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Latest News

20/10/2021
by Paul Heritage

Check the latest blogs and updates from SonicWall-Sales.com

Reasons to Upgrade to the Latest SonicWall Gen 7 TZ Firewall

26/07/2023
by Paul Heritage

We are always excited to see additions to the SonicWall range of firewalls. The SonicWall TZ firewalls offer a modern security solution for businesses of all shapes and sizes and many companies are upgrading to these firewalls thanks to the many benefits the SonicWall tz300 and other models offer over other firewalls on the market today. Here we’re going to discover some of the top reasons to upgrade to the latest SonicWall Gen 7 TZ firewall to help you decide if this is an investment that would be worthwhile for your company this year.

Improved Storage

The SonicWall TZ firewalls come with expandable storage and a secondary power supply. This means you’ll have business continuity if you do find your SonicWall firewall fails, although this is very unlikely to happen. At the bottom of the device, you’ll find an expandable storage slot that you can add up to 256 GB to. This is a big improvement over the Gen 6 SonicWall firewall features. It’s a great option for medium-sized businesses that may be looking to expand or require extra protection in the future.

Reasons to Upgrade to the Latest SonicWall Gen 7 TZ Firewall

Performance Levels Improved Over Gen 6

If you have one of the Gen 6 firewalls, you might be wondering if it’s really necessary to upgrade to the new SonicWall TZ range. We think that many companies would benefit from this upgrade, as the SonicWall TZ370 and other models now have improved firewall inspection, higher DPI performance, and IPSec VPN performance. This faster performance will allow you to enjoy greater capacity and quicker internet speeds. Especially if you have users working remotely, this can offer them more support and protection no matter where they are working from. Compared to the previous generation, this series of firewalls has three times improved performance, which just goes to show the effort the company has put into designing the SonicWall TZ670.

Scale to Fit Your Current Needs

One of the most common questions we receive from business owners is about scaling their firewall protection to fit their growing or shrinking company. We know the past few years have presented many challenges to business owners, so if you find your company’s needs changing, then the TZ370 could be a good option for you. You’ll find that onboarding is very quick and easy, and you can deploy the Gen 7 TZ firewalls at scale. Users can quickly increase the scale for the coverage or reduce it complexity based on your needs at this moment in time. You won’t need to employ extra IT support for this reason either, as you can use the Zero-Touch Deployment to make this task simpler than ever before. It’s a very versatile solution that’s ideal for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Better VPN Connectivity

More companies than ever before rely on VPNs for their business needs, especially with employees still working remotely following the recent pandemic. If that’s the case for your organisation, then the improved VPN connectivity with the SonicWall Gen 7 TZ firewall range will be a huge benefit to you. You can create a higher number of site-to-site VPN tunnels than with other options on the market today, increasing by eight times from what was offered with Gen 6. This is a great solution for people who aren’t willing to force their employees back to the office anytime soon but are concerned about the risk of having employees spread around the globe working from home or remotely.

The New SonicOS 7.0 Support

Whether you are investing in the Gen 7 firewall series or a virtual firewall, you may find that you need support at some point to ensure it is working to the best of its ability. The new SonicOS 7.0 operating system offers much more support than the Gen 6 series. You’ll find you can enjoy enhanced policy, advanced management capabilities, and topology view as standard. This new generation enjoys BGP support with every purchase and Stateful HA support on top of that. We are really impressed with this new upgrade to the Gen 7 TZ firewall and see that it will help business owners of any shape and size to use their new firewall with greater ease.

With so many reasons to upgrade to the latest SonicWall Gen 7 TZ firewall, it’s no surprise that business owners around the world are looking to invest in this new series. This series of firewalls is one of the most impressive launches to date from SonicWall, and we are excited by the new technology and features on offer from the company. Are you looking to improve your network security this year? If so, browse through our full selection of SonicWall firewalls today or get in touch with our team to discover which firewall would be the best option for your needs.

What is an SPI Firewall?

17/07/2023
by Paul Heritage

What is an SPI Firewall?

Most business owners are aware of the benefits of firewalls to their operation. As a provider of SonicWall firewalls, we are always excited to learn about the new technology on offer and the best ways to improve our digital security. An SPI firewall offers many advantages over other firewalls, but it’s not necessarily going to be something that everyone needs to invest in. Today we’re going to discover what an SPI firewall is, how it works and whether it’s better than the other options on the market. Our team will be here to support you at any time and help you choose the best firewall for your business needs.

What is an SPI Firewall?

Before we can look more at the SonicWall firewall features which make this type of firewall so popular, it’s important to understand what is SPI. SPI is an abbreviation for stateful packet inspection and is a type of firewall that is considered to be context-aware. You might also hear this type of firewall referred to as a smart firewall or dynamic packet filtering. It has a more flexible set of rules when it comes to filtering data packets, working to look at the context of the data packets as they enter the system and check whether they correspond to any of the active connections you have. It also has the ability to recognise patterns and stop attacks from occurring due to these repetitive actions.

