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What is SonicWall TotalSecure Threat Protection?

SonicWall TotalSecure Threat Protection is a multi-layer network security solution designed to provide small businesses with non-intrusive protection against malware, spyware, viruses and phishing attacks. The SonicWall TotalSecure firewall security solution offers features that will help your business to stay protected from security threats around the clock. It offers businesses of any size antivirus and anti-spyware protection, content filtering, 24/7 support, DNS Security and much more. TotalSecure Threat Protection is supported by Gen 7 SonicWall firewalls. This includes the SonicWall TZ270, TZ370 and TZ470. SonicWall Sales will be able to guide you when making your purchase, to ensure you choose the right solution for your business.

Gateway Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware

The top layer of security from TotalSecure includes the addition of gateway antivirus and anti-spyware. It scans every incoming connection to your network and all its connected users and computers. This gateway antivirus will detect and block inbound web threats. It scans for the latest known threats as well as those that have just been discovered within the last hour, so you won’t have any blind spots where new attacks can slip through undetected. This protection goes further than a traditional firewall because it provides real-time scanning with no impact on your network speed or performance. It also adds a layer of protection to your network that is not just limited to those users who connect through your gateway. Every single computer connected to your network, even if they connect from home, will be protected from threats as well.

Intrusion Prevention Service

The next level of security provided by the SonicWall firewall security kit is the intrusion prevention service. This feature protects your network against new and emerging attacks that are not covered by traditional firewalls. It can detect these attacks before they impact computers or users in the network. This prevents malware from being able to install itself on your network or from being able to propagate through your network.

Content Filtering

The content filtering feature will block access to websites and information that is deemed questionable. These websites are often used to deliver malware or are known to be delivering phishing attacks or other types of attacks on your network. Combining this with a top-level gateway antivirus feature can give you even more protection from threats outside your network, like phishing scams or malicious ads coming into your system in the form of links.

24/7 Support

Anytime you have a problem, you can get help from SonicWall. 24/7 support is available, so you won’t have to wait for normal business hours to get assistance. This TotalSecure protection support will help you resolve any issues you have with TotalSecure so that it is always functioning at its best. You can rest assured that you are protected against the threats that you are most concerned about.

Basic DNS Security

The TotalSecure Threat Protection features a basic DNS security feature. This feature allows you to ensure that the internet domain names that are assigned to and used by your network are only known to you and your trusted computers. It will prevent users from being able to make changes in your network’s DNS server settings so that they can get around this security.

Network Topology with Host Info

The final feature included in the SonicWall TotalSecure Threat Protection is the Network Topology with Host Info. This feature allows you to easily see which systems are connected to your network. You can also see any open connections that exist on your network. This is a great way to quickly identify any unauthorized computers or users on your system.

What is a Firewall Sandwich?

A SonicWall firewall is one of the best ways to protect your small or medium-sized business. Sadly though, hackers are only becoming more advanced in their methods of attacking companies, so many companies are now employing what is called a firewall sandwich. A firewall sandwich is created when multiple firewalls are used by a business. Instead of just offering hackers one obstacle to get through to your system, a firewall sandwich works by adding multiple obstructions on their route into your system.

A SonicWall firewall sandwich has become a common option for companies of all sizes. With decision-makers in businesses recognising the increasing risks each year to cybersecurity, companies are doing anything within their control to secure their business for years to come. Whether you own a small business or a large multinational company, cybersecurity should be of top concern to protect your network. As companies continue to expand, they often forget to consider if their current coverage is enough to fit their growing needs. Protecting your network from end-users should be a top priority for decision-makers in any company, but it’s something that is often overlooked today.

How to Create a Firewall Sandwich

If you are looking for a way to meet your company’s performance needs without reducing the speed of your network, a SonicWall firewall sandwich is one of the top solutions for you. This firewall sandwich can be achieved with various types of firewall, such as the SonicWall SuperMassive 9800s for larger companies or a SonicWall small business firewall for those not needing as extensive protection. SonicWall firewalls offer high levels of protection to users, and a firewall sandwich will allow you to add more appliances as your company’s demands increase in the future.

