Cyber Security Archives - SCG Midlands

Constantly Evolving Cyber Security Landscape

The cyber security threat landscape is constantly evolving, with new and sophisticated threats emerging regularly. Traditional firewalls typically rely on static rule-based filtering, which may not effectively detect and prevent advanced malware, zero-day exploits or targeted attacks, leaving businesses open to attack. This is where a managed firewall comes in.

For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), having a managed firewall is crucial for several reasons:

1. Network Security

A firewall acts as the first line of defence against unauthorised access and potential cyber threats. It monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic, filtering out malicious or suspicious activities, and helps prevent unauthorised access to sensitive data. This is particularly important for SMBs that may not have dedicated IT security personnel or robust cybersecurity infrastructure

2. Protection from Cyber Attacks

SMBs are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals due to their relatively weaker security measures compared to larger enterprises. A managed firewall helps protect SMBs from various types of cyber-attacks, including malware, ransomware, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, and intrusion attempts. It helps safeguard sensitive information, customer data, and intellectual property, reducing the risk of financial loss, reputational damage, and legal issues

3. Compliance Requirements

Depending on the industry and location, SMBs may be subject to specific compliance regulations such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), or General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). A managed firewall helps meet these compliance requirements by implementing necessary security measures, maintaining audit logs, and ensuring data protection.

4. Continuous Monitoring and Maintenance

Managing and updating a firewall can be complex and time-consuming. With a managed firewall, SMBs can benefit from continuous monitoring, maintenance, and patch management by experienced IT professionals. This ensures that the firewall remains up to date with the latest security patches and configurations, reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing overall network security.

5. Scalability and Flexibility

As SMBs grow and evolve, their security needs may change. A managed firewall provides scalability and flexibility, allowing businesses to adapt their security measures to the changing threat landscape. Managed service providers can offer customised firewall solutions tailored to the specific requirements of the SMB, ensuring optimal protection without the need for significant investments in hardware, software, and specialised expertise.

6. Focus on Core Business Functions

By outsourcing firewall management to a managed service provider, SMBs can free up their internal resources and focus on their core business functions. Rather than spending time and effort on firewall configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting, SMBs can rely on experts to handle these tasks, allowing them to concentrate on growth, customer service, and strategic initiatives.

In Summary

In summary, a managed firewall provides SMBs with enhanced network security, protection against cyber threats, compliance adherence, continuous monitoring and maintenance, scalability, and the ability to focus on core business functions. It is a cost-effective solution that offers peace of mind and helps safeguard the business’s critical assets in the increasingly complex digital landscape.

How SCG Midlands can help with Managed Firewalls for SMBs

Partnering with global leader of cyber security solutions and services Fortinet, SCG Midlands is able to design, deliver and support a managed firewall solution to meet the needs of any business.

Our experienced IT and cyber security specialists can work with you to analyse your current IT landscape and operational needs, highlight potential vulnerabilities and make recommendations as to the key steps to be taken to reduce the risks to your business.

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When it comes to cybersecurity, there’s a lot of terminology that can be difficult to understand. Here, at SCG Midlands, we want to make cybersecurity as accessible as possible. Take a look at our jargon buster. We’ve collected the main words associated with cybersecurity and explained them so you can understand what they mean and how they might impact your business.

Antivirus

Antivirus software tries to find and neutralise any viruses or malicious software (malware) that may be on computers or smartphones.

Authentication

Authentication is the process of confirming that you are who you say you are, for example by using a password (something that only you should know).

Bring your own device (BYOD)

An organisation’s strategy or policy which allows employees to use their own personal devices for work purposes under security measures.

Dictionary attack

A ‘Dictionary Attack’ is a method used by hackers to find passwords, by running down a list of dictionary words until a match is found. They’ll often combine words in common pairs too (such as “ManchesterUnited“), make common letter substitutions (such as a 1 for an i), or add numbers to the end.

DoS/DDoS

A Denial of Service attack (“DoS” for short) is when an attacker bombards a website with so much traffic that it buckles under the strain & stops working. These attacks are often carried out by multiple computers, leading to the term Distributed Denial of Service attack (or “DDoS”).

Encryption

Encryption is the process of converting a piece of data into an unreadable format that can only be recovered with knowledge of a secret key. It’s a form of cryptography and uses some complex mathematics to ensure it’s unbreakable.

Firewall

A firewall is a piece of software (or within large organisations, a physical device itself) that can analyse the internet traffic flowing into and out of your computer to try to detect (and stop!) anything that’s unauthorised.

Malware

An umbrella term that describes all forms of malicious software designed to wreak havoc on a computer. Common forms include viruses, trojans, worms and ransomware.

Phishing

A technique used by hackers to obtain sensitive information. For example, using hand-crafted email messages designed to trick people into divulging personal or confidential data such as passwords and bank account information.

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

The use of two different components to verify a user’s claimed identity. Also known as multi-factor authentication. This could be a password and a random code generator. Both are needed to access the account.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a particularly vicious form of malware that has become more popular in recent years. When activated on your computer it makes all files unreadable until a ransom fee is paid and even then sometimes the files are destroyed for good.

Spyware

Spyware (short for spy software) is a form of malware that spies on a computer user without them knowing, such as recording their passwords, credit card details, or the websites visited. Despite its name, anti-virus software will catch all types of malware including spyware – not just viruses.

Trojan

A trojan is a type of malicious software that pretends to be a legitimate piece of software. Examples include fake antivirus programs or malicious games. Trojans can do all sorts of damage, from encrypting all your data and only releasing it for a ransom fee, to stealing data such as passwords, or perhaps being used to send spam emails from your computer.

UTM

Unified Threat Management is a suite of security products suited for small and midsized businesses. The hardware acts as a barrier between the external environment and corporate networks and has features that include antispam filters, firewalls, web gateway security, and other ways of keeping systems safe and secure.

Virus

A virus is a type of malicious software (“malware”) that can do damage to your computer or steal information, such as credit card details. They often get onto your computer through compromised websites or infected attachments in emails.

Worm

A worm is a type of malicious software (“malware”) that can automatically spread from computer to computer, dropping off viruses and trojans as it goes. Worms can spread incredibly quickly because they replicate themselves in order to spread the infection to other connected computers.

Want to discuss your cybersecurity needs?
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