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Latest News

20/10/2021
by Paul Heritage

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

Summary of SonicWall Firewall Lifecycle

31/08/2022
by Paul Heritage

All correct as of 31st August 2022 - model order for all small and mid-size firewalls.

1 YEAR LDO = The last date you can purchase a renewal (1 year only available)

Upgrade options

SMB & Branches

Model 1 Year LDO End of Support Years to go
600P 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
600 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
500W 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
500 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
400 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
350W 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
350 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
300W 22/01/2024 23/01/2025 2
300P 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
SOHOW 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
SOHO 250 31/07/2025 01/08/2026 3
SOHO 250W 31/07/2025 01/08/2026 3
400W 31/07/2025 01/08/2026 3
300 22/01/2024 23/01/2025 2
300W (AC Model) 22/01/2024 23/01/2025 2
SOHO 22/01/2024 23/01/2025 2
215W 01/06/2020 02/06/2021 EoS
105W 10/09/2019 11/09/2020 EoS
205W 05/08/2019 06/08/2020 EoS
215 31/08/2019 01/08/2020 EoS
105 28/07/2019 29/07/2020 EoS
205 30/06/2019 01/07/2020 EoS
200W 13/01/2017 13/01/2018 EoS
200 13/01/2017 13/01/2018 EoS
100W 15/11/2016 15/11/2017 EoS
100 15/11/2016 15/11/2017 EoS
210W 30/05/2016 30/05/2017 EoS
210 30/05/2016 30/05/2017 EoS

Mid-Sized Enterprise

Model 1 Year LDO End of Support Years to go
9650 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
9450 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
9250 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
6650 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
5650 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
4650 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
3650 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
2650 15/04/2025 16/04/2026 3
6600 02/03/2025 03/05/2026 3
5600 02/03/2025 03/03/2026 3
4600 02/03/2025 03/03/2026 3
3600 02/03/2025 03/03/2026 3
2600 07/03/2023 08/03/2024 1
250M 31/08/2020 01/09/2021 EoS
250MW 30/08/2019 31/08/2020 EoS
220W 15/08/2019 16/09/2020 EoS
220 15/08/2019 16/08/2020 EoS
2400 30/04/2018 01/05/2019 EoS
3500 19/05/2017 19/05/2018 EoS
4500 15/05/2017 15/05/2018 EoS
5000 12/05/2017 12/05/2018 EoS
240 29/04/2016 29/04/2017 EoS
2400MX 30/04/2018 01/05/2019 EoS

What Are The Different Types Of Firewall Attacks?

23/08/2022
by Paul Heritage

Firewall attacks are becoming more and more of a problem for businesses of all sizes. The recent pandemic has only increased the number of cybersecurity threats and firewall attacks, which is why it’s important to educate yourself on the types of firewall attacks you could experience in the near future. Here at SonicWall-Sales, we offer a range of products and solutions for all of your security needs. Keep reading to discover the external firewall attacks to be aware of to ensure you are protecting your business for years to come.

What Are The Different Types Of Firewall Attacks?

Types of Firewall Attacks

No business is immune from the risk of firewall attacks, but the more you educate yourself about this issue, the more likely you can protect yourself and your business in the future. These are just a few of the most common types of firewall attacks, all of which you should keep an eye out for the signs of within your business.

Insider Firewall Attacks

Insider attacks are some of the most concerning attacks that we see on a daily basis, and it’s a type of attack that starts from the inside of your business. You’ll usually find that the perimeter firewall stops working properly, as the attacker is already inside your system. While you may think there is nothing a firewall can do at this point, the good news is that an internal firewall could help to protect your business still if you are experiencing this type of attack. This will give you more protection and time to react, ensuring that you are able to recover any data and protect yourself from further issues.

Security Patches

When your network firewall software isn’t looked after properly, you’ll find that you may have missed security patches. Any type of software you use might have issues and vulnerabilities, which are very easy for any attacker to exploit. Firewall programs are often very vulnerable to this type of attack, just as any other piece of software would be. Of course, firewall vendors will often find these issues, and they should work to create a patch which will resolve the issue. When this doesn’t happen, it only leaves the software or firewall open to more issues.

