With the ever-increasing rate of cyber attacks against businesses, organizations, websites, and other online platforms, not getting caught in the landslide is a matter of taking in the right information and being proactive.
This means websites are also at risk of possible cyber attacks, and you need to deploy every available tool to protect your websites from cyberattacks; one such tool is a firewall.
What is a Firewall?
A firewall is a network security software or hardware device that analyzes and filters incoming and outgoing traffic according to a set of security rules. The primary purpose of using a firewall is to block specific programs from sending data out, lowering the risk of data theft. You can also use this security method to prevent other users from accessing specified websites.
How a Firewall Works
A firewall monitors and scans incoming traffic at the port/entry point on your computer and determines how external devices share data within a network.
To understand how a firewall works, imagine it as a security guard who knows everything there is to know about millions of potential criminals. If the guard notices one, he or she will keep the criminal out. Likewise, a firewall's protection comes from its ability to monitor and regulate traffic entering and exiting your network.
This can be achieved using different methods, which include packet filtering, a proxy service, and stateful inspection. If you use a firewall, only trusted IP addresses and sources can access your website. A firewall only allows traffic that it has been set to accept.
How You Risk Your Website's Security by Not Using a Firewall
Most operating systems, such as Windows, come with an in-built firewall that provides you with basic security. However, using a third-party firewall gives you more control over your website's security. The following are some reasons why you need a firewall to secure your website.
Open Access
A website without firewalls allows any connection it can get and has no way of detecting threats. This may make your website vulnerable to malicious attacks.
Compromised Data
Your data is vulnerable to intruders if you don't have a firewall in place. It means you're handing control of your website to someone else. Hackers may commit fraud or even delete crucial data from your database, putting you in danger.
Shutting Down Your Website
Without a firewall, attackers may be able to crash your website and refuse you access. This can be done using a ransomware attack, which is a type of malware attack that takes control of a system or website and demands a ransom to undo it. It could take time and money to get your website up and running again.
Using a firewall can prevent malicious attackers from gaining access to your data and secure your website from both internal and external threats. A firewall, when combined with other basic security behaviors, increases your immunity to potential threats and protects your data, hence boosting your website against cyber attacks.