cloud Firewall?
Cloud firewalls offer dozens of benefits to users today, which is why they are such a popular security solution. A cloud firewall can be used by a company of any shape or size, and they are easy to scale as your business grows or scales back. If you do find you begin to use additional bandwidth, firewalls can be adjusted to still offer the same level of protection for your organisation. A cloud firewall can filter traffic from a huge selection of sources, including the internet. It will help to improve security for your business, and it can also be used for identity protection.
The great thing about firewalls is that they are readily available today. SonicWall firewalls are an affordable solution for small and medium-sized businesses. No company is too small to benefit from this solution, and you’ll find that you can enjoy immediate protection once it’s installed. You’ll experience the same level of security as a traditional solution, such as a SonicWall firewall. Finally, a network firewall can offer you the tools to manage the solution and control the performance and usage as you would with a Sonic firewall.
Is a Cloud Firewall a Good Option?
While most companies today are very satisfied with their cloud firewall solution, one consideration is that you will be reliant on the availability of your provider. If there are any issues or downtime with the provider, this could open you up to the risks of a security breach. You wouldn’t receive any protection at this time, which is a huge concern for organisations of all sizes. For larger companies, you may want to employ a security team who can look after your network in the case of an emergency.
A cloud-based firewall won’t know who visitors are and often has little understanding of how a site works. Some users find that these solutions are too generic and don’t support more specific vulnerabilities. This can sometimes result in them not being blocked, which causes the same security threats as you would have without the cloud firewall. However, more companies than ever before are moving away from on-premises servers and opting to work in the cloud instead. With more endpoints to be protected than ever before, the need for a cloud firewall is greater than ever.
Cloud Firewall Solutions
When it comes to selecting a cloud firewall, there are two different options available to consumers today. Firstly, SaaS firewalls are most similar to your traditional hardware or software firewall. However, it’s an off-site solution that’s deployed from the cloud. Alternatively, you can opt for Next-Generation Firewalls. This is a cloud-based service that is deployed within your virtual data centre. They’ll protect your own servers, and the firewall is based on a virtual server. From there, it can secure traffic coming in and out of applications in the cloud. Either of these solutions may be suitable for your business, and they can help with any concerns you may have surrounding security in the cloud.
When choosing a cloud firewall solution for your company, you’ll always want to take the time to ensure this is the right option for your needs. You may prefer to look at SonicWall firewalls, which are known for their security benefits for small and medium-sized companies. They offer you a complete security solution and can quickly and easily be adopted within your business. You’ll enjoy improved control over your network and reduce your concerns about security threats. Protecting your data and system is more important today than ever before. With more of us relying on computers and online databases, we need to ensure our work is protected to avoid any issues from occurring that could impact the entire organisation.
How SonicWall TotalSecure Threat Protection Can Assist Your Business
If you are looking for a way to protect your small or medium-sized business without spending a fortune, we recommend considering SonicWall TotalSecure Protection. SonicWall is an industry leader in security, and as a small business owner, you need to be able to count on your security tools to keep your business protected. For everything from small and mid-size businesses to large multinational corporations, the SonicWall firewall delivers an intelligent resolution in a cost-effective package. Keep reading to learn more about this security solution, or read here for more information.
What is SonicWall TotalSecure Threat Protection?
SonicWall TotalSecure Threat Protection is a multi-layer network security solution designed to provide small businesses with non-intrusive protection against malware, spyware, viruses and phishing attacks. The SonicWall TotalSecure firewall security solution offers features that will help your business to stay protected from security threats around the clock. It offers businesses of any size antivirus and anti-spyware protection, content filtering, 24/7 support, DNS Security and much more. TotalSecure Threat Protection is supported by Gen 7 SonicWall firewalls. This includes the SonicWall TZ270, TZ370 and TZ470. SonicWall Sales will be able to guide you when making your purchase, to ensure you choose the right solution for your business.
Gateway Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware
The top layer of security from TotalSecure includes the addition of gateway antivirus and anti-spyware. It scans every incoming connection to your network and all its connected users and computers. This gateway antivirus will detect and block inbound web threats. It scans for the latest known threats as well as those that have just been discovered within the last hour, so you won’t have any blind spots where new attacks can slip through undetected. This protection goes further than a traditional firewall because it provides real-time scanning with no impact on your network speed or performance. It also adds a layer of protection to your network that is not just limited to those users who connect through your gateway. Every single computer connected to your network, even if they connect from home, will be protected from threats as well.