Just because a patch is on offer, it doesn’t mean that you will automatically receive this as part of your system. You need to ensure you have installed the patch for your system and software, otherwise you are at just a high risk as before of an attack on your system. Make sure you create a patch management schedule for your business. When you have this schedule in place, you can then ensure you are checking for patch updates, so that you apply these as soon as possible to offer you the extra layer of protection.

Configuration Setting Issues

Configuration settings which aren’t correct can also be another source of firewall attacks. You may find that your performance is lessened when different types of firewall have this issue, which is why you always need to take your time to install a SonicWall firewall properly with our assistance. When your firewall isn’t properly configured, you are just opening yourself up to issues in the future. It’s a waste of your time and money to not have these settings in place properly, so make sure you take the time to double-check this before relying on any firewall.

The Deep Packed Inspection is Skipped

Finally, another common type of firewall attack we are seeing more of today comes as a result of a lack of deep packet inspection. This is a very thorough inspection which is used to examine the information packet before it’s allowed to deny or allow access for the data. When the firewall you are using isn’t as advanced as some of the best options on the market, this is more likely to be an issue. Of course, our team will ensure that anything like this is never skipped when installing your firewall.

These are just a few of the different types of firewall attacks to be aware of, all of which could happen at any time and to any business. You’ll want to make sure that you do all you can to set up a firewall properly, so that you don’t have any issues in the future or risk your data or business security. No matter how protected you may think you are, it only takes one small issue for everything to fall apart within your business. As a business owner, you can’t afford to take these risks, which is why our team is on hand at any time to support you with your security needs. Contact us today for more information about VPNs and the products we offer to help protect you from cybersecurity attacks.

New SonicWave (WiFi 6) 641 & 681 in stock

02/08/2022
by Paul Heritage

The new 600 series has arrived in stock. This includes the 641 and 681 models. The 621 models are due later in the year.

These new AP's introduce WiFi 6.

Wi-Fi 6 operates on the 802.11ax standard, providing unparalleled performance, security and power management. Ideal for high-density environments, these access points must be managed via the cloud using SonicWall’s Wireless Network Manager (WNM). They cannot be managed via the firewall.

The SonicWave 600 series access points use the 802.11ax standard, the most advanced technology available. Ideal for high-density environments, they enable delivery of unsurpassed performance, including better throughput, power management, and power control methods, with a low total cost of ownership.

Datasheet: https://www.sonicwall.com/medialibrary/en/datashee...

Product information and pricing here.

Best Practices For SSL VPNs

02/08/2022
by Paul Heritage

After opting to invest in an SSL VPN for your business, you’ll want to make sure you are making the most of this type of security solution. When you don’t fully understand and follow the best practices for SSL VPNs, you could risk wasting your time and money on this solution. Today we’re going to share the best practices to keep in mind for this type of VPN. Click here for more information on the topic and to discover the security solutions we have on offer for businesses of all sizes.

Best Practices For SSL VPNs

Authentication Servers

One of the first things we recommend anyone does when using an SSL VPN is to integrate it with authentication servers. This is especially important for networks with multiple users. You’ll find that this reduces the chance of errors when it comes to configuring user groups or local users. The administration work is also lessened as a result of this. Our team will be on hand at any point to ensure that you have this set up correctly and to make the most of your new security investment.

Consider a Non-Factory SSL Certificate

When setting up the SSL VPN portal, you’ll want to think about getting a non-factory SSL certificate. This will help you to identify your domain, so that a remote user can help to see the identity of the service that they are accessing. There are often default self-signed certificates, which are provided to help with the installation and testing process. However, you’ll find that these certificates increase the chance of an attack in the long run. Many hackers are getting cleverer with their attacks, and will try to imitate your certificate. This will cause your connection to be compromised, which could result in them stealing your personal information.

For that reason, we recommend purchasing a server certificate where possible to allow anyone to connect to your SSL VPN with more confidence. This is important for anyone who is planning to allow remote users to connect to the VPN, as there are more risks with this type of connection. Our team can advise you about what you should disable or enable when setting up your SSL VPN, so that you have the full protection this type of solution can offer.

Utilise Two-Factor Authentication

You likely use two-factor authentication within other parts of your business and computer systems. This is a way to ensure that everyone who logs into your system or software is who they claim they are meant to be. By using two pieces of information to allow access, you reduce the chance of a hacker entering your system or disrupting your SSL VPN. Our team can help you with setting up this as well, and we’ll share what are the best practices for SSL VPNs, so you aren’t left wondering if you’ve completed the setup correctly.

