As you may have read in one of our previous blogs, Best Practices for Website Security, there are a few simple steps to help you and your website stay more secure on that big ol’ internet. Actions like using good passwords, updating your code, and avoiding sensitive information are great pieces of advice. But I’m here to add another item to that list, and that is the wall of fire! Ok, I mean firewall, but it sounds more exciting the other way, doesn’t it?
So, what is a firewall and why is it so important to the security of your website? According to Microsoft, “A firewall is a software program or piece of hardware that helps screen out hackers, viruses, and worms that try to reach your computer over the Internet”. Another way to think about a firewall is the bouncer at a bar. Sure, a bar or club could function as a business without a bouncer there, but the risk of underage drinkers, fights, and general mischief is much more likely. Those things could in-turn threaten the life of the business. A firewall is that extra level of protection that keeps your website safe.
Firewalls are important to have on your computer, but for a website it’s also vital to have a web application firewall, yet another layer of protection. Web application firewalls are smarter and able to filter all traffic to your site and identify threats like hackers, spam, bots, brute-force and other attacks to protect it. This in turn can optimize the performance of the site. So in essence, if your website doesn’t already have some form of firewall protection, now is the time!
It’s always good to research different options based on your company’s website security needs. Selecting the right web application firewall is important for protecting and optimizing your (or your company’s) website. If you would like any help in reviewing or implementing your site’s current firewall, feel free to contact us!