Intrusion Prevention Service
The next level of security provided by the SonicWall firewall security kit is the intrusion prevention service. This feature protects your network against new and emerging attacks that are not covered by traditional firewalls. It can detect these attacks before they impact computers or users in the network. This prevents malware from being able to install itself on your network or from being able to propagate through your network.
Content Filtering
The content filtering feature will block access to websites and information that is deemed questionable. These websites are often used to deliver malware or are known to be delivering phishing attacks or other types of attacks on your network. Combining this with a top-level gateway antivirus feature can give you even more protection from threats outside your network, like phishing scams or malicious ads coming into your system in the form of links.
24/7 Support
Anytime you have a problem, you can get help from SonicWall. 24/7 support is available, so you won’t have to wait for normal business hours to get assistance. This TotalSecure protection support will help you resolve any issues you have with TotalSecure so that it is always functioning at its best. You can rest assured that you are protected against the threats that you are most concerned about.
Basic DNS Security
The TotalSecure Threat Protection features a basic DNS security feature. This feature allows you to ensure that the internet domain names that are assigned to and used by your network are only known to you and your trusted computers. It will prevent users from being able to make changes in your network’s DNS server settings so that they can get around this security.
Network Topology with Host Info
The final feature included in the SonicWall TotalSecure Threat Protection is the Network Topology with Host Info. This feature allows you to easily see which systems are connected to your network. You can also see any open connections that exist on your network. This is a great way to quickly identify any unauthorized computers or users on your system.
The SonicWall TotalSecure Threat Protection includes all the built-in security features of the SonicWall Gen 7 Series with additional protection. This is a great way to protect your business and ensure that it is able to handle any type of attack you are concerned about. You get the power of a next-generation firewall and the complete suite of the network security services you need to ensure your business operates securely online. If you are looking to buy a SonicWall firewall, contact SonicWall Sales for support and assistance today, who will be able to provide you with the best solution for your security needs.
You might be interested to read this topic: What is a Cloud Firewall?
We can now ship within the EU
Great news for our customers within the EU.
We now have a warehouse in The Netherlands so any hardware orders destined for coutries outside the UK will come from NL. No import duties or tax issues!
We also have an additional store at https://www.sonicwall-sales.eu. All currency is in Euro.
What is a Firewall Sandwich?
The cybersecurity threats to companies of any size are only continuing to increase year by year. You may have heard of the term firewall sandwich used in reference to cyberattacks in recent times, which often save the day and minimise the damage caused to a company during difficult periods. A SonicWall firewall sandwich can make or break the damage done to your company when facing a cyber threat. Regardless of the size of your business, you’ll want to learn more about what a firewall sandwich is and how leveraging this can prevent your company from falling victim to cyberattacks this year.
What is a Firewall Sandwich?
A SonicWall firewall is one of the best ways to protect your small or medium-sized business. Sadly though, hackers are only becoming more advanced in their methods of attacking companies, so many companies are now employing what is called a firewall sandwich. A firewall sandwich is created when multiple firewalls are used by a business. Instead of just offering hackers one obstacle to get through to your system, a firewall sandwich works by adding multiple obstructions on their route into your system.
A SonicWall firewall sandwich has become a common option for companies of all sizes. With decision-makers in businesses recognising the increasing risks each year to cybersecurity, companies are doing anything within their control to secure their business for years to come. Whether you own a small business or a large multinational company, cybersecurity should be of top concern to protect your network. As companies continue to expand, they often forget to consider if their current coverage is enough to fit their growing needs. Protecting your network from end-users should be a top priority for decision-makers in any company, but it’s something that is often overlooked today.
How to Create a Firewall Sandwich
If you are looking for a way to meet your company’s performance needs without reducing the speed of your network, a SonicWall firewall sandwich is one of the top solutions for you. This firewall sandwich can be achieved with various types of firewall, such as the SonicWall SuperMassive 9800s for larger companies or a SonicWall small business firewall for those not needing as extensive protection. SonicWall firewalls offer high levels of protection to users, and a firewall sandwich will allow you to add more appliances as your company’s demands increase in the future.
A SonicWall firewall sandwich will offer you application control, anti-spyware and anti-virus inspection, SSL decryption and much more. With real-time services on each packet, you’ll be pleased to know you won’t experience limitations to performance or any network latency. By tripling or quadrupling your security, you’ll find you are much more protected from attacks and add extra hurdles for hackers to cross before reaching your system.
