Firewall protection
Firewall protection is essential for any computer or network connected to the Internet. The Internet is a public network and as such holds several threats to the networks or computers connected to it. Unfortunately, hackers, thieves and industrial spies also use the Internet. Serious threats to the stability of a network or the confidentiality of company data exist the moment you connect your private network to a public network.
Tools used to access computers and networks through the Internet include viruses, spam, DoS/DDoS attacks, hacking, spoofing, malware, spyware, trojans, worms and malicious software. When looking at the wide range of tools used, it becomes apparent that no company or even individual user should use the Internet and email facilities without adequate firewall protection in place.
Wireless Dimensions, one of the leading providers of ISP services and Internet security solutions in South Africa has developed WDGuard as a Linux security solution for small home offices, small businesses and medium size enterprise networks. The WDGuard solution provides excellent network management capabilities while also providing adequate firewall protection at the same time.
What is firewall protection?
It is a system set-up to protect computers in a network from intentional harmful intrusion that should it succeed, compromise or corrupt data on the network. This could also lead to denial of service known as DoS.
The system can be a piece of hardware equipment or a software package installed on the client desktop. The WDGuard option available from Wireless Dimensions can be a server placed at the client premise and includes the software that helps to increase security. The system has two interfaces. The one is for the network that it protects and the other is set-up for the network it is exposed to. It is thus at the gateway of the two networks. In this capacity it protects your company network against the public network of the Internet.
All traffic between the two networks is monitored according to specific rules. Not only incoming, but also outgoing traffic is investigated. Attempts to log into the company network are detected and stopped. The client is alerted to intrusion attempts and the culprits deleted or quarantined. It also includes the filtering of packets and IP addresses.
Myths
Many users believe that if their computers are not visible on the Internet, that they are safe. Unfortunately it is a myth. Hackers and pranksters make use of bots to locate IP addresses which are then attacked, some for no reason other than being connected to the Internet. Even though it may just be a prank for someone else, can you afford to lose the data on your computer and that of your workers?
Benefits
Several benefits are offered through the firewall protection as part of the WDGuard solution including the ability to restrict access to specific web addresses, prevent downloading from compromising sites and increasing productivity by blocking game, chat, porn and gambling site access. Get peace of mind through adequate safeguarding of your network. Contact Wireless Dimensions for a free quote and customised solution according to your specific needs.