We also recommend using user certificates for remote users. This is another type of two-factor authentication, which will make it slightly more challenging for anyone to get into the system. You will need professional assistance to help with this setup, but it’s well worth it if you have a high number of remote workers within your organisation. We are seeing more issues now than ever before with remote users and hackers due to the increase of people working from home after the recent pandemic. This type of setup will help to minimise this risk while still allowing others to benefit from using SSL VPNs.

Work With Our Team to Choose Your Next VPN Solution

Our team knows that not everyone needs the same type of SSL VPN or security setup. One of the SSL VPN best practices is to ensure that you are selecting the right solution for your business needs. If you don’t know what type of protection you need, then we recommend always working with a team of professionals who will be able to advise you about the options on the market today. A SonicWall VPN is a great solution for businesses of all sizes, who can benefit from this added layer of protection for many years to come.

Are you looking to invest in a new security solution for your business this year? SSL VPNs are a great way to protect your company, but you’ll want to work with our team to ensure this is the right option based on your unique business needs. Contact our team today to discuss everything you need to know about SSL VPNs and how we can help you install this solution within your business. Our team is on hand at any point to help you enjoy extra protection from a VPN and to protect your business for years to come.

2022 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report

01/08/2022
by Paul Heritage

As cybercrime continues evolving, we need as much intel as possible. SonicWall is on the front-lines watching every threat and cyberattack. Capture Labs threat researchers collect first-hand data from more than a million global sensors in 215 countries and regions. We provide our valuable cyber threat intelligence in real time.

The world’s most quoted ransomware threat intelligence, SonicWall’s biannual threat reports are cited by major news outlets worldwide, applied by businesses for cybersecurity planning and trusted by governments. Download the report. Know the threats.

Get the report here

Gen 7 Trade-Up Promotion

13/07/2022
by Paul Heritage

For a limited time, SonicWall is offering existing customers and partners a 22% savings when they trade in their legacy SonicWall appliance for a new Gen 7 Next-Gen firewall appliance.

When your customers upgrade to SonicWall’s Gen 7 NGFWs, they gain significantly improved performance, high port density, groundbreaking firewall inspection, DPI performance, IPSec VPN performance and more. Plus, they’re powered by SonicOS 7, which has been redeveloped from the ground up to be more advanced, agile and user-friendly than any of its predecessors.

Best of all, upgrading your customers’ SonicWall firewall appliance is quick and seamless: Their existing subscription and support services transfer directly to the new appliance, so they can start enjoying the best firewalls SonicWall has to offer with little to no downtime.

CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE DETAILS


Gen 7 Trade-Up Promotion

Steps to a Secure SOHO Firewall

06/07/2022
by Paul Heritage

A SOHO firewall is one of the top investments you could make as a small business owner. However, many individuals don’t know the top steps to take to improve their SOHO router security. After investing in this product, you’ll want to learn how to secure a SOHO firewall so that you receive all the benefits of this type of product. Keep reading as we share the key things to keep in mind in terms of your SOHO network security. Click here for more information about our range of products and how we can help you to improve security within your business.

Steps to a Secure SOHO Firewall

Configuring Your SOHO Firewall

The first step to enjoying all the benefits of the SonicWall SOHO3 is to configure your SOHO firewall. The SonicWall SOHO firewall is easy to set up, and you’ll find that there are different options based on your needs as a business owner. We recommend picking a system that you can directly connect to the internet and then installing and buying a network adapter that you’ll use with this system. This offers a more secure solution when setting up a SOHO firewall, which is something any business should consider during this current difficult period of time.

When you first set up your SOHO firewall, make sure you add Internet Connection Sharing or RRAS. This will allow LAN clients to communicate over the internet, but you can make adjustments to these settings if you have further security concerns. You’ll also want to look into shareware or freeware routing applications, which you may need assistance with if you struggle with the technical side of operating a business. The good news is that our team is on hand at any point to answer questions you have about this type of setup, and we’ll be here to make configuring your new firewall a quick and easy task.