An SPI firewall will be able to notice if you are getting many packets from one IP address. It will see that this is abnormal and close off the opened communication ports in order to stop a data breach. As you can see, that’s a huge advantage for business owners of any size, and it’s what sets this type of firewall apart from stateless packet inspection options. It can help to offer an additional layer of protection, and it’s one of the many reasons to upgrade to the latest SonicWall Gen 7 TZ firewall. Of course, this level of protection may not be necessary for some smaller businesses, but SPI firewalls are becoming an option that many small and medium-sized business owners are considering too.

The Benefits of an SPI Firewall

As you can probably already tell, this type of SonicWall firewall offers many benefits over older models that don’t have such advanced technology. SPI firewalls are typically much stronger for companies to use than stateless firewalls. They will be able to examine the content or context of the packets as they come in. This technology is able to spot more threats and anomalies than more basic firewall models. SonicWall TZ firewalls are a great option for business owners of all types and are one of the best options on the market today for anyone investing in their first firewall. Some companies do still prefer to use stateless firewalls as they can be faster and cheaper. However, when it comes to enhancing the security within your business, we always recommend investing in the best equipment and software you can.

How to Install an SPI Firewall

You have a few different options when it comes to buying an SPI firewall for your business or personal use. The first option is to invest in a router with an SPI firewall. Most outers naturally come with a built-in firewall, with most of these today being stateful firewalls. The good thing about using a router is that it won’t just protect one device. Instead, it will protect your whole network and keep every device in your workplace safe.

Firewall software is a good option for anyone who is looking for a quick and easy way to improve their digital security in their workplace. You can install third-party software on any device, but remember that you’ll need to have a subscription for each device you are using. It’s typically very easy and quick to set this up, but you’ll have to pay to renew it annually or on a regular basis. Finally, many antivirus software options now come with an SPI firewall. This can be another simple way to improve your digital security while also offering you antivirus protection as well.

As you can see, an SPI firewall could be a great investment for your business if you are looking to improve your digital security. Our team will be here to support you in finding the best option for your business based on your current needs and security concerns. No matter the shape and size of your company, having firewall protection in place is something everyone needs in this day and age. Take a look through our site to see our full range of SonicWall firewall products or contact our team today to discuss any questions you have about the best firewall for your needs.

Next-Generation Firewalls vs. Unified Threat Management

06/07/2023
by Paul Heritage

Protecting your workplace systems comes with a variety of options today. Next-generation firewalls and unified threat management are two modern solutions that offer many benefits to business owners. Today we’re going to look at these different types of firewalls and the protection they’ll offer you. Our team will be here to support you in finding a SonicWall firewall that will keep your network safe, so keep reading to discover more about these popular options and which would be the best choice for you.

What is a Next-Generation Firewall?

When looking at the types of firewalls on offer today, you’ll find that next-generation is a more advanced solution compared to traditional firewalls. They are the third generation of his type of technology, which offers more features than ever before. A Soho firewall can offer you protection in many ways, and our team recommends a firewall for businesses of any shape and size. A next-generation firewall will provide you with cloud-delivered intelligence about threats, deeper visibility, and VPN. You’ll also benefit from antivirus and application control, helping you to maintain a safe network.

Next-Generation Firewalls vs. Unified Threat Management

Next-generation firewalls are designed to stop malware and other threats to your system. They stop these modern threats that have developed over recent years, which a traditional firewall may not be familiar with. These deep-packet inspection firewalls offer all the features of your basic firewall but take this to a new level with the advanced additions to the newer models. When looking at NGFW vs UTM, keep in mind that your next-generation firewall could be part of your UTM firewall system, which we’ll explain further now.

What is Unified Threat Management?

As you start to learn about the features of UTM, you’ll soon see that the best UTM firewall system doesn’t just include a firewall. In fact, this management system combines various security tools within one appliance to offer you the full protection you may need as a business owner. This is the main difference between a UTM firewall vs NGFW, as UTM offers a more comprehensive system which could include other features and products too. It’s still designed to fight off security threats, and you may find that you have both an NFGW and UTM in your workplace. This all-in-one product was first launched back in 2003 and is now becoming more popular than ever before.

A unified threat management firewall can help to deploy a variety of software and hardware to offer you the best UTM firewall. Although this may be more costly for some businesses, it’s typically a great option for larger companies. You will work with one provider to ensure that your network security is of the highest standard and protects you from cyberattacks. An all-in-one management interface makes this ideal for administrators of large companies who are looking for peace of mind and ease when setting up a cybersecurity system. It can even be beneficial for smaller companies, who may find this an affordable way to enjoy more protection instead of investing in everything separately.

Which is the Best Option for Your Business?

As you compare these two options for your business, you may come to realise that they can work hand-in-hand to support your cybersecurity needs. A next-generation firewall may come as part of a UTM package, but you’ll need to ask carefully to make sure this is the type of firewall that’s included. While UTM can be more costly for businesses, it offers you easy setup and can reduce the time and hassle involved in buying all of these products separately.

When choosing the products you’ll have as part of your UTM, you can choose as few or as many as needed. A firewall, VPN, and antivirus software are common additions to UTMs, but you’ll find there are extra add-ons to provide you with a more comprehensive service. Our team can guide you through choosing the right firewall if this is all you are after and ensure that you have the necessary cybersecurity protection for years to come.

