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Latest News

09/05/2024
by Paul Heritage

Latest blogs and updates from SonicWall-Sales.com

Network Segmentation

14/08/2023
by Paul Heritage

No matter what type of business you operate, finding ways to protect your network is critical with the increased number of cybersecurity threats today. As a business owner, when you buy a SonicWall VPN firewall, you’ll offer yourself an additional layer of protection to keep your business running smoothly for years to come. You’ve no doubt come across a variety of terms which describe the various protection options, and today we’re going to discover what is network segmentation and the benefits it offers to you as a business owner.

What is Network Segmentation?

Network segmentation is a technique that’s used to divide a network up into smaller subnetworks. These allow you to control each of the areas separately, which can improve security and help to reduce risk to the entire network. In order to achieve network segmentation, a partition is placed in the network to create subnetworks based on various criteria. This then makes them more manageable, and you can choose the controls you need to apply to each of these segments. There are various network segmentation best practices to keep in mind, which will help you to receive all the benefits of this security technique.

Network Segmentation

Network Segmentation Benefits

There are many benefits of network segmentation, which is why companies of all shapes and sizes use this technique alongside a SonicWall VPN firewall to offer them extra protection. With concerns about security threats such as APIs, the need for more protection has never been greater. The main benefit of network segmentation best practice solutions is that you’ll have more control over the traffic that’s coming in and out of the network. Your security will be greatly increased, as the more open your network is, the greater the chance of a large surface attack. When you have these smaller subnetworks in place, traffic can be isolated, and you’ll have more control over the movement between areas. Attacks can be isolated in one area if needed, so that malware can’t take over your whole network.

As well as benefitting your security, you’ll find that network segmentation helps to improve your network performance. Segmentation will reduce the amount of congestion throughout the network as it removes any unnecessary traffic that’s not needed in one area. This makes it ideal for large businesses with a lot of traffic that want to speed up performance for specific areas. Fewer hosts are needed in each subnetwork, so you can be sure your system will also run more effectively. When you buy a SonicWall VPN firewall, you’ll also find that your performance and security improve in any area.

How to Set Up Network Segmentation

When discussing how to set up network segmentation and use a VPN firewall in this area, you’ll want to think about which solution for the setup is best for your needs. These options all have the same overall benefit, but they can offer different advantages to business owners. Perimeter-based segmentation will create internal and external segments. It uses trust to decide what can come in and out of the segment, minimising restrictions on your internal resources. The filtering takes place at specific points, and you need to have policies in place to ensure you are meeting your end goals. A network firewall is one of the best ways to put this practice into place and ensure that you enjoy the benefits of network segmentation.

Another option is network virtualisation, which is used by many modern and large businesses today. Specific functions help to maintain network points and offer varying trust levels. Because many companies now find perimeter-based segmentation to not be effective enough for modern security threats, this option is becoming more popular. It gives you the chance to achieve improved security and performance and keep security services separate from your physical infrastructure. It’s a very efficient option that can help you to keep areas of your network separate and reduce the risk of advanced threats from taking over your network. We all know that there have been a huge number of security issues over recent years, so the more measures you can put in place to protect yourself, the greater the chances that you’ll enjoy peace of mind for years to come.

Network segmentation is a tool that many companies are using to offer extra protection to their business network. Our team knows that a firewall is one of the best security solutions for companies of all shapes and sizes, and we’ll be here to help you find the right option based on your current concerns and needs. We encourage you to check out our full range of SonicWall products, all of which are designed with modern businesses and their needs in mind. Contact us today for further information about any of our products or how we can help you to improve your network security.

What is a Virtual Firewall?

04/08/2023
by Paul Heritage

What is a Virtual Firewall?

A firewall is an essential investment for business owners of all sizes and types. When comparing the firewall options on the market today, you might hear the term virtual firewall used. Check our firewall page here to learn more about some of the best options on the market today or keep reading as we discover what a virtual firewall is and whether it’s an option that’s suitable for your current security needs. We’ll be here to support you in finding the best type of protection for your company based on your individual circumstances, so don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information and support.