A SonicWall firewall sandwich will offer you application control, anti-spyware and anti-virus inspection, SSL decryption and much more. With real-time services on each packet, you’ll be pleased to know you won’t experience limitations to performance or any network latency. By tripling or quadrupling your security, you’ll find you are much more protected from attacks and add extra hurdles for hackers to cross before reaching your system.

Who Should Consider a SonicWall Firewall Sandwich?

If you think your company is too small for a firewall sandwich, you may want to think twice about that statement. With more employees than ever before working from home and increasing threats each year as hackers become more aware of weaknesses in systems, a firewall sandwich can benefit companies of any size. If you have high network demands, a mobile team of workers, or are looking to monitor user activity, a firewall sandwich is a good solution. You may not be aware that threats may exist on your LAN today, and a firewall sandwich can also provide you with reports and user activity information for this.

SonicWall Network Security Manager

If you do opt for a firewall sandwich for your company, consider adding on the SonicWall Network Security Manager. This single interface allows you to control hundreds of firewalls from just one place. It offers remote zero-touch deployment and makes it quick and simple to set up new firewalls. When using SonicWall firewalls, you’ll be able to see the security risks you are facing, and you’ll enjoy viewing the analytics available to you. For those who are keen to keep on top of security threats, you’ll also appreciate its automated audit-ready reporting. Full customisation of firewalls is easy to achieve, with quick and easy deployment available using custom templates. At the same time, we also recommend looking into the SonicWall TotalSecure Threat Protection. This can extend your protection further and even assists with security for those working from home.

Make Your Whole Team Aware of the Plan

If you are a manager or business owner, you might be aware of your company’s data centre disaster recovery practices, but what about your employees? It’s not good enough in this day and age for only a select few people to understand how to react in an emergency. If you or the other people who know the plan were unavailable, you could jeopardise your whole business and everything stored on your server. Your employees should be aware of the types of firewall you use, and all teams need to work together to be aware of the emergency plan. While your IT team are most likely to deal with your SonicWall firewall, it’s a good idea for a few others to be trained and knowledgeable in case of an emergency. The most prepared companies also have a run-through of emergency situations, so everyone knows exactly what they will do in this situation.

Cybersecurity Training

Unfortunately, attacks on systems can happen completely out of the blue, so it’s important your whole team are trained and keep their eyes out for signs of abnormal activity on your work systems. New employees need to be aware of the business continuity best practices you are using and the types of firewall available to businesses nowadays. A SonicWall Soho firewall is ideal for a small business, and it’s helpful for your new team members to understand the system your company is using to protect them. Criminals like to target weak links in systems, and they often try to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals and companies who may not know the signs of a phishing or other attacks.

Protect Your Network

As a decision-maker in a business looking to form the best data centre disaster recovery practices, a SonicWall small business firewall is without a doubt your best option when it comes to protecting your network. It’s so quick and easy for a network to become infected today, and it can wreak havoc for companies of any size. SonicWall firewalls will protect companies with their two-factor authentication and antivirus solutions. These firewalls are designed with small and medium-sized businesses in mind. Just because you aren’t storing a huge amount of customer data, don’t think you can afford to have no protection for your system. Even the smallest companies are at a high risk of cybersecurity threats, and this can completely ruin a company if they aren’t able to recover quickly.

Backup Communication Solutions

Most companies today are fully reliant on emails, but what happens if your email server goes down? Communication is key for a successful recovery after an incident, and if you are out of touch with your IT department and other managers, it won’t be easy to continue work. Create emergency social media or WhatsApp groups that you can use in a tough situation. Slack is also another popular option that doesn’t rely on the use of email.

Don’t Delay Your Business Continuity Plan Best Practices Any Longer

Today is the best time to start thinking about your disaster recovery best practices. This isn’t something you should put off much longer, and instead, we recommend taking action as soon as possible. Using SonicWall firewalls or even a firewall sandwich won’t just protect you from an everyday cyberattack but can also be the essential protection you need in the case of a natural disaster. The small investment you’ll make today could save your business from disaster tomorrow. Proactive business owners are far more likely to succeed and safeguard their income and company for years to come. Having business continuity plan best practices in place is essential for any company and doesn’t just pertain to your digital systems. Of course, for maximum effect, ensure these plans are put into regular practice and training, so everyone knows how to react in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Remote Worker Attacks