Who Should Consider a SonicWall Firewall Sandwich?
If you think your company is too small for a firewall sandwich, you may want to think twice about that statement. With more employees than ever before working from home and increasing threats each year as hackers become more aware of weaknesses in systems, a firewall sandwich can benefit companies of any size. If you have high network demands, a mobile team of workers, or are looking to monitor user activity, a firewall sandwich is a good solution. You may not be aware that threats may exist on your LAN today, and a firewall sandwich can also provide you with reports and user activity information for this.
SonicWall Network Security Manager
If you do opt for a firewall sandwich for your company, consider adding on the SonicWall Network Security Manager. This single interface allows you to control hundreds of firewalls from just one place. It offers remote zero-touch deployment and makes it quick and simple to set up new firewalls. When using SonicWall firewalls, you’ll be able to see the security risks you are facing, and you’ll enjoy viewing the analytics available to you. For those who are keen to keep on top of security threats, you’ll also appreciate its automated audit-ready reporting. Full customisation of firewalls is easy to achieve, with quick and easy deployment available using custom templates. At the same time, we also recommend looking into the SonicWall TotalSecure Threat Protection. This can extend your protection further and even assists with security for those working from home.
SonicWall firewalls can offer you a complete security system, and when employed as a firewall sandwich, you continue to reduce your risk of being the victim of a cyberattack. With more of us than ever before working remotely, the potential damage to our systems only continues to increase. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from the SonicWall firewall sandwich, and it will be one of the best investments you make for the future and security of your business this year.
Reference video: SonicWall
10 Reasons to Upgrade to the Latest SonicWall Gen 7 TZ Firewall
People often struggle to say goodbye to their things. We grow attached and comfortable with the stuff we use on a regular basis. For instance, I have an old couch that I seldom use that I’m nonetheless unable to part with. This comfort zone can be dangerous, as it makes you hold on to things you may no longer need.
We similarly get used to our old network devices. But unlike keeping an old couch, not updating your security gear on time can compromise your entire network. There’s no time like right now to evaluate your needs and adapt. Eliminate things that aren’t needed so that your network is simplified, and update those devices that are critical to the operation.
A good firewall is a cornerstone of a secure network. It’ll stop advanced cyberattacks, as well as keep up with the speed, performance and productivity needs demanded by today’s workplace.
Upgrade to a new Gen 7 firewall here
Here are the top 10 reasons you should consider updating your legacy firewall to one of the latest 7th generation SonicWall TZ Series firewall (TZ270, TZ370, TZ470, TZ570 and TZ670 Series):
1. Multi-gigabit support in desktop form factor with high port density
Organizations require increased throughput to support bandwidth-intensive applications — and as such, need multi-gigabit ports. Additionally, having a greater number of ports allows organizations to connect more devices directly to the firewall.
Why Upgrade: Gen 7 TZ series next-generation firewalls are the first desktop form factor to bring multi-gigabit (2.5/5/10G) interfaces or fiber (SFP+, SFP) interfaces, while the legacy or Gen 6 firewalls support only gigabit interfaces. Gen 7 TZs also support a minimum of 8 ports, while Gen 6 supports only 5.
2. Superior hardware upgrades with expandable storage and redundant power supply
Gen 7 TZs come with an expandable storage that enables various features, including logging, reporting, caching, firmware backup and more. A secondary power supply is available for redundancy in case of failure, ensuring business continuity.
Why Upgrade: Gen 7 TZ series models come with an expandable storage slot on the bottom of the device that provides the ability to expand up to 256GB, while Gen 6 does not. TZ670 comes preloaded with 32GB expandable storage, and TZ570/670 series firewalls support two AC power supplies for redundancy. The optional redundant power supply is available for purchase with TZ570/670 Series, while all other Gen 6 and Gen 7 firewalls support one power supply.
3. Groundbreaking firewall inspection, DPI performance and IPSec VPN performance
Network bandwidth requirements from apps, HD video streaming, social media and more continue to increase. And keeping up requires faster firewall inspection, DPI and IPSec VPN performance, which provide a secure network without performance degradation. Having faster firewall performance provides organizations with a greater capacity to utilize higher internet speeds and support more concurrent and remote users.