Our team knows the many benefits of both next-generation firewalls and UTMs. They can work together to offer your business a comprehensive security system that will protect your network. We’ll work with you to discuss the concerns you currently have and find an easy-to-use solution that will be quick and easy to set up. Keep in mind that it’s never too late to set up a firewall in your workplace, and it’s something that every business needs to have in this day and age. Contact us today to learn more about the firewalls we offer, or take a look through our full range of products on our site. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have on this topic and work with you to protect your network.

Read the next article: What is SPI Firewall?

Added lots of special offers

04/07/2023
by Paul Heritage

We've listed many items that we've had in stock for a few weeks and need a clear out!

Click the link below

Special offers and clearance items



Top Features To Look For in a UTM Firewall Solution

28/06/2023
by Paul Heritage

A UTM firewall solution can offer many benefits to your business. When you are looking at investing in this type of solution, you’ll want to take the time to consider the top features that you need for the protection you require. Learn more about the products we offer here and how we can help you to protect your business networks. Keep reading as we share the top unified threat management firewall features so that you can take full advantage of this excellent solution in the future.

Top Features To Look For in a UTM Firewall Solution

A Firewall

UTM combines a variety of different solutions to help offer you a full range of security protection solutions. The number one thing that every business needs in this day and age is a firewall. No matter the size of your business and the number of employees you have, this can protect you from some of the most common cybersecurity concerns that we have to face today. Over the past few years, there have been more issues than ever before when it comes to cybersecurity threats. SonicWall firewalls are perfect for small and medium-sized businesses, which are often the victims of these concerns. We highly recommend that this is the first investment you make for your business if you haven’t already, and our team will be here to support you in finding a firewall solution that’s right for your needs.

Virtual Private Network

A site-to-site or client-to-site VPN is another part of the unified threat management firewall for business security solutions. It doesn’t replace a firewall but will work alongside it to create a private network that encrypts over the public network to hide your data from other people. VPNs are commonly used by people who travel and work away from the office, who maybe can’t always benefit from UTM in firewalls. A VPN will create a digital connection that goes between your device and a remote server that’s owned by the provider. It will mask your IP address, so you can overcome firewalls online and work as needed from anywhere in the world.

URL Filtering

When considering UTM for business, you might also want to think about URL filtering, which is one of the top features to consider in this type of solution. As you research a unified threat management firewall solution, you’ll realise that the internet has far more risks than you might even be aware of. When you have a large group of employees navigating the internet for their work, the chance of someone falling victim to a phishing attack is greater than ever. By investing in URL filtering, you can improve your network security and reduce the threats to your business. URL filtering blocks some URLs from loading on your network. You can have more control over what people are looking at and ensure that your business remains safe when using the internet on a daily basis.

Antivirus

As well as a SonicWall firewall, we recommend that every business has antivirus software in place to offer yourself full protection when working on your computer network. This type of software allows you to protect your computers and remove any potentially malicious software that could damage all of your hard work. Over the past few years, malware has become increasingly advanced, wreaking havoc for business owners around the world.

While conventional antivirus software options used to work in the past, you’ll find you now need to look at the more modern and advanced solutions on offer. You’ll find software today that has global scanning, cloud integration and alert options, which will help to provide your business with the most protection possible. It’s one of the UTM features that literally every business and individual should have, helping to keep all of your devices safe every day.

Who Should Invest in a UTM Firewall Solution?

A UTM firewall solution could benefit literally any business owner. However, you’ll want to take the time to compare the features you really need and focus on adding those first to your business. If you are a small business owner who doesn’t work online too much, you may find a basic firewall and antivirus software is the best option for you. Our team can advise you about the SonicWall firewall options that would suit your business operations and provide you with the best protection for years to come.

Are you looking to improve your network security within your business? If so, a UTM firewall solution is a great option for modern businesses that are concerned about the threats of cyber hacking. Our team will be here to share with you a variety of options that we have for small and medium-sized businesses and ensure that you find the right solution for your needs based on your current business and security concerns.

What Is a Unified Threat Management System?

19/06/2023
by Paul Heritage

When looking at ways to protect your workplace systems, you may find that you come across the term unified threat management. This type of firewall protection is now becoming increasingly popular within the cybersecurity industry. A SonicWall firewall can offer you the full protection you need as a small or medium-sized business owner, but today we’ll look at who should also consider a UTM firewall and the benefits of this solution. Get in touch with our team to learn more about the range of firewalls we offer and how they can protect your business for years to come.

Unified Threat Management – What Is It?

When looking at the UTM firewall meaning, you’ll find that it’s the practice of combining early detection systems and security tools to monitor and protect the network within your business. It uses a combination of tools such as event management, intrusion detection, and security information to help counter threats that could put your business at risk. This system will collect all of these tools in one place, which could include a firewall or networking security system. You’ll only have to worry about dealing with one solution and vendor, offering you the full protection you need no matter the type of business you operate. A UTM network could simplify your life as a business owner and save you time and energy in the long run.

What Is a Unified Threat Management System?