Virtual Firewalls – The Basics

A virtual firewall, which might also be referred to as a cloud firewall, is a type of network security option that’s suitable for business owners who are unable to deploy a hardware firewall. While there are many advantages of SonicWall TZ firewalls, some companies are unable to use these at the current time and so opt for a virtual firewall instead. Public or private cloud environments might opt for a virtual firewall. The good news is that either of these options work with the same aim in mind. They either reject or grant access to your network when traffic comes through. A virtual firewall is a type of software that will secure any virtual environment and won’t need a physical storage unit in the same way that a hardware firewall would in your workplace.

Over the past few years, you’ll find that the virtual firewalls have become even more advanced. When looking at the question of what is virtual firewall and what are the benefits of this solution, you’ll find they are just as advanced as many hardware options today. It’s a great solution for anyone working remotely, which is something that more companies are still opting to offer to their employees following the recent pandemic. Of course, we encourage you to learn what is a virtual firewall and compare it to some of the top SonicWall firewall options on the market today to discover which would be the most advanced and reliable option for your unique business needs.

The Benefits of a Virtual Firewall

While the SonicWall firewall features will vary from model to model, you’ll find that virtual firewalls all share a similar range of great benefits for users. One of the top benefits of this solution is that it can be a more cost-effective option than a hardware firewall up front. That being said, you’ll likely have to pay a subscription or upgrade the firewall each year, so in the long run, it might not always be the cheapest option. These firewalls are designed with the unique risks of the virtual environment in mind. They are a great option for modern businesses with remote employees who are looking to remain working from home for the time being.

The number of security concerns has one increased over recent years, and if you are working remotely, you still need to protect yourself in the same way as you would in an office. A virtual firewall can help you to enjoy consistent network security which will allow you to provide your service in a timely and effective manner. It can help to protect both private and public clouds and ensure you remain competitive in your marketplace without security threats stopping you from getting your work completed.

Is a Virtual Firewall the Right Option for My Business?

Our team is passionate about supporting businesses in finding the best security solutions for their unique needs. We offer a range of SonicWall firewalls to support businesses of all shapes and sizes, but we know virtual firewalls are becoming more popular for companies to use. One thing to compare is the features of the firewall you are looking to invest in. Many hardware firewalls have more advanced features, which can offer you additional layers of protection that are well worth investing in.

You no doubt have a range of security concerns based on the type of business you own and operate, so it’s all about finding a solution that will protect you over the upcoming years. A virtual firewall is a good option for anyone operating in the cloud, but if you are looking to protect your physical network and workplace, then a traditional hardware firewall might be a better option.

Are you looking to improve your network security this year? If so, our team will be on hand at any time to support you with finding the right firewall for your needs. Virtual firewalls are a great option for modern businesses working in the cloud, but we’ll be excited to show you our range of SonicWall firewalls. Contact us today to learn more about the best option for your business or browse through the range of firewalls on our site now.

Get the mid-year 2023 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report

27/07/2023
by Paul Heritage

SonicWall’s bi-annual Cyber Threat Report explores the top attack trends. Join and gain insights on the emerging threat landscape for 2023.

  • 332 million cryptojacking attacks were recorded in the first half of 2023 globally — a record-breaking 399% increase over last year.
  • Nearly 6 million encrypted threat attacks globally, a 22% rise overall. LATAM saw an eye-popping 2,851% increase in attacks over last year.
  • More than 77 million IoT malware attacks, representing a 37% rise globally year-to-date, with sharp increases seen in Asia (170%) and LATAM (164%).
  • A decrease in overall ransomware attacks hides upticks in some industries and an increase in targeted and high-profile cyber threats.
  • SonicWall delivers real-time cyber threat intelligence to our partners, customers and the global cyber intelligence community. Our twice-yearly threat reports are cited by leading news organizations globally used by companies and government agencies to strategize and plan their cybersecurity.

    Know the threats and build a strategy to keep your organization and assets safe. Download our report today.

    Mid-Year Update to the 2023 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report | Threat Intelligence



    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.