Network Address Translation

If you have over two static addresses, then we recommend looking into Network Address Translation. This will accept internet traffic from any LAN clients and then repackages this request with the address instead of using the address the client has. It will then send an outgoing message to the destination, which then uses a mapping table to reroute the incoming responses to the client that it’s needed by. There are some drawbacks to this security solution, such as needing to check the NAT rules to permit any clients you may need to offer access to. There are some systems and uses that it isn’t compatible with, but we’ll be happy to make suggestions based on your business needs whether this is something you should be looking into.

Evaluate Your Exposure to the Internet

If you are looking to improve your network security, then you’ll need to take the time to evaluate the exposure to the internet that your SOHO firewall will experience. Many people are convinced that there are no issues within their network, but this is often far from the truth. It’s so easy to fall victim to cybercrime, which is why you need to take the time to evaluate the risks that you are open to and make changes to your system to avoid becoming the victim of malicious cybercriminals.

There are many different sites and tools out there to help you find out if you have any issues with your cybersecurity, such as the Gibson Research site. You can work with a team of security professionals if you have no idea where to get started as well. They’ll be able to look at the current risks your business is exposed to and help you to secure your internet connection. This is the next step to ensuring that you have a secure system in place so that you reduce the number of risks your business is open to. Remember that the more research and measures you put in place, the more likely you’ll experience all the benefits of using a SOHO firewall.

By following the steps we shared above, you can ensure you secure your SOHO firewall to make the most of all the features it offers. The more work you do to learn about the potential risks you are open to, the more likely you’ll keep your business and its operations secure and safe for years to come. We know that the firewall options on the market today can be overwhelming to first-time users, and so we are here to support you with deciding what the best solution for your business is. Contact us today to discuss our range of SonicWall firewalls and how they can help small and medium-sized business owners to operate during these challenging times. Our team will be available at any point to help you secure your SOHO firewall and make the most of all the features they have to offer to business owners.

What is a SOHO Firewall?

22/06/2022
by Paul Heritage

When looking at the various options on offer to protect your business and its online operations, you’ll no doubt come across great reviews of the SonicWall SOHO firewall. The SonicWall SOHO firewall is a popular product with small and medium-sized businesses who see the many benefits it offers to their company during these challenging times of operating online. Keep reading to discover what a SOHO firewall is and why you should invest in one to protect your business over the upcoming years.

What is a SOHO Firewall

Introducing the SOHO Firewall

If you’ve been wondering what is a SOHO firewall, we’re here today to help you discover more about this incredible product and how it can benefit your company. SOHO stands for single office/home office, and it’s a firewall appliance which is designed for either home networks or smaller companies. Generally, the SOHO firewall products are best for companies with less than 25 computers, and the SonicWall SOHO3 is a great example of this type of firewall. It will act as a router and offer extra services alongside those typically expected from a firewall. This may include content scanning, VPN, and virus scanning.

The main purpose of a SOHO firewall is to protect a home office or small office. As so many companies and individuals are operating all of their business online today, it’s more important than ever before to adequately protect yourself from cybercriminals. A SonicWall firewall will help you to have more control over the applications that are being used on your network. You’ll be able to identify what is coming in and out of the network, which stops data leaks and compliance issues. The firewall can identify an application based on the unique signature, as opposed to the port or protocol that’s in use.

SonicWall SOHO Firewalls

One of the reasons that we recommend SonicWall SOHO firewalls to small and medium-sized business owners is that they are much more affordable than you might imagine. In fact, their prices start from a couple of hundred pounds, so it’s something that anyone can invest in to protect their business. While you might think your business operations are too small to warrant this type of protection, you never know when you might be the victim of cybercrime. The sooner you put measures in place to protect yourself and your employees, the more secure you’ll be when operating online in the future.

SonicWall offers a range of mid-range firewalls with next-generation security. These are designed for larger businesses with over 250 users, and they are a good way to upgrade your setup if a SOHO firewall doesn’t offer you the full protection that you need. Our team will be happy to review your current working setup, and from there, we can recommend the best option for your unique needs. No two businesses operate in the exact same way, but we are all at risk from cybercriminals in this day and age.