Why Upgrade: Gen 7 TZs offer up to 4 times firewall, DPI and IPSec VPN performance over Gen 6 firewalls.
4. Scale higher with increased connection count (per second, SPI, DPI, DPI-SSL)
Having a higher number of concurrent connections provides greater scalability by enabling more simultaneous user sessions to be active and tracked by the firewall.
Why Upgrade: Gen 7 TZs offer up to 15 times as many maximum connections as Gen 6 firewalls.
5. More single sign-on (SSO) users
The single sign-on feature improves employee productivity and reduces IT support costs by enabling users to gain access to connected systems with a single ID and password.
Why Upgrade: Gen 7 firewalls allow up to five times more SSO users to benefit from the use of single sign-on than Gen 6 series.
6. Increased VPN connectivity
For organizations with remote and branch locations, such as retail POS businesses, the ability to create a larger number of site-to-site VPN tunnels is essential. It enables organizations to connect distributed networks together and securely share data.
Why Upgrade: Gen 7 offers up to eight times more site-to-site VPN tunnels than Gen 6 firewalls.
7. High VLAN interfaces
VLANs support the logical grouping of network devices, reduce broadcast traffic and allow more control when implementing security policies. This provides logical separation of devices on the same network. High VLAN interfaces allow better segmentation and performance for organizations.
Why Upgrade: Gen 7 TZ series offers up to five times more VLAN interfaces than Gen 6 TZ series.
8. 802.11ac Wave 2 technology with higher max number of access points
11ac Wave 2 technology enhances Wi-Fi user experience by supporting MU-MIMO technology. An integrated Wi-Fi option enables organizations to extend their wireless network farther without purchasing additional hardware. Alternatively, high number of APs supported by the firewall provide better scalability of the Wi-Fi network.
Why Upgrade: Gen 7 TZs (with the exception of TZ670) offer integrated 802.11ac Wave 2 support, while Gen 6 supports only 802.11ac Wave 1 or 802.11n technologies. Gen 7 TZs support up to four times as many access points as Gen 6 series.
9. Brand-new SonicOS 7.0 support
The feature-rich SonicOS 7.0 operating system features modern UI/UX, topology view, enhanced policy, advanced security and networking and management capabilities, along with TLS 1.3 and default support for BGP routing without the need for additional license.
Why Upgrade: SonicOS 7.0 support is available on Gen 7 series and not available on Gen 6 series. Gen 6 series firewalls require the purchase of an additional expanded license to enable BGP support, while the Gen 7 include BGP support as default with every firewall purchase. Stateful HA support is available on Gen 7 TZs, but not Gen 6 TZ series.
10. 5G USB Modem Support
The USB 3.0 port in the Gen 7 TZs could be used to plug in a 5G dongle for 5G connectivity. They’re backward compatible with 4G/LTE/3G technologies with the use of corresponding dongles.
Why Upgrade: 5G technology support is available on Gen 7 TZ series, but not Gen 6 TZ series.
Business Continuity Best Practices for Small and Medium Businesses
When it comes to disaster recovery best practices, small and medium businesses often focus solely on preventing cyberattacks. However, there’s so much more to consider, regardless of your company’s size and the amount of data you store. The most successful businesses in the world today are always one step ahead and preparing themselves for any unexpected disruption or danger they could face. Today we will discuss the business continuity plan best practices that small and medium-sized businesses should have in place. If you are looking for other solutions to protect your company’s data, click here for more information.
Make Your Whole Team Aware of the Plan
If you are a manager or business owner, you might be aware of your company’s data centre disaster recovery practices, but what about your employees? It’s not good enough in this day and age for only a select few people to understand how to react in an emergency. If you or the other people who know the plan were unavailable, you could jeopardise your whole business and everything stored on your server. Your employees should be aware of the types of firewall you use, and all teams need to work together to be aware of the emergency plan. While your IT team are most likely to deal with your SonicWall firewall, it’s a good idea for a few others to be trained and knowledgeable in case of an emergency. The most prepared companies also have a run-through of emergency situations, so everyone knows exactly what they will do in this situation.
Cybersecurity Training
Unfortunately, attacks on systems can happen completely out of the blue, so it’s important your whole team are trained and keep their eyes out for signs of abnormal activity on your work systems. New employees need to be aware of the business continuity best practices you are using and the types of firewall available to businesses nowadays. A SonicWall Soho firewall is ideal for a small business, and it’s helpful for your new team members to understand the system your company is using to protect them. Criminals like to target weak links in systems, and they often try to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals and companies who may not know the signs of a phishing or other attacks.