However, it’s important to note that a UTM threat management system might not be the right option for your unique needs. We offer SonicWall firewall support for businesses of all sizes, and we’ll help you find the right option based on the type of network you operate. Cybersecurity isn’t one size fits all task, and you’ll find that UTM network protection might not be the right option for you at the current time. You’ll still need to use antivirus software and a SonicWall firewall for the best protection of your mobile devices and desktop computers. By putting all of your hope in one UTM cybersecurity product, you could become too reliant on this system and end up putting your network at greater risk. It’s all about weighing up the pros and cons to ensure it’s the right fit for your needs.

Types of Unified Threat Management Solutions

There are many different products and services which fall under the category of UTM. You’ll find that different vendors offer a variety of options, which will allow you to find one that best fits your needs. There are both software and hardware options, with UTM devices on offer to protect your network. A UTM firewall is one of the most popular products in this category, but you’ll want to compare these to next-generation firewalls to see if it’s the right option for your business. A firewall helps to offer you cybersecurity protection that will filter out traffic that could be damaging to your network.

VPNs can also fall under this category, helping to make your network traffic anonymous to anyone else. They are an excellent option for mobile users or anyone working remotely, offering the protection that’s necessary when travelling. UTM data loss prevention can also help to provide you with data backup, which will help to restore your work if you do find that you lose it in the future. These aren’t all the solutions you’ll find when it comes to unified threat management systems, but they are some of the most popular options your business might want to consider.

Who Should Use a Unified Threat Management System?

Unified threat management systems aren’t necessarily a good option for every business owner. Our team will be able to advise you about the best options based on your unique needs, which will vary for every business. You need to start by identifying everything you need to protect and the current risks to your business. Make sure your whole organisation is on the same page when it comes to your cybersecurity strategy, which will help to get more buy-in and support from key management positions. You don’t necessarily want to completely replace your current system either with UTM. You could simply consider upgrading your solutions to have a more comprehensive cybersecurity solution in place.

As you can see, there are many benefits of a unified threat management system. Our team will be here to talk you through the various options on offer at the current time from SonicWall. We’ll be able to support you in choosing the right option for your business based on your current security concerns. Contact us today to learn more about this topic, or take a look through our product pages for more information about the solutions we have on offer. We’ll be here to support you in making this year the most productive and secure one yet for your business.

SonicWall Management Settings

08/06/2023
by Paul Heritage

After you’ve invested in your new SonicWall firewall from our company, you’ll want to make sure you learn about the SonicWall settings that will help you use this purchase to its full advantage. With so many benefits of a SonicWall firewall, you’ll want to ensure you are using the right management settings to enjoy protection no matter the size and type of business you operate. If you do find you need SonicWall firewall support, our team will be here to answer your questions at any time. Keep reading as we share some of our top tips for firewall management setting options to make the most of your SonicWall firewall this year.

Changing Your Firewall Management Settings

The first thing you need to learn about SonicWall firewall support is how to adjust your management settings. This basic skill can save you from needing professional help over and over again and can resolve many of the issues you may have with your firewall. Use the system tree and then select Management to find the page you need to access. One thing to keep in mind is that if you do change these settings, it may adjust units to become disconnected from GMS. Make sure you don’t make any major changes to your system without being sure it’s the right thing to do. Otherwise, contact our team with any questions you have first to avoid further issues.

You’ll then enter the port number in the HTTP Port field or choose Enable HTTPS Access to the unit if this is the option you need. You can use 8443 as the port for HTTPS access, so you won’t have to download a new certificate every time you want to use this system. You’ll then have the choice of whether you want to manage your system with GMS or a VPN, which you can choose in the Enable Management menu. The next thing to consider is the LAN interface and whether it’s online. Always select Enable Ping from LAN/WorkPort to the management interface for this option. By choosing to follow these tips we’ve shared above, you’ll have the basic settings in place to ensure you follow the top firewall management setting practices.

Sonicwall Management Settings

Managing Your SonicWall via HTTP

SonicWall firewalls can be managed by either HTTP or HTTPS and your web browser. The default setting is HTTP management, but you’ll find that you can log into the management interface to switch over to HTTPS. As far as the default ports, you can use 443 for HTTPS and 80 for HTTP. The Certificate Selection option offers you the option to use a self-signed certificate if that’s something you would prefer. Another important feature to use is the Delete Cookies button, which will remove browser cookies. Remember that this will delete any unsaved changes that you’ve made within the management tool, so only do this if you are happy to lose anything you’ve recently updated. We always encourage you to double-check before making any changes within the management settings, as you don’t want to undo the protection your firewall is offering you.

Use Tooltips for Extra Assistance

Something we really like with the SonicWall firewall management settings and system is the option to use their tooltips. These tips are embedded into many elements of the user interface. You’ll find little pop-up windows appear when you put your mouse over one of the elements you may be looking at. They give you a small description of the element, so you can learn more about the changes you might make to your settings. Keep in mind that not every element has this option, so if you hover your mouse over it, and it’s not there, don’t worry, as it’s just not available for this element.

These tips are a great way to learn more about the management system by yourself, and you’ll find your knowledge continues to expand the more you use this system. They are enabled automatically, but you do have the option to disable them if you don’t find value in them any more. You can also change the configuration of these tooltips, which can make them even more valuable to you as a user.