When it comes to setting up a SonicWall firewall for the first time, you’ll need to make sure it’s plugged into your power outlet. When the Test light goes off, you can then begin the configuration of the model. You will then need to connect your internet modem or router to the WAN port, which is located on your new firewall. An Ethernet cable is required for this process, but you’ll find it’s very quick and easy to set up even if you have never used one before. This is why we love the SOHO firewall product, as it doesn’t require you to be very familiar with the product in order to receive the full protection it offers within just a short setup time.

The Benefits of a SOHO Firewall

There are endless benefits to investing in a SOHO firewall for your business. As a small or medium-sized business owner, you can ensure you protect your company with this integrated security solution. The past two years and the recent pandemic have pushed cybercriminals to be more clever than ever before, meaning everyone is at high risk of crime. The great thing about the SOHO firewall is that it’s quick and easy to set up, so in no time at all, you’ll be able to protect all the hard work you’ve put into your business.

Are you looking to invest in a SOHO firewall for your company? If so, our team is on hand at any time to help you with this purchase. We’ll be available to answer any questions you have about the SonicWall firewalls we offer and recommend the best option for your business needs. For more information about SonicWall firewalls, contact us today. We’ll be excited to help you to the next step in protecting your company, which is something everyone should be concerned about at this current time.

Firewall-based Ransomware Protection

03/06/2022
by Paul Heritage

When comparing your options for ransomware protection, one of the top solutions that always comes up is using a firewall. Today we’re going to discover some of the firewall best practices to block ransomware, and answer whether this is a necessary investment for your business. Make sure you check out sonicwall-sales.com for more information on this topic and to discover how we can assist you in protecting your business and data from ransomware this year.

Firewall-based Ransomware Protection

What is Ransomware?

A ransomware attack is a malicious type of attack where your company is held at ransom in order for you to receive your data or files back. Sadly, over the last few years, we’ve seen these attacks become more frequent and complex, and they are delivered in very sneaky and unusual ways. The majority of ransomware attacks are delivered either by email or through a website, but they are becoming more advanced year after year. In fact, ransomware-as-a-service is now another option, and this can be even more problematic and concerning for businesses that work online. With Bitcoin now becoming a more prominent type of currency, we are also finding that these criminals can’t be traced, which only adds to the issues surrounding ransomware.

Protecting Yourself from Ransomware with a Firewall

The good news is that help is at hand when it comes to protecting yourself from ransomware with a firewall. A ransomware firewall is something that every company should invest nowadays, especially if you are relying on the internet for your work. With more people working remotely and using unsafe connections, ransomware firewall protection is more critical than ever before. When you install a firewall for ransomware, you are taking the first step to offering your company the protection it needs.

That being said, once you install these ransomware firewalls, you still need to think about taking other actions to minimise the chance of an attack. Make sure you are backing up your system on a regular basis, which should be either weekly or daily based on the type of business you operate. You’ll also need to test your backup process, as you need to know that the procedures you have in place will work when an attack occurs.

Educating Your Employees

When discussing the answer to the question of can a firewall stop ransomware, you’ll find that one of the key considerations within this area is educating your employees. We are often asked how to block ransomware on a firewall, and it’s something that your whole team should be aware of to protect your company. While a firewall will do the majority of the work when it comes to protecting your systems, always ensure you are educating your team about the types of emails and attachments they should and shouldn’t open. Employees need to know when and where they can open files, so that they aren’t opening your company up to these issues.

Alongside your SonicWall firewall, we also recommend considering restricting access to your systems. When you have hundreds of people accessing a system, you’ll find that the chance of a ransomware attack only increases. Some modes offer you more protection than others, and you’ll find that by choosing the right option, you can be fully prepared for any potential issues in the future.

Can a Firewall Block Ransomware?

While it’s no doubt clear that a SonicWall firewall would be a good addition to your business setup, you might be wondering if SonicWall firewalls are the right choice for your size of business. The good news is that they offer types of firewall to fit everyone’s needs, and a Sonic firewall could be the one thing that saves your business from financial ruin in the future. A good firewall will be able to block remote desktop protocol and create spam lists that will detect and delete spam files. You might also want to consider a sandboxing solution, which can offer you an extra layer of protection.

