That which is not specifically denied is authorized. As explained in last months Wolfpack newsletter, a firewall can be a computer, router or other communications device that screens and filters access to a protected network. It serves as an electronic barricade, where all external transmissions are checked and confirmed for specific characteristics before being granted or denied network access. Several companies providing firewalls include Cisco and Black Ice. However, firewalls also protect mainframes and other central resources from general access within an organization to maintain confidentiality.
Firewalls also provide companies with other types of protection from network intrusion.
Higher-level firewalls can track where employees are going on the Internet and determine whether they have unlimited access or only can retrieve email. For companies with remote users, such as field sales reps, firewalls ensure secure communication and data retrieval. Take advantage of the latest advancements in secure enterprise connectivity offered through firewalls, such as access control, integrated content security, load balancing, auditing, enterprisewide management and fault tolerance. Some firewalls also offer multiple encryption schemes and enhanced authentication. Whether you are a neighborhood store with a Website or a Fortune 500 corporation that integrates business partners through extranets, security is a major concern that must be addressed to protect valuable data and information.