As more employees than ever are working from home, and no fixed office return date is set for some companies, expect attacks on remote workers to continue. New SonicWall firewalls can help protect your employees if they log in to the server from their own device, minimising the risk of an attack occurring. For many companies, the switch to remote working happened almost overnight, with no time to adjust their office security systems. Ensure you close any gaps in your security system, which can then make working from home a viable long-term option throughout the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Ransomware Attacks Operated by Humans

Criminals have now taken to the online world in gangs, resulting in ransomware attacks which are completely controlled by individuals trying to gain money from their work. They work to identify weaknesses within companies, and then begin plotting these attacks, resulting in substantial financial losses for businesses. Ransomware attacks are becoming extremely common, and will only continue to cause more damage to businesses in 2021. The key concerns in this area are email and social media phishing, or automated programs. These attacks are becoming more and more realistic, with genuine messages that encourage unsuspecting users to open them without a second thought. Educate your team members about these potential attacks, to avoid them damaging your business.

Cloud Data Storage

With so many companies relying on cloud data storage during the pandemic, the attacks in this area have only increased. While these were already happening previously, the increase in activity in this area has attracted more criminals. Attackers work to infiltrate online databases filled with customer data. This is a fundamental reason for using a hardware firewall, as the SonicWall firewall features can protect your customers’ data. Even small and mid-sized businesses need to be aware of these IT security threats if they collate or store data and personal information.

Attacks are Becoming Harder to Detect

The online world is constantly developing, and as a result of this, cybercriminals have become even more inventive with their attacking techniques. Social engineering attacks are a popular form of attack, which are becoming more and more advanced. These allow an attacker to review personal information, using techniques like phishing. If you are a business owner, ensure you train your team to recognise potential attacks and react accordingly. It’s no longer a case of just training those team members who work in IT, so employ your HR and training teams to spread the word about these potential malicious attacks and the first signs to look out for.

Attacks on System Admin Tools

Most IT systems won’t run without admin tools, and these are becoming the victim of attacks more regularly. Criminals use these tools to enter networks and develop their strategies for a bigger disruption. Specific tools, such as BloodHound and Cobalt Strike, are already installed to run software on your computer, and they are exploited by criminals to run software without detection. While you can’t avoid using certain tools in your day-to-day business, ensure your antivirus software is up to date and you are using a SonicWall firewall to avoid these cybersecurity trends 2021.

Keeping Your Business Secure from Cyber Threats 2021

These computer security threats are incredibly concerning, but there are multiple ways to minimise the chance of attack. Education is critical, and you should encourage your whole team to be aware of potential attacks and disruptions. Installing one of the new SonicWall firewalls will help minimise your chance of attack and offer you reports and information regarding your system’s activity. Even if you are a small or medium-sized business, you will benefit from one of these good value for money devices that are easy to install and use.

Important Considerations When Choosing a Firewall

When comparing the top firewall options on the market, such as a SonicWall firewall, you’ll want to first take the time to consider your business’s needs. If you are running a small one-person business, you may find that a hardware firewall is unnecessary, especially if you don’t store personal information or data about your customers. However, if you deal with finances and customer information, a hardware firewall is an essential purchase. The number of users your network has is also key to choosing the best firewall option for your needs. Today’s selections focus on firewalls for small and mid-sized businesses, which are ideal for anyone with around 250 or more employees. You may need to look for a different model for a larger business, as most wireless firewall options can’t be upgraded.

As with any product, each firewall has its benefits and drawbacks, so keep reading to learn more about our top picks and why they are the most popular options on the market today. A key consideration when choosing your firewall is whether you need data logging or a VPN. With more employees working from home in 2021, a VPN allows secure connections from locations outside your office. Finally, if it’s your first time purchasing a hardware firewall, look for one that is easy to install and manage. You don’t want to rely on having a technician in the office at all times to check your device, so find one that is user-friendly that you’ll be able to control without assistance.

Our Top Firewall Selection for 2021 – SonicWall Firewalls

After testing dozens of models, we’ve narrowed down our selection to one brand; SonicWall. SonicWall offers easy to install wireless firewalls that are ideal for first-time users. You won’t have to rely on a technician in your building with one of these devices, which are incredibly user-friendly and quick to set up. The SonicWall TZ270 is one of the most recent additions to their collection. It offers zero-touch deployment, meaning small and medium-sized businesses can install this firewall in no time at all. It uses the new SonicOS 7.0 system, offering you good control and visibility.