SonicWall management settings offer you the chance to have full control over your firewall. The more time you spend using this system and making changes to the settings, the easier it will be to know how best to protect your system. We recommend always taking your time to learn about the settings before making major changes, as you don’t want to reduce the protection you have if it’s serving your business well. Our team will be here to answer your questions at any time on this topic and support you with making adjustments to your management settings if needed. Get in touch with us today to learn more about the services we offer and how we can support you with a new SonicWall firewall this year.

How to configure firewalls to be managed by Global Management Systems (GMS)

05/05/2023
by Paul Heritage

Good security management relies on understanding your security environment. And not just parts of it. All of your network environments.

You need to have a holistic overview of all aspects of your network and levels of security to put you in the best possible place to prevent malicious and relentless cyber-attacks. Attacks that can cost your business thousands.

Often, at SonicWall-Sales, we find businesses operating across numerous security platforms, with data reporting complex and varied, making for poor information and analytics.

In turn, this varied security detail can lead to confusion regarding what your security systems are managing and, indeed, reporting on.

Instead, you need to be able to react to security threats quickly and effectively. You must have robust processes in place to manage your network security and, ideally, be able to do this all from one central location.

The good news is that the SonicWall GMS (Global Management System) can do all this and

more.

Providing you with robust management, monitoring, reporting, and analytics across all SonicWall firewalls, you can now view and capture your entire security environment with one system.

In addition, you will also receive SonicWall firewall support, management of wireless access points, effective email security, mobile access, monitoring of third-party networks, and more; with the SonicWall GMS, you can now have a centralised hub for all security monitoring and management.

How to configure firewalls to be managed by Global Management Systems (GMS)

SonicWall Global Management Systems

  • Bring your security environment together under one unified system.
  • Reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and provide quicker response times.
  • Integrate software and applications seamlessly into other security software.
  • Continue to meet stringent compliance regulations.
  • Allow you to make better and more informed security decisions based on real-time data and monitoring.
  • Provide you with complete and consistent analytics and reporting, clear audit trails, and more.

How to configure firewalls

Within your network, you will need to work within the administration tab of your network settings. From here, identify the firewall to be configured and select `enable GMS management.` Then click, configure.

Any SonicWall firewall policy changes are configured through GMS and also colour-coded to highlight the changes in the system.

Validation and testing of the firewall will then be carried out.

Audit trails will act as reviews of the updated firewall changes.

And, once approved, firewall changes will be deployed across the entire security environment.

Finally, change logs will be updated for auditing and compliance purposes.

Our team of security professionals can help you to configure SonicWall firewalls and GMS if required; call us at 0330 1340 230.

You can also check out our more detailed guidance HERE.

How to configure SonicWall remotely

If you have remote branches or office locations, you can also use the Zero-Touch deployment service, which is part of GMS.

Simplifying, updating, and making changes to firewalls remotely, you can now operationalise your network's firewalls at scale, removing the need for individual configuration and installation.

Configure Firewall

All firewalls must be registered to the GMS using their serial number and authentication code.

You will then be required to connect the firewall to the network where it can be discovered, authenticated, and added to the appropriate Capture, configuring this with SonicWall.

Once it has been discovered, captured, and configured, you're now able to manage and control all firewalls centrally through your cloud-based management system.

This will allow you to initiate updates, patches, and any configuration changes at a group level – saving you considerable time and resources.

With GMS-configured firewalls, you can quickly and easily set policies all from a central point.

Benefits of configuring firewalls to be managed by GMS:

  • Ensures all firewalls are updated at the same time – avoids discrepancies and a lot of time and resources being deployed.
  • Minimises service disruptions – teams can remain largely unaffected by software updates occurring in the background or scheduled for out-of-hours.
  • Simplifies your security management – everything is in one place, reporting is consistent, and data and information come from one source.
  • Produces robust reporting to aid better decision-making – you now have the option of real-time intuitive information available at your fingertips.
  • You have limitless scalability – providing you with complete flexibility, as the system can grow when your business grows.
  • Provides visibility of all your devices from one central location – see exactly what is going on, where, and when, all in an instant.
  • You have interactive dashboards – this allows for on-the-spot decisions to be made, allowing you to stop cyber-attacks in their tracks.

SonicWall firewall support

It is possible to create a strong yet flexible security environment that is operational from one point, allowing you to stay one step ahead of cyber-criminals at all times.

Working with the right team and deploying the right software for your business is key.

Protecting your business and its data and information is our top priority.

To learn more and see how our systems and software can help you today, call us at 0330 1340 230 or email enquiries@sonicwall-sales.com

Troubleshooting Your SonicWall Firewall: Essential Tips And Techniques For Network Administrators

05/05/2023
by Paul Heritage

If you’ve been given the task of being the network administrator for your new SonicWall firewall, then you may be looking for the best ways to manage this system. The good news is that SonicWall firewall support is readily available to business owners who’ve recently installed this system. You’ll also find the system to be very intuitive, so you can learn by yourself how to troubleshoot firewall issues. Visit our firewall page to discover more about the products we offer and to learn about the benefits this investment could make to your business.