Once you’ve invested in a firewall, you still need to know how to react if an emergency should occur. Make sure your team has a plan in place for a ransomware attack, so you can quickly and efficiently resolve any issues you face. While a firewall is certainly the first thing you should install, you’ll want to make sure you know how you can do your best to resolve any issues in the future. Contact our team today for more information about how a firewall can protect your business over the upcoming years. We’ll be happy to suggest the best SonicWall firewall for your needs, and help you install it as soon as possible. The quicker you can put a plan in place to protect your company, the more likely you’ll avoid being a victim of these horrible attacks in the future.

Four Cybersecurity Actions to Lock it All Down

20/05/2022
by Paul Heritage

Recognizing 2022 World Password Day, here are four countermeasures to keep you safe from malware and ransomware. Time to level up!

You are not paranoid; cybercriminals really are trying to hack your security and steal your information. And the proof is in the numbers.

According to the 2022 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report, there were 623 million ransomware attacks globally, a 105% increase over 2020. There was also a sharp triple-digit increase in encrypted threats, rising to an astounding 10 million attacks. And as if you didn’t have enough to worry about, cryptojacking is on an upswing with 97 million incidents recorded, a 19% increase year-over-year.

Some people may choose to ignore the data and throw caution to the wind. If they’re lucky, a hack will be a minor inconvenience, and their anti-virus software will stop the malware before it can cause serious damage. However, if they’re among the growing thousands of victims each year, hackers will force them to pay a ransom for their precious data, steal their identity or just wipe out their devices completely.

And you wonder, what could be worse?

One hack of a single individual can lead to a cascade of hacks and much larger problems. For instance, hackers can break into your personal computer without you knowing it, add malware to one of your devices that unpacks wherever you go, bypassing firewalls and other security, straight into your home network, friend’s home, the library, and your workplace.

We all could stand to be a little more careful. A “cybersecure mindset” protects you, your devices, and your data and everywhere you connect your devices. So, when we say, “Be Cyber Smart and Lock It Down,” what we mean is taking personal responsibility for not only how you connect but also actions you take to keep yourself secure.

Here are FOUR COUNTERMEASURES that everyone can use to level up and lock it down:

1. PROTECT yourself.

Start with passwords and lockdown your devices, software and information with strong ones that protect you from becoming an easy hack. There are some basic rules for good passwords. The first is the length – a minimum of 14 characters but 16 is better, with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, plus numbers: security experts recommend at least 4 non-repeating numbers. And don’t forget symbols (ex: @ # $), at least one but two is better. Check with your service provider; they may have specific requirements like the length and number, and type of symbols. One very important rule: ensure that your passwords are unique for each use. Avoid obvious sources like your address, recognizable names, dates, and phone numbers. Avoid any information that someone may learn by reading your social media profiles. Another important rule, USE YOUR PASSWORDS and turn on two-step authentication (2FA) wherever you can. Many phones allow biometric recognition to validate you and simplify logging in for each access. There’s more to know about passwords, check out this article we found from Help Net Security.

2. PROTECT your personal identification.

Privacy is a matter of personal choice. We want to open some things for the sake of convenience (shopping and health apps, for instance). However, the privacy settings you set on your devices and apps could also open you up to hacks. Being “smart” about your cybersecurity means knowing how hackers attack devices and steal information from open apps. It also means being aware of where your personal information winds up. Security experts recommend that you set your privacy settings based on actual need for specific tasks. For instance, change your privacy settings when conditions change, like when traveling or using public networks (e.g., coffee shop Wi-Fi, more on that later).

3. PROTECT your data.

Maybe it seems obvious, but your data (photos, reports, accounting, proprietary documents) are your most vulnerable possessions. We also want to take extra care of our social security numbers, bank accounts, and credit card numbers. And all of that is at risk when we leave it in open apps (no password) or send it on unencrypted emails. So please keep it safe and LOCK IT DOWN! And be very wary of phishing campaigns. Hackers use any means they can to break into your devices and network. For example, they’ll spoof organizations you trust, friends, family members, co-workers, or even your boss. Phishing messages can come by email or phone text. Some of these messages look very authentic. We’ll go into more detail about how to detect phishing messages in another post, but you can make a personal policy to never share private information via email or text with anyone.