For small businesses, we love the SonicWall TZ400 firewall. It’s ideal for a company that may be looking to expand in the future and is a customisable device that is quick and easy to install. This SonicWall firewall features zero-touch deployment and a central management system. SonicWall understands that some wireless firewall options can be far too complicated for a small business, and so even users who aren’t experienced or advanced will be able to install this device with ease.

The SonicWall TZ400 comes at a reasonable price point, and you can add security bundles to your hardware purchase. Real-Time Deep Memory Inspection is a key benefit of SonicWall firewalls and helps to inspect and detect suspicious codes. You can also customize your device further, with optional extra features. If you are looking to enjoy the benefits of the SonicWall TZ400 but have a medium-sized business with over 250 employees, consider the SonicWall. TZ570 or SonicWall NSA 2700 models instead.

By determining exactly what you are looking for in terms of a business firewall, you’ll be able to purchase the best hardware firewall for your business size. By narrowing down your options to the SonicWall brand, you’ll find a range of products that are designed specifically with small and medium-sized businesses in mind. All of these devices will help to monitor your traffic and keep your network secure. If you have many employees working remotely currently, keep this in mind when selecting your new firewall. Remember, a firewall is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to safeguard their business for years to come, so take the time to compare and select the best firewall model for your needs this year.

Designed for Mid-Sized Networks

The SonicWall NSA 2700 is designed for businesses with over 250 users and will protect your network from daily intrusions or potential attacks and security threats. It offers an affordable security solution, that is quick and flexible for your business needs. With on-box and cloud-based functions include WLAN management and secure SD-WAN, you’ll reduce the chance of security threats and attacks, so your business can keep growing and succeeding.

Benefits of a SonicWall Firewall

There are many great benefits you’ll experience by selecting a SonicWall firewall, such as the SonicWall NSA 7200 and SonicWall Soho firewall. With more employees than ever before working remotely, we love that the NetExtender provides employees with secure access to networks from their Windows, Mac or Linux computer or laptop. The Real-Time Deep Memory Inspection is a stand out feature of the device and will defend your company against side-channel and unrecognisable attacks.

Secure SD-WAN technology gives you a more secure and effective product, which is designed for use with your broadband network and the cloud-based technologies we all rely on. The SD-WAN technology is already built into your device, so you won’t have to purchase a separate tool or license, making this a very cost-effective purchase. As SonicWall NSA firewall devices are designed with mid-sized businesses in mind, they provide high port density and performance levels. For ease of use, you’ll appreciate the built-in wireless controller. Finally, after the initial output, you’ll find this purchase saves you money in the long run while offering you high-performance levels.

SonicWall NSA 2700

The Gen 7 product range, including the SonicWall NSA 2700, includes a new operating system that simplifies security for users and focuses on small and mid-sized businesses’ needs. It works to find encrypted threats and gives you insights into these threats and your traffic with the assessment report. You’ll know exactly what risks you are facing, so you can minimise these issues in the future. It’s a very easy-to-use device, featuring an app and auto-provision VPNs, which allow you to enjoy a no-touch user experience. You won’t need to have an on-site technician to look after this firewall, making it the ideal option with so many of us working from home.

Purchase Options

When considering the SonicWall NSA 2700, you’ll have the choice of two different licensing bundles for your needs. As well as purchasing the hardware by itself, you can choose between two licensing bundles, which are the TotalSecure Essential Edition and the Advanced Edition. You can also choose to pick out different services individually to fit your needs. The Essential Bundle offers you 24-hour support, anti-spam, content filtering, gateway anti-virus and application control. You’ll also enjoy capture ATP sandboxing and the inclusion of RTDMI technology.

If you do opt to upgrade to the TotalSecure Advanced Edition, you’ll benefit from all the inclusions listed in the Essential Edition. On top of these, you’ll receive the SonicWall Network Security Manager. This offers you cloud-based seven-day reporting and cloud management. It will allow you to completely protect your mid-sized business and keep your company secure for years to come. This option is currently only for Gen 7 SonicWall firewalls, although previous models can benefit from the Advanced Gateway Security Suite instead.