Myths About Firewall On Or Off. Firewalls are essential tools that allow us to control data flow within our networks. They are also useful when building web applications because they prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information and ensure that only authorized users can get through.
There are five myths about firewalls that you should consider before buying a firewall. Read this article to find out what these myths are and why they don’t apply to real-life situations.
Here are Myths About Firewall On Or Off
Myth#1–Firewalls Prevent Cyber Attacks
While this is true, it is not the only reason why firewalls are handy. Firewalls are useful when you need to control data flow within your network. For example, your company may have a firewall used at the border of your data center and you will use it to prevent outsiders from accessing your data center.
Myth #2 – You Need a Firewall to Protect Against Security Attacks
You don’t need a firewall to protect against security attacks. A firewall only prevents unauthorized access and data flow within your network. If you want to protect against security attacks, you need a firewall plus a security system. Some examples of security systems are IDS, IPS and Anti-virus software.
Myth #3 – Your Firewall Needs Regular Upgrades and Patching for it to be Effective
It’s true that you need to update your firewall regularly but not because it will be ineffective without regular updates. The reason for this is that software suppliers regularly release patches for their software for the purpose of fixing bugs, improving performance or preventing security problems.
This means that unless you regularly update your firewall with patches from these software suppliers, it will be vulnerable to hacking attempts. Always remember to upgrade regularly so that you can take advantage of all the benefits available to you in the most recent versions of your firewall as well as any patches released by the software supplier.
Myth #4 – Only Small Companies Need Firewalls
While small companies do need firewalls because they have fewer resources and therefore fewer employees, larger companies can also benefit from firewalls if they have sensitive data on their networks that they need to protect.
With larger companies, there is always the danger of employees stealing information so having a firewall helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. The bigger your company, the more assets they have and therefore they need proper security solutions like firewalls.
Myth #5 – Firewalls Block and Prevent All Incoming and Outgoing Trafficestic
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about firewalls. While a firewall does block and prevents all incoming and outgoing traffic, it does so selectively. A firewall allows you to specifically choose which ports or applications can be for incoming and outgoing traffic. For example, you may have a port for your email server that is used as an incoming and outgoing port.
If you want to prevent your employees from sending sensitive data out of the network through this port, you can do so using your firewall. In other words, a firewall allows you to control what comes into your network and what goes out of your network.
Conclusion
Firewalls are used to control data flow within your network. They are not only used to prevent cyber attacks. You don’t need a firewall to protect against security attacks. Firewalls need regular updates and patching for them to be effective. Only small companies need firewalls.