4. PROTECT your devices.

If you didn’t know already, public Wi-Fi hotspots are not secure. Unfortunately, that means the public hotspots at your favourite coffee shop, restaurants, shopping malls, libraries, and especially airports. With minimal knowledge and equipment, hackers can scan unencrypted data streams that contain passwords and account information that you send and receive. Several years ago, scammers took it further and created elaborate spoof Wi-Fi networks with name and branding marks similar to what people expected. However, there are several things you can do to lock it down:

  • Turn off the Wi-Fi auto-connect feature on your devices. Turn it back on when you need it and choose the networks you want to use.
  • Use secure wireless networks that have WPA or WPA2 password protection. Unfortunately, these are uncommon for places like the local coffee shop or the airport, so they may be challenging to find.
  • Install mobile security software with malware and virus detection for laptops, pads, and phones. You may also install a VPN (a virtual private network) that encrypts your data stream even if the Wi-Fi network does not.

Do what it takes to adopt a Cybersecure Mindset.

Remember that when it comes to cybersecurity, the human element can be the strongest or weakest point in the armor.

Human behavior is without doubt the biggest culprit in IT security incidents. This is evident in email phishing. It deceives people into clicking on malicious links or attachments. This makes it difficult to distinguish between legitimate emails and potential threats. According to a study by Myers-Briggs, a research company based in the UK, 80% of companies believe human factors, such as mistakes or leniency with login security, are a major cause of cybersecurity risk. Therefore, it is vital that we do what it takes to adopt a ‘cybersecure mindset’ to protect our homes, communities and our workplaces.

Being aware is not being paranoid; it recognizes that cybercriminals really are trying to hack our security, steal our property, and do us great damage.

#BeCyberSmart

How To Protect Your Data From Ransomware

20/05/2022
by Paul Heritage

Ransomware is becoming more and more of an issue in recent years, but the good news is there are ways you can protect your data from ransomware. The question of how does ransomware protection work is something we receive regularly, and if you visit this page, you can learn some of the solutions to this issue. Keep reading as we discover some of the easiest ways to protect your data from ransomware, so that you can minimise the risk of losing your precious data for your business in the future.

How To Protect Your Data From Ransomware

Back Up Your Data

Our number one top tip for anyone working with online systems or computers is to back up your data on a regular basis. When discussing how to prevent ransomware or how to test ransomware protection, you’ll find that this is a good preventative measure if an attack was to happen in the future. While we certainly hope you are never the victim of a ransomware attack, it’s best to always back up your data in case something was to happen. Unfortunately, many of these cybercriminals are becoming more and more sneaky, and they find ways to even erase your back-ups. Keep an extra copy of any key files or data in a safe space, so that you can quickly and easily access it should an emergency occur.

Protect Your Systems with a SonicWall Firewall

Many small and medium-sized businesses believe that they aren’t big enough to need protection from a firewall. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as you need to consider the types of firewall that can help to offer ransomware protection. This is one of the best ways to stop cybercriminals from having access to your system, but you may be wondering how does ransomware protection work. Our team will be happy to suggest the best SonicWall firewalls for your unique needs, and ensure you are protected for years to come.

It’s never too late to research purchasing a SonicWall firewall and to discover the solutions on the market today. You’ll find that the number of firewalls for smaller businesses is increasing each year, allowing companies to affordably protect their systems. Ransomware firewall protection is something that is well worth investing in, as it can save you a fortune in the long run when you don’t have to pay out to get your data back.

Change Your Passwords Regularly

Any type of cyberattack is difficult to prevent entirely, but there are many ways in which you can work to protect your computers and systems. By changing your passwords regularly, you’ll offer an extra layer of protection for your team, and you’ll stop unwanted intruders getting into your systems. This is something that everyone should be doing anyway, as it can also stop people within your business from hacking into your systems. Make sure you set a reminder for yourself to do this on a regular basis, and you’ll find that you have more control over what is going on within your workplace.

Use Secure Networks

With more people than ever before working remotely, we are finding that people are logging in from different networks, many of which aren’t secure at all. This is a huge issue if you are looking to protect your data from ransomware, as it makes you far more vulnerable to an attack. We highly recommend only using a secure network which you know you can trust. Make sure you inform all of your employees to also follow this advice, so you don’t have more issues in the future as a result of people logging in from different networks.