Protect Your Network
As a decision-maker in a business looking to form the best data centre disaster recovery practices, a SonicWall small business firewall is without a doubt your best option when it comes to protecting your network. It’s so quick and easy for a network to become infected today, and it can wreak havoc for companies of any size. SonicWall firewalls will protect companies with their two-factor authentication and antivirus solutions. These firewalls are designed with small and medium-sized businesses in mind. Just because you aren’t storing a huge amount of customer data, don’t think you can afford to have no protection for your system. Even the smallest companies are at a high risk of cybersecurity threats, and this can completely ruin a company if they aren’t able to recover quickly.
Backup Communication Solutions
Most companies today are fully reliant on emails, but what happens if your email server goes down? Communication is key for a successful recovery after an incident, and if you are out of touch with your IT department and other managers, it won’t be easy to continue work. Create emergency social media or WhatsApp groups that you can use in a tough situation. Slack is also another popular option that doesn’t rely on the use of email.
Don’t Delay Your Business Continuity Plan Best Practices Any Longer
Today is the best time to start thinking about your disaster recovery best practices. This isn’t something you should put off much longer, and instead, we recommend taking action as soon as possible. Using SonicWall firewalls or even a firewall sandwich won’t just protect you from an everyday cyberattack but can also be the essential protection you need in the case of a natural disaster. The small investment you’ll make today could save your business from disaster tomorrow. Proactive business owners are far more likely to succeed and safeguard their income and company for years to come. Having business continuity plan best practices in place is essential for any company and doesn’t just pertain to your digital systems. Of course, for maximum effect, ensure these plans are put into regular practice and training, so everyone knows how to react in the unlikely event of an emergency.
During the uncertain times we are all facing, protecting your business and safeguarding you and your employees’ incomes should be one of your top priorities. Having been through so many challenges and times of loss in the past year, protect your company from future difficulties with a SonicWall firewall today.
How to Stay Secure in 2021 – Cybersecurity Threats to Watch Out For
Companies and individuals have never relied on working online as much as in the past year, so we all need to keep ourselves protected heading into the new year. 2020 saw an increase in online hackers, which resulted in many companies upgrading their firewalls and software in response to these new security concerns. As well as opting for a new SonicWall firewall from SonicWall Sales, keep yourself protected from potential attacks by learning more about the top security threats that are expected to appear in 2021.
Remote Worker Attacks
As more employees than ever are working from home, and no fixed office return date is set for some companies, expect attacks on remote workers to continue. New SonicWall firewalls can help protect your employees if they log in to the server from their own device, minimising the risk of an attack occurring. For many companies, the switch to remote working happened almost overnight, with no time to adjust their office security systems. Ensure you close any gaps in your security system, which can then make working from home a viable long-term option throughout the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Ransomware Attacks Operated by Humans
Criminals have now taken to the online world in gangs, resulting in ransomware attacks which are completely controlled by individuals trying to gain money from their work. They work to identify weaknesses within companies, and then begin plotting these attacks, resulting in substantial financial losses for businesses. Ransomware attacks are becoming extremely common, and will only continue to cause more damage to businesses in 2021. The key concerns in this area are email and social media phishing, or automated programs. These attacks are becoming more and more realistic, with genuine messages that encourage unsuspecting users to open them without a second thought. Educate your team members about these potential attacks, to avoid them damaging your business.
Cloud Data Storage
With so many companies relying on cloud data storage during the pandemic, the attacks in this area have only increased. While these were already happening previously, the increase in activity in this area has attracted more criminals. Attackers work to infiltrate online databases filled with customer data. This is a fundamental reason for using a hardware firewall, as the SonicWall firewall features can protect your customers’ data. Even small and mid-sized businesses need to be aware of these IT security threats if they collate or store data and personal information.
Attacks are Becoming Harder to Detect
The online world is constantly developing, and as a result of this, cybercriminals have become even more inventive with their attacking techniques. Social engineering attacks are a popular form of attack, which are becoming more and more advanced. These allow an attacker to review personal information, using techniques like phishing. If you are a business owner, ensure you train your team to recognise potential attacks and react accordingly. It’s no longer a case of just training those team members who work in IT, so employ your HR and training teams to spread the word about these potential malicious attacks and the first signs to look out for.