Troubleshooting Your SonicWall Firewall: Essential Tips And Techniques For Network Administrators

Resetting Your SonicWall Firewall

One of the most basic things to learn when discovering how to troubleshoot a firewall is how to reset the system if you need to. While we hope you won’t need to do this too often, it’s something that can sometimes be necessary for a variety of reasons. To start the process, access your Settings menu, and then choose the Device button. Make sure you always create a backup and then use the local backup option to save your current settings. You’ll then be ready to go ahead and do the full reset, which you can access at the back of the device using a pin. Make sure you only reset your device in an emergency situation or if it’s really not functioning properly, as this isn’t something we recommend doing too frequently.

Connectivity Issues

Another commonly discussed area when it comes to SonicWall support troubleshooting is connectivity. You’ll find that the majority of issues with firewalls are due to the network it’s running on, but it may also be to do with the settings. If you don’t have your firewall configured properly, then you’ll find it won’t be able to perform its desired role to the best of its ability. When the firewall isn’t set up to the best of its ability or is working with a weak signal, this can leave your network open to attack. Make sure you double-check all of your settings if you suspect there are issues, and then you should be ready to enjoy maximum protection again from your firewall.

Internet Access with the SonicWall Firewall

It’s very easy to allow internet access through your firewall, which you can set up using the web-based management interface. You’ll need to log in to your account first, then you can navigate through the settings to approve internet access. Go to Network, then choose Zones, and you’ll be able to select a new zone for your internet. You can then allow different protocols and ports for your internet access, before applying these changes and saving them. SonicWall troubleshooting is quick and easy when you know how, but it’s something we recommend you take the time to learn about so that you don’t have to keep calling for professional assistance.

Throughput Concerns

A very common firewall troubleshoot concern that we hear about from business owners is regarding SonicWall throughput. If the device doesn’t receive enough data to process or gets too much data, then this can lead to a drop in the throughput and efficiency of the system. Make sure you first try to identify and rectify the issues causing this decrease in the throughput. You’ll also want to ensure that you have done all of the recent updates to your SonicWall device. When you don’t keep your device fully updated, you’ll find that it won’t be as effective as it could be and may not be able to offer you the full protection you expect from this investment.

To help discover the root cause of your performance issues, make sure you take the time to test the performance and settings. As you adjust various settings, you’ll want to make sure you put the security level to the lowest option. Disable any features you don’t need to use if there is an issue with the overall power of the firewall. After some time, you may find that you need to upgrade your firewall, especially if you aren’t already using a powerful device like those offered from SonicWall. Our team can help you troubleshoot a firewall but will also be able to support you in choosing an upgraded device if you feel this is a good option for your business at the current time.

By learning these simple ways to troubleshoot your SonicWall firewall, you’ll find that you can resolve most major issues by yourself at home. Our team will always be here to support you after you’ve purchased a new SonicWall firewall from us, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about using this device to protect your business. Contact us today to learn more about the SonicWall firewalls we offer or to discuss any concerns you have about your current system.

Cybersecurity: Preventing Disaster from Being Online

26/04/2023
by Paul Heritage

As gangs of hackers increase their ability and skills to collect and exploit our data, what can we do to minimize the damage? Start by assessing your risk and controlling the threats with some spycraft and outstanding cybersecurity technology.

By

The Internet is an incredible resource that has revolutionized every aspect of our ever-changing global society. Some parts of life are nearly impossible without some connection to the net for work, play or learning. Yet, while our connectivity accompanies the entire planet through the digital evolution, it also introduces a new level of risk few people ever imagined.

But “spycraft”? What does that have to do with you or me? In truth, most of us are the furthest thing from a “spy,” let alone know how to control our risk of hacking. But the fact that you’re reading this post means that you’re asking the right questions.

Allen Dulles and his 73 Rules.

Allen Dulles was an American diplomat and intelligence officer who served as the first civilian Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) and was the longest-serving director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1953 to 1961. During his time at the CIA, he played a significant role in shaping US foreign policy, particularly during the Cold War. He was involved in several covert operations, including overthrowing the Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh and the Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba. He also helped establish the CIA’s covert action capabilities and modernized its intelligence-gathering methods.

The inspiration for this presentation is roughly based on Allen Dulles’s 73 Rules of Spycraft. When he wrote this missive, it was as an instructor for agents in the field. His general philosophy for the craft was that “spying” anywhere is often dangerous and must be engaged with the strictest discipline.

A quick read of Dulles’s rules reveals a bit of duplication and redundancy, but there are good reasons why he wrote that way. In part, he wanted to demonstrate that rules for this type of work required constant adaptation. And like a good teacher, Dulles illustrates that the essential aspect of being mindful about security “consists not only in avoiding big risks… it is consistent care in them that forms the habits of true security mindedness.”

Knives out: Lurking Cybersecurity Threats

In a real sense, you’re risking everything whenever you open a browser window. One little error, one misstep in judgment, and you could lose it all to a hacker.

According to the 2023 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report, while the total global count for ransomware was 493.3 million (a 21% drop over last year), Europeans saw an 83% jump, which includes a 112% increase in the UK. The education and finance sectors were hit the hardest, with sharp increases of 275% and 41%, respectively. So, while the risk of getting hit by ransomware is still higher than getting hit by a car or lightning, the effects can be just as devastating.