By following all of these top tips, you can do your best to protect your data from ransomware. Make sure you look out for any signs of a potential attack, as the sooner you are aware of any issues that have occurred, the more likely you’ll be able to protect the rest of your network and systems from corruption. While you might think that your business is too small to warrant using a firewall, you’ll want to make sure you put this protection in place as quickly as possible to avoid becoming a victim of a cyberattack. If you are looking into firewalls, a SonicWall firewall is the best option for most types of businesses, and can be extremely helpful in protecting your data from ransomware.

For more information about using a SonicWall firewall to protect your company, contact our team today. We’ll be happy to discuss the options on offer, and we’ll make sure that you find a solution that will protect you from these nasty attacks in the future. The sooner you take the right steps to make sure you protect yourself from ransomware attacks, the more likely you’ll find success within your business over the upcoming years.

What is ransomware?

05/05/2022
by Paul Heritage

Ransomware is something that’s receiving more and more attention at the current time, due to the increase in malicious attacks over the past two years. The recent pandemic has seen a huge increase in the number of people working online, but this naturally comes with more risks for those operating a business in this way. Today we’re going to discover the answer to the question of what is a ransomware attack and how you can prevent this in the future. Sonic Firewall is an amazing tool that our team will be happy to share more about with you, so that you can minimise the chance of falling victim to a ransomware attack in the future.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware Attacks – What Are They?

If you are wondering what is a ransomware attack, let us explain. Learning what is ransomware is something that any company needs to be aware of, and you’ll find that SonicWall firewalls can help you with the prevention of this type of attack. Ransomware is a type of malware that’s used to hold a victim’s information for a ransom. Hackers do this so that you cannot access your files or databases, and they demand the ransom to free up your data. This has become more and more of a threat in the past years, with billions of dollars being raised by these cybercriminals each year. Of course, victims of ransomware attacks are left with huge bills and expenses to cover these issues, while also being left with disruption to their business.

Why Are There More Ransomware Issues Recently?

Many of us have seen the increasingly regular news stories about ransomware and cybercriminals, and there are many reasons for this increase in the number of issues we are seeing in the news. The pandemic has inspired more people to turn to crime, and with the number of people and businesses operating online, it’s becoming more noticeable and disruptive. Malware kits are now easier than ever to get on demand, and you’ll find there are some good cross-platform interpreters for ransomware. Techniques are getting more advanced, which means that criminals can encrypt all the disk instead of just targeting a single file.

While you may think that cybercriminals need to be incredibly advanced with technology, this isn’t the case at all. You’ll find that many people can now get involved in this industry, which is a terrifying thought. The biggest issues with ransomware when compared to other types of attacks is that it’s almost impossible at times to find out who the criminals are. With the use of anonymous cryptocurrency, payments such as Bitcoin make it a challenge to track down the criminals who caused all of this damage to your organisation.

Criminals see ransomware as a get-rich-quick scheme with little consequence for them due to the little chance of them being found out. Open-source code and drag-and-drop platforms are readily available, so people are getting more and more creative when it comes to building their own ransomware. All of these factors come together to mean your business and systems are at greater risk than ever before.

Ways to Prevent Falling Victims to a Ransomware Attack

If you are worried about being the victim of a ransomware attack, you’ll need to make sure you follow our best advice to avoid any issues in the future. We recommend you back up your data regularly, so that you aren’t locked out of any files that are critical for your work. If you do find you are a victim in the future, you’ll then have a back-up which you can rely on to carry on with your work. You don’t want to feel you have to pay these huge ransoms, but these backed-up files could help reduce the need to do just that.

Another consideration is to secure your backups, so that they can’t be accessed or deleted from your system. Many of these criminals are very savvy, and they’ll also go in and find the backups so that you really do have no choice but to pay up. As far as using the internet and your computer systems, be very careful to surf safely and use secure networks. This will help to reduce the chance of someone getting onto your computers or systems, which is where trouble begins.

We highly recommend investing in a SonicWall Firewall in order to prevent a ransomware attack. These types of firewall will help to protect your systems and ensure that your business remains protected for years to come. Using a Sonic firewall is a good solution for businesses of all shapes and sizes, and our team will be happy to advise you about the best model for your needs. Contact us today for more information about the range of SonicWall firewalls we stock and how we can help your business to remain unaffected by ransomware attacks for many years to come.