Cybersecurity is one of the leading causes of both financial and reputational damage for organisations. Third-party breaches remain a key concern for organisations worldwide. According to the recent PWC Digital Trust Insight Survey (2024) only 46% of senior executives in Ireland believe their businesses have the right amount of cybersecurity technology solutions. This is compared to 69% of their peers worldwide.
EU-wide legislation such as NIS Directive (NIS2) and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), demonstrates the EU’s commitment to mandate consistent cybersecurity standards and reporting. Compliance with this legislation should be a primary focus area for Irish organisations.
Malware is any kind of software that’s designed to harm a computer. Malware can steal sensitive information from your computer, gradually slow down your computer, or even send fake emails from your email account without your knowledge. Phishing, malware, and ransomware, remain significant threats to Irish business. A network firewall is the first line of defence against malware.
How to prevent malware?
Preventing malware requires a multi-faceted approach but here are the key elements.
- Keep your computer and software updated.
- Use strong passwords.
- Use a non-administrator account whenever possible.
- Think twice before clicking links or downloading anything.
- Use antivirus software.
- Ensure your firewall is deployed and correctly configured.
What is a firewall?
A firewall is either a hardware device or a software application that helps protect your network from malware and attackers.
A firewall works by constantly monitoring and regulating the data that goes in and out of your network.
Firewalls can be either hardware or software. A firewall is like a virtual security guard that keeps malicious code out of your network. The firewall shields your network by acting as a 24/7 filter, scanning the data that attempts to enter your network and preventing anything that looks suspicious from getting through.
Some firewalls, because they can examine data both as it comes in and goes out, can also prevent an attacker from using your system to spread harmful code.
How does a firewall work?
Here’s how a firewall operates in a business setting.
- Incoming and outgoing data is organized in packets.
- The firewall constantly monitors data packets flowing through your network.
- When a firewall examines the packets of data, it uses filters which help to identify malicious data.
- If a data packet meets the parameters of a threat as defined by a filter, then it is discarded, and your network is protected.
- Data packets that are deemed safe are allowed to pass through.
Your IT team can influence the filters that are applied to your firewall, deciding whether a packet gets the green light or gets blocked.
Firewalls and Zero Trust Model
One of cybersecurity’s hottest topics right now is Zero Trust. Zero Trust is based on 3 Principles: Continuously verify, least privilege access, assume breach. The Zero Trust mantra is “never trust, always verify”. According to the PWC Digital Trust Survey, in Ireland, just 53% of organisations have implemented Zero Trust principles while 30% plan to soon.
Identity plays a central role in a Zero Trust model. Firewalls are integrated with Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems to verify user identities. Access policies are then applied based on the individual user and their level of access. This integration ensures that access controls are consistent and robust.
Why Magnet+ Work with Fortinet
Fortinet are recognised as world leaders with their firewall protection solutions. FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) protect data, assets, and users across today’s hybrid working environments. FortiGate NGFWs accelerate security and networking performance to effectively secure the growing volume of data-rich traffic and cloud-based applications.
- All-Fronts Protection. Fortinet Firewall solutions include anti-virus protection, application control, intrusion defence, email and web filtering and VPN.
- Securing all Devices. Protection can be extended to all devices used in your business, including PCs, smartphones and tablets.
- All Sizes / Multiple Sites. Fortinet Firewall protection can extend across multiple sites and be cost-effectively adopted by companies of all sizes.
- World Leaders. Leading global research and advisory firm Gartner have assessed Fortinet as world leaders with their firewall protection solutions.
- Granular Control of more than 2,500 applications including today’s most frequently used business applications.
- Complete Flexibility. As your business grows or changes, Fortinet Firewall’s protection can continue to match your needs precisely.
Contact Us
Contact us today, if you would like to speak to one of our experts about our world-class firewall and managed firewall solutions, powered by Fortinet.
