Your network should be using business firewall software with more advanced functions than Windows Vista or XP Service Pack 2 offers. Please don't misunderstand. You want to have the Windows firewall software enabled on your network. After all, the firewall does provide basic protection, such as blocking attacks from worms. However, it won’t protect your network from viruses or spyware. That’s why you need business firewall software that provides your network stronger security.

A firewall acts as the first line of defense. If it's attacked, this can wreak havoc on your network, including performance problems, viruses, and spam. A good firewall application will stop those attacks from happening. Now, it may not stop every attack, but it will prevent most attacks from succeeding. A firewall security software application not only provides you added security, but helps you in the following ways:

1. Business firewall software blocks hackers from remotely accessing your network.

2. Firewall application enables you to decide who can connect to websites.

3. Intelligent firewall protection prevents unauthorized programs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use firewall protection software to block hackers from infiltrating your network

This is one thing you do not want to see happen in your business. Installing a firewall security software application thwarts a hacker from gaining control over your network. You don't want this person to be able to access your files, destroy crucial data, or even worse, steal your data. You need firewall protection.

I recommend: ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite consists of not only the firewall software, but anti-virus, anti-spam, and identity theft protection. This suite stops hackers from not only infiltrating your network, but wreaking havoc on your crucial information. Trend Micro is also a leader in providing firewall system solutions. Its Client Server Security for SMB is easy to set up and doesn’t require much administrative work.

Use Internet firewall protection software to control who can access websites

A good Internet firewall protection software not only will protect your network from the outside, but also from within. You can decide what employees can access the Internet or certain websites. In addition, you can set up rules as to who can access your FTP or web servers. You can also decide if you want your files to travel over the Internet.

I recommend: McAfee Total Protection 2008 with Site Advisor Plus has advanced functions, such as stopping email spam from infiltrating your network. You’ll also want to look at Astaro Security Gateway Network Security. It offers comprehensive security, including in- and outbound traffic shaping and authentication through Active Directory.

Use smart business firewall software to block unauthorized programs

This is a crucial area you cannot afford to do without. Allowing unauthorized programs into your network can be dangerous because they can contain viruses. However, you don't want to block all access from the Internet. Your employees may need to download an application for work. So you need the online firewall protection to be able to discern what applications are acceptable versus unacceptable.

I recommend: Norton Internet Security 2008 and Panda Internet Security 2008 are intelligent firewall applications. They study the application's behavior for any suspicious behavior. They allow the good applications in and block the malicious ones.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For security in addition to firewall programs, use encryption to block intruders from infiltrating your wireless network.