What is the solution? Experience shows us that we can manage both the risk and the potential damage. For the sake of this article, I present an easy four-step action plan.

Whom do you trust?

Trust is the crux of cybersecurity, where behavior and technology meet. Therefore, the first step is assessing trust and recognizing that risk is omnipresent.

Just by being here and reading this article, you trusted the host of the website where this article is published, the IT engineers and technicians who run the website, the coder who built the page and uploaded the article, and me. And that’s not including anyone who may have sent you a link because they think you should read it. My gosh. That’s four or five people in the process you’ve trusted already. Let’s add now the manufacturer of the technology you’re using to get here, your bandwidth provider, your fiber or wire or satellite company – maybe even the neighbor with a beard. You see where this is going, right?

The juvenile response to such mounting risk is, “I’ll never trust anyone.” However, such an attitude only takes us so far because when it comes to engagement and interaction (online or offline), eventually, you must trust someone.

Spycraft as a cybersecurity risk mitigator.

Consider the second step: how to apply spycraft as a risk mitigator. We adopt unconscious happenstance to function normally for everyday tasks: preparing ourselves for work, the commute, lunch, watching a show on the television, and walking the dog. Now consider how a happenstance approach endangers your cybersecurity. Risk always increases when we stop paying attention.

Adopting ‘spycraft-sense’ mitigates the risk of getting hit by a car by looking both ways before we cross a street. And you can avoid most lighting strikes simply by not going outside when conditions for lighting are present. Similarly, we can enhance cybersecurity by never blindly trusting everyone and everything we see online. That means adopting what Allen Dulles called “greater situational awareness” for the things that increase risk.

Therefore, we can reduce risk by becoming fully mindful of our daily interactions and engagements. That means being aware of how hackers deploy social engineering with various forms of phishing (email, text messaging, social media) and setting personal rules about links we click, sites we visit, downloads we take, and the technology we deploy to control or even reverse potential damage.

Cybersecurity technology that can enhance the effect of spycraft.

Then it should be no surprise that our third step is looking at how technology may enhance the effects of everything we’ve done so far. From great technological advancement comes greater convenience. New tech delivers fantastic opportunities straight into our hands. But, if we want to continue to enjoy those opportunities, then it’s really up to us as individuals to step up and control the inevitable risks that come with using them.

The title of this Mindhunter presentation seems a little apocalyptic – disaster is not inevitable. I would instead like to think that the title gives us some optimism. We don’t have to become spies to control our cybersecurity risks; we just need to follow basic rules of engagement and interaction to keep us safe from malware that can lead to ransomware and other advanced threats.

However, should something sneak past us, we want layers of technology that can stop threats before they exert their total potential damage. Think of yourself as an onion with an outside layer of good anti-virus and anti-malware software on all your local devices. In the next layer, we can deploy next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) and AI-augmented software that analyzes even advanced threats and neutralize them without degrading device performance. And we want redundancies, backups, and means for easy rollback to protect our core. The best part is that this technology is off the shelf and ready to deploy today.

Explore and learn with SonicWall’s Mindhunters.

That leaves us to the fourth and final step: book your seat for MINDHUNTER #12, Cybersecurity: Preventing Disaster from Being Online. This is where you can pick up active lessons on cybersecurity from experts in the field today. Get the most from better online behavior and be boundless with excellent cybersecurity solutions and technology. The event is scheduled for April 18, 2023. Good hunting!

Effective Ways to Reduce the Risk of Your Cloud Environment

20/04/2023
by Paul Heritage

While the cloud environment has many great advantages for business owners, security risks are now becoming more common in this field. To keep working safely in this environment, you need to make sure you do all you can to prevent cloud attacks. Go to our page to learn more about the products we offer which can support you with this task or keep reading as we share our top tips to reduce risk in a cloud environment.

Effective Ways to Reduce the Risk of Your Cloud Environment

Install a SonicWall Firewall

As a SonicWall firewall support company, our number one tip for improving your security in a cloud environment is to use a firewall. Many people believe that just because they are working in the cloud, they don’t need to install this. However, it’s one of the most critical tasks you can perform to reduce security risks in cloud computing. SonicWall is one of the most advanced and effective options for small and medium-sized businesses, offering a range of products to fit everyone’s needs. Our team will be here to support you in choosing the right option for your business and users to improve your security and safety.

Two-Factor Authentication

When it comes to who can log into your cloud environment, we recommend two-factor authentication. You’ll combine a password with a second type of authentication, such as a PIN. Your IT team can choose the best option based on the users in your business so that you always have a way of ensuring only the right people are accessing the files and items they need. The more you can do to restrict the chance of hackers entering your cloud environment, the more protected you’ll be. Many of the world’s top companies use this to help with mitigating security risks, so make sure you consider this when setting up your cloud systems.

Reduce the Number of Users

While it can be tempting to think that you can give everyone in your organisation or team access to a cloud environment, you’ll want to think about what this does for the risks with cloud computing. The fewer people you allow to access this system, the better it will be in the long run for your team and security. We recommend only sharing with people who critically need access to your system the username and password information, otherwise, you may have too many people trying to use one system. You’ll also find that there are fewer issues with files and errors being made, which is another cloud security risk when too many people are involved.

