When it comes to your online business, security should always be at the forefront of your mind. As a business owner, you need to ensure that your website is secured and the data of your customers is also secure. You need a robust security detail to do this successfully.
Luckily you can get an automatic layer of security by switching your hosting environment to VPS hosting. However ,if you need a fully customizable and configurable plan then a dedicated server is best for you.
The more we collect data, sensitive financial information and use websites with interactive features like chatbots, the more airtight your security needs to be. At Hosting.uk we mean business when it comes to overall security. This article will clue you into why you need a hardware firewall to protect the computers that constantly access the back-end of your website.
Table of Contents
What is a Hardware Firewall?
A hardware firewall is a physical device comparable to a server that filters traffic to and from a computer. Instead of plugging the network cable into the server, it is linked to the firewall, positioning the firewall between the uplink and the computer— consider this a barrier and check point rolled into one.
Much like a standard computer with a processor unit, memory bank, and sophisticated software, these devices also use powerful networking components, hardware and software. It scrutinises all traffic crossing that connection by configurable rules which grant or deny access accordingly.
As we use the Internet, we encounter firewalls all the time usually in the form of a software firewall on a personal laptop or workstation. Their function is surprisingly basic. They review and then allow traffic to enter and leave the computer based on some simple rules, to either allow or deny that traffic.
Some communal examples of software firewalls you may be familiar with are:
- Windows Firewall (built-in to all computers)
- UFW
- IPTables
- FirewallD
A Hardware Firewall behaves the same except that it is outside of the server.
How Do Hardware Firewalls Work?
The hardware firewall is setup in a different way, reliant on your current configuration. The firewall is positioned outside your server and is linked directly to your uplink. If this is a new setup, the firewall is then linked to your server. If it is a new setup to a production server, a maintenance window will mitigate the physical connection.
Once the connection to the server is linked and established, all traffic to and from the server goes through the firewall, forcing an inspection. This allows you to have control over the type of traffic you receive, which is incredibly important.
Five Key Benefits Hardware Firewalls Provide
1. Traffic Control
You can pick choose and refuse the type of traffic that is allowed to enter your server. You have full control of what goes in and out the server.
2. Default Rules
A list of rules that automatically come with the firewall but are fully configurable and is applicable to the traffic flow.
3. Port Access
Personal control to modify rules with options like permitting all traffic to your website or safeguarding only you and your developer can access SSH ports or RDP.
4. Managed Equals Control on The Fly
Admittance to a fully staffed networking team to configure, troubleshoot, or adjust controls as needed.
5. Additional Server Resources
Access to supplementary server resources that would otherwise be exploited. You even have the ability to disable the software firewalls from your server and completely depend on the Hardware Firewall, liberating valuable memory and processor power for the functions and services that your business needs to continue being successful.
Is There Anything Else Hardware Firewalls Can Do?
Most definitely! Inclusive of the powerful examination functions we already discussed, one of the other key benefits is the capacity to run a VPN connection. This connection, which is also an entirely managed offering, adds a whole new level of security, access, and encryption to your previously secured cluster.
With VPN connection that’s completely managed, you can have the security and complete control to grant access to the users who need secure access anywhere there’s a stable Internet connection. Do you work from home? No problem! Are you traveling for work? Easy!
Access is easily at your fingertips from anywhere with Internet. It’s the mobility you need to stay flexible in a shifting environment
What if I Have More than One Server?
No problem at all. With Hosting.uk our self-managed VPS users can actually install a firewall to protect their servers, we offer unlimited customization with self-managed VPS and dedicated servers. We always recommend that you secure your servers in this case. However, with our managed, cPanel VPS and managed dedicated comes with built-in CSF firewall.
These devices are also powerful enough to handle traffic from multiple servers. Further, if at some point you outgrow one, we can work with you to plan out an upgrade to the hardware so your security can be scaled along with your business.
We also employ a full staff of dedicated technical support 24/7/365 who can manage and maintain your fully managed networking infrastructure with no issues. A managed server service includes setup, configuration, and even upkeep in the case of potential exploits and security breaches.
Our technical support staff are an email or phone call away, which leaves you with peace of mind and valuable time you can use to focus on the things that matter most.
The Takeaway
It is compulsory for you as a website owner and e-entrepreneur to guarantee that your customer’s data and sensitive information is kept safe and under lock and key.
Hackers and cyber criminals are constantly combing the web looking for any security breaches they can exploit in order to hack your site or steal sensitive data. You want to be ahead of the breach, proactive than reactive because prevention is better than cure and your reputation as a leader in your niche is imperative to your success.
Contact our technical support today and find out how you can get a hardware firewall installed. It’s best to give your website every inch of security you can find in order to tackle and deter hackers, cyber criminals and scammers.
