Firewall Hardware

Firewall products are your company's first line of defense against security threats
By Marianne Cotter, Freelance writer Computer security threats jeopardize your data as well as your ability to comply with corporate governance privacy regulations. Software firewall products are vulnerable to hacking, as is any software code. Firewall security products, such as firewall routers and firewall servers, are the key to securing your data especially as your company becomes more dispersed with multiple locations and remote devices.

When buying and deploying firewall hardware, consider the following:

1. Deploying firewall hardware to protect all points of access.
2. Using firewall routers as an integrated solution.
3. Understanding the pros and cons of firewall servers.
4. Using firewall security products and consultants.

Deploy firewall hardware to protect all points of access

Most companies today have multiple access points to their networks, exposing critical boundaries, such as the LAN/WAN edge, the public/private edge and internal points like switches and back-end servers. Firewall products, especially firewall hardware, needs to be deployed at each point of access throughout the enterprise, including branch offices and the points at which remote devices enter the network.
Try:  Network World offers a variety of firewall hardware solutions from numerous vendors.

Use firewall routers as an integrated solution

Routers control access for multiple computers within a network, inspecting information packets and forwarding them to authorized ports, making them natural firewall hardware.
Try:  HotBrick’s Firewall LB2 integrates a router and firewall with two WAN ports to provide high bandwidth solutions, network security, load balance and redundancy. If you have a virtual private network (VPN) to allow employees remote access to your network, consider options for firewall routers, such as Nortel Network’s VPN router portfolio.

Understand the pros and cons of firewall servers

While servers, which house network resources for sharing purposes, seem like natural firewall hardware, don't assume that every server on the market acts as its own firewall. When shopping for a server, ask if it is configured as a firewall. If not, make sure the server itself has a firewall.
Try:  RackForce Networks offers Fortigate firewall hardware as an add-on to their dedicated servers. Jupitermedia’s ServerWatch reviews different servers comparing their prices and functionality.

Hire consultants for advice on firewall hardware

If you don't have the in-house expertise to assess your security profile and install firewall products, it is critical that you hire a properly qualified person to secure your systems.
Try:  CDW Corporation’s Decision One service deploys a technician to your office to install, configure and test firewall hardware security. osRiver offers network security consulting and implementation with solutions from Cisco, Juniper, Nortel and others.

• Before buying firewall security products, determine if your current hardware configurations include firewall products at any point.
• Analyze your network to determine all its access points and make sure each one is protected with firewall hardware.
• Make sure all of your remote locations and devices are protected with firewall products.
• Don't rely on software firewall products to protect a dispersed network.
• Configure your firewall hardware to protect against internal as well as external threats.