Cyber threats have moved well beyond the simple viruses and obvious scam emails that used to plague the internet. Today, even small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face a rising tide of incredibly sophisticated attacks. One of the most common targets? Your networks. If a threat actor can access that, then no corner of your business will be safe.
One of the most effective ways to protect this vulnerable piece of your IT infrastructure is a next-generation firewall (NGF). But these are difficult to set up, and even more troublesome to maintain. So what is an SMB to do? Is there a solution that allows you to benefit from the protection a firewall provides, without wasting hours on management?
What are Managed Firewall Services?
A firewall acts as a gatekeeper between your company network and the world wide web. It controls traffic in and out, which helps prevent threat actors from breaching your business. However, a firewall is only as effective as its setup and maintenance.
This is where managed firewall security services come in. This is when a third party expert known as a managed security service provider (MSSP) handles firewall maintenance, support, and optimisation on your behalf. This can include:
- Initial setup and configuration
- Ongoing maintenance and issue resolution
- Monitoring suspicious activity
- Updating firewall rules
- Managing firmware and security patches
- Reviewing traffic patterns
- Blocking known threats
- Responding to alerts
- Reporting on risks and activity
Key Benefits of Managed Firewall Services for SMBs
24/7 Monitoring and Rapid Threat Response
Threat actors don’t keep traditional office hours. An MSSP will monitor your network 24/7 for unusual activity that might indicate a potential threat. They’ll also keep an eye on any flags set by your firewall. This means action can be taken much faster during a breach, significantly reducing the damage done.
Regular Maintenance
To function properly, firewalls require constant attention. Rules must be reviewed and changed, updates need to be installed, and settings should match how your business actually operates. Your provider takes care of these fiddly, time-consuming tasks for you, freeing up employees to work on other things.
Cost Savings
Firewall costs themselves are relatively low, but hiring in-house expertise can be extremely expensive. Managed firewall services charge a monthly fee that leverages economies of scale. This means they typically cost significantly less than hiring the same staff internally.
Proof of Compliance
Remaining compliant with regulations is one challenge. Proving it to the authorities is another entirely. Simply hiring an MSSP creates a paper trail demonstrating that you’ve made an effort to maintain compliance. If they offer regular reporting, that’s even better. Either way, your business is better positioned to avoid fines and other legal penalties.
Choosing the Right Managed Firewall Service Provider
Unfortunately, not all managed firewall services are created equal. To locate the right one for your needs, look for:
- Experience working with SMBs in your industry
- Deep knowledge of next-generation firewalls
- Strong internal security measures
- Case studies and testimonials that demonstrate a track record of success
- Clear service level agreements (SLAs), reporting, and escalation procedures
- Responsive and honest communication
- A personal interest in your unique business goals, risks, and needs
Partner with Someone Who Can Keep Your SMB Safe
Firewalls keep your networks secure, but only if they’re configured and maintained correctly. Managed firewall services address this exact need. They handle all the complex and time-consuming tasks you would rather not complete, so you can focus on what really matters: running your small business. If you want to strengthen security without the hassle, this is an excellent option.
If you’re concerned about cyber-attacks, we can help. Our experts close the most dangerous gaps first, providing maximum security with minimal investment on your part. If that sounds interesting, get started with a security review. You might be surprised at what we discover.
FAQs
What are Firewall Managed Services?
Managed firewall services are when a third-party expert known as a managed security service provider (MSSP) performs duties such as maintenance, monitoring, configuration, and support for your network firewall protection.
How do Managed Firewall Services Benefit SMBs?
Managed firewall services benefit SMBs by reducing costs (when compared to hiring in-house expertise), ensure firewalls are configured properly, improve threat detection, and provide proof of regulatory compliance.
How Does Managed Firewall Services Pricing Work?
Managed firewall pricing is based on a monthly subscription fee, which itself will depend on your business needs. To get exact numbers, it’s always best to ask for a quote from several providers.