Attacks on System Admin Tools
Most IT systems won’t run without admin tools, and these are becoming the victim of attacks more regularly. Criminals use these tools to enter networks and develop their strategies for a bigger disruption. Specific tools, such as BloodHound and Cobalt Strike, are already installed to run software on your computer, and they are exploited by criminals to run software without detection. While you can’t avoid using certain tools in your day-to-day business, ensure your antivirus software is up to date and you are using a SonicWall firewall to avoid these cybersecurity trends 2021.
Keeping Your Business Secure from Cyber Threats 2021
These computer security threats are incredibly concerning, but there are multiple ways to minimise the chance of attack. Education is critical, and you should encourage your whole team to be aware of potential attacks and disruptions. Installing one of the new SonicWall firewalls will help minimise your chance of attack and offer you reports and information regarding your system’s activity. Even if you are a small or medium-sized business, you will benefit from one of these good value for money devices that are easy to install and use.
With the past year’s events, more of us than ever before are relying on cloud storage and remote working to complete our job roles. As a business owner, you’ll want to ensure you protect your company from potential computer security threats, by installing the best firewall for your needs. SonicWall firewalls are one of the best options available today and will be quick and easy to install, protecting your business from IT security threats and attacks.
Price increases effective 1st April 2021
Unfortunately SonicWall has deemed it sensible to increase the prices of previous generation renewals. The change is between 10% and 30% depending on the model and renewal, and the main reason we are being given is that it is to persuade customers to replace older units with newer ones (I would suggest it would be better to give discounts on newer models to entice upgrades).
Selecting a Firewall for a Small or Mid-Sized Business in 2021
With so many options to choose from, selecting the best business firewall for a small to mid-sized company can be overwhelming. Firewalls work to keep your network secure and will monitor the traffic that goes in and out of your systems. While your individual device may benefit from a software firewall, to keep every device on your company’s network secure, you’ll want to invest in a hardware firewall. Today we’re going to share with you what you should look for when comparing the best firewall 2021 options, and help you select a product that is right for your workplace.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Firewall
When comparing the top firewall options on the market, such as a SonicWall firewall, you’ll want to first take the time to consider your business’s needs. If you are running a small one-person business, you may find that a hardware firewall is unnecessary, especially if you don’t store personal information or data about your customers. However, if you deal with finances and customer information, a hardware firewall is an essential purchase. The number of users your network has is also key to choosing the best firewall option for your needs. Today’s selections focus on firewalls for small and mid-sized businesses, which are ideal for anyone with around 250 or more employees. You may need to look for a different model for a larger business, as most wireless firewall options can’t be upgraded.
As with any product, each firewall has its benefits and drawbacks, so keep reading to learn more about our top picks and why they are the most popular options on the market today. A key consideration when choosing your firewall is whether you need data logging or a VPN. With more employees working from home in 2021, a VPN allows secure connections from locations outside your office. Finally, if it’s your first time purchasing a hardware firewall, look for one that is easy to install and manage. You don’t want to rely on having a technician in the office at all times to check your device, so find one that is user-friendly that you’ll be able to control without assistance.
Our Top Firewall Selection for 2021 – SonicWall Firewalls
After testing dozens of models, we’ve narrowed down our selection to one brand; SonicWall. SonicWall offers easy to install wireless firewalls that are ideal for first-time users. You won’t have to rely on a technician in your building with one of these devices, which are incredibly user-friendly and quick to set up. The SonicWall TZ270 is one of the most recent additions to their collection. It offers zero-touch deployment, meaning small and medium-sized businesses can install this firewall in no time at all. It uses the new SonicOS 7.0 system, offering you good control and visibility.
For small businesses, we love the SonicWall TZ400 firewall. It’s ideal for a company that may be looking to expand in the future and is a customisable device that is quick and easy to install. This SonicWall firewall features zero-touch deployment and a central management system. SonicWall understands that some wireless firewall options can be far too complicated for a small business, and so even users who aren’t experienced or advanced will be able to install this device with ease.
The SonicWall TZ400 comes at a reasonable price point, and you can add security bundles to your hardware purchase. Real-Time Deep Memory Inspection is a key benefit of SonicWall firewalls and helps to inspect and detect suspicious codes. You can also customize your device further, with optional extra features. If you are looking to enjoy the benefits of the SonicWall TZ400 but have a medium-sized business with over 250 employees, consider the SonicWall. TZ570 or SonicWall NSA 2700 models instead.