Don’t Share Accounts

It’s very common in workplaces for multiple users to share access information for a cloud-based platform. This is one of the biggest security mistakes you can make and can be a huge disaster when it comes to protecting your data and information. You never know who is going to get their hands on the login information, which is why every user should have their own set of credentials. Make sure your employees are educated about the risks of sharing their information with others, even if they think they are a co-worker they can trust with this information.

Don’t Cut Corners on Security

While you might think you can save time and money by making a few changes to your cloud environment, this is one of the worst things you can do in the long run. We always recommend investing in the best firewall you can afford to offer yourself maximum protection. Also, increase your storage and security in your cloud environment in the first place, so that you can get the best usage out of this environment. The upfront cost may seem like a lot to spend, but you’ll find that in the long run, you won’t have as many issues or concerns about security and safety. Ensure you also invest in training for your IT team where needed, so that they can resolve any issues further down the line.

A cloud environment is an excellent way for many businesses to operate today. You’ll find that it’s a very cost-effective solution for most companies, helping you to maximise the storage space on your physical devices. However, when it comes to working in the cloud, you’ll want to make sure you do all you can to keep safety and security as your top priority. Our team will be here to help you with this with the support of SonicWall, which offers a range of excellent firewalls that are suitable for everyone’s business needs. Get in touch with us today to learn more about the range of SonicWall products on offer. We’ll be here to answer your questions about security in the cloud and ensure your business remains protected for many years to come.

You might be interested to read: How to configure firewalls to be Managed by Global Management System

SonicWall Firewall Configuration

05/04/2023
by Paul Heritage

Our team is proud to offer a fantastic range of SonicWall firewall products. These products are designed to support small and medium-sized businesses that are looking to improve their company’s security. When you first invest in a SonicWall firewall, you’ll want to do all you can to configure its settings and make the most of this purchase. Today we’re going to take you through the process of setting up your SonicWall firewalls so that you can take advantage of all of the fantastic features and benefits of this product.

SonicWall Firewall Configuration

What is Firewall Configuration?

Firewall configuration is the process of setting up your firewall so that all of the settings fit the unique needs of your business. Businesses around the world rely on Sonic firewalls to improve their safety and security. You’ll find that they are ideal for small and medium-sized businesses, helping you to enjoy peace of mind when working on your computer systems. SonicWall firewall configuration uses the SonicOS operating system or the SonicOS enhanced operating system which is now available on most of their systems. This helps to improve your security when configured correctly. By taking the time to learn about all of the features and settings available to you, you can enjoy years of protection from your new firewall.

The SonicWall Installation Wizard

SonicWall configuration is made simple with the installation wizard. These devices have various wizards based on the model you choose, which will help with the configuration of firewall settings on your firewall. You’ll find a menu when you first use the firewall, which will make the router deployment quick and easy. Even if you’ve never used this type of device before, you’ll find that the setup process is easy to follow on the Setup Wizard. Follow the steps through slowly to make sure there aren’t any errors and that you’ve chosen the settings that will best suit your needs.

Address Object Configuration

One of the first things you’ll need to configure is the address object. You need to configure the address object to fit the SingleComm domain, which we can help you with when you first invest in your new firewall. This can be accessed on the Network tab, then the Address object button. Here you’ll find a list of object groups which you can also work on, but hit Add which is found under Address objects to add the address. Set the address to the WAN zone and hit okay, repeating this step for every SingleComm FQDN you need to connect to.

Logging in For the First Time

When you first set up your SonicWall, you’ll need to add a username and password. This will be required any time you need to make changes. As with any username and password combination, make sure it’s secure but easy to remember. Also, only share this with the people in your business to who you want to grant access to your SonicWall settings. This should typically be just your IT team and only a couple of members of staff. The more people who have access to this, the more likely you’ll be the victim of a hacking attack.

Creating Access Rules

Your SonicWall firewall will also require you to create access rules, which you can find under the firewall button. You’ll then see the matrix or drop-down boxes radio button, where you can apply the access rules. Clicking add will finish off this process. Make sure you set this up correctly so that only the right people can access the system and so that your firewall offers you the effective protection you need.

Who Can Benefit From a SonicWall Firewall?

Anyone can benefit from adding a SonicWall firewall to their business. No matter the shape and size of your business, you’ll find that you enjoy years of use and protection from this type of firewall. As long as you take the time to configure your settings correctly, you’ll be sure to benefit from this investment for years to come. Our team will be here to ensure you make the right choice when it comes to which firewall to choose for your business and then install it with our assistance if needed.

Are you looking to purchase a SonicWall firewall for your business? If so, get in touch with our team today or look through our selection of firewalls on offer on our site. Our team will be here to answer any of your questions about the benefits of using a firewall and how you can set one up for your business. We are always passionate about helping companies to improve their operations and make the most of the amazing tools on offer to you today. With technology only continuing to advance, we can’t wait to help you make this the best year yet for your business.

Recommended article to read: Effective Ways to Reduce the Risk of Your Cloud Environment