By determining exactly what you are looking for in terms of a business firewall, you’ll be able to purchase the best hardware firewall for your business size. By narrowing down your options to the SonicWall brand, you’ll find a range of products that are designed specifically with small and medium-sized businesses in mind. All of these devices will help to monitor your traffic and keep your network secure. If you have many employees working remotely currently, keep this in mind when selecting your new firewall. Remember, a firewall is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to safeguard their business for years to come, so take the time to compare and select the best firewall model for your needs this year.
Read related post: How to Stay Secure in 2021 – Cybersecurity Threats to Watch Out For
Next-Generation Security for Mid-Sized Networks
If you are looking for next-gen security to protect your small or mid-sized network, look no further than the Sonic Firewall series. These firewalls come without the huge price tag often associated with this product, while offering many incredible benefits and advantages to users. If you are concerned about security threats, you’ll want to purchase a high-quality firewall that’s built to protect your business. Today we’re going to look at how a SonicWall NSA firewall can assist your business, and you can click here for more information about the product range.
Designed for Mid-Sized Networks
The SonicWall NSA 2700 is designed for businesses with over 250 users and will protect your network from daily intrusions or potential attacks and security threats. It offers an affordable security solution, that is quick and flexible for your business needs. With on-box and cloud-based functions include WLAN management and secure SD-WAN, you’ll reduce the chance of security threats and attacks, so your business can keep growing and succeeding.
Benefits of a SonicWall Firewall
There are many great benefits you’ll experience by selecting a SonicWall firewall, such as the SonicWall NSA 7200 and SonicWall Soho firewall. With more employees than ever before working remotely, we love that the NetExtender provides employees with secure access to networks from their Windows, Mac or Linux computer or laptop. The Real-Time Deep Memory Inspection is a stand out feature of the device and will defend your company against side-channel and unrecognisable attacks.
Secure SD-WAN technology gives you a more secure and effective product, which is designed for use with your broadband network and the cloud-based technologies we all rely on. The SD-WAN technology is already built into your device, so you won’t have to purchase a separate tool or license, making this a very cost-effective purchase. As SonicWall NSA firewall devices are designed with mid-sized businesses in mind, they provide high port density and performance levels. For ease of use, you’ll appreciate the built-in wireless controller. Finally, after the initial output, you’ll find this purchase saves you money in the long run while offering you high-performance levels.
SonicWall NSA 2700
The Gen 7 product range, including the SonicWall NSA 2700, includes a new operating system that simplifies security for users and focuses on small and mid-sized businesses’ needs. It works to find encrypted threats and gives you insights into these threats and your traffic with the assessment report. You’ll know exactly what risks you are facing, so you can minimise these issues in the future. It’s a very easy-to-use device, featuring an app and auto-provision VPNs, which allow you to enjoy a no-touch user experience. You won’t need to have an on-site technician to look after this firewall, making it the ideal option with so many of us working from home.
Purchase Options
When considering the SonicWall NSA 2700, you’ll have the choice of two different licensing bundles for your needs. As well as purchasing the hardware by itself, you can choose between two licensing bundles, which are the TotalSecure Essential Edition and the Advanced Edition. You can also choose to pick out different services individually to fit your needs. The Essential Bundle offers you 24-hour support, anti-spam, content filtering, gateway anti-virus and application control. You’ll also enjoy capture ATP sandboxing and the inclusion of RTDMI technology.
If you do opt to upgrade to the TotalSecure Advanced Edition, you’ll benefit from all the inclusions listed in the Essential Edition. On top of these, you’ll receive the SonicWall Network Security Manager. This offers you cloud-based seven-day reporting and cloud management. It will allow you to completely protect your mid-sized business and keep your company secure for years to come. This option is currently only for Gen 7 SonicWall firewalls, although previous models can benefit from the Advanced Gateway Security Suite instead.
During this ever-changing time, small and medium-sized businesses are facing more troubles defending their networks than ever before. With constant new threats appearing, you need to protect your business for years to come. SonicWall’s products are great for branch locations and SMBs and offer you great value for money and easy installation. If you are concerned about security threats, ensure you invest in a high-quality firewall today, which will protect your livelihood and business from disruption.
Reference video: Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd.
