The rapid development of the Internet has created a space of unlimited possibilities for businesses. Even micro businesses have their company websites and profiles on social networking sites. E-marketing and internet sales are only growing. As companies increasingly use the Internet, online threats have become an inevitable problem that requires an effective solution.
Rapid increase in the quantity of data stored within the internet and the use to web content poses a serious challenge to the companies. Relevant security measures must be taken to prevent information leakage or loss – not only within internal company networks but also against external threats.
In addition to well-known threats such as viruses and spam, new ones arise all the time – using P2P file-sharing programs, instant messaging, social media and “clouds”. Malicious attacks not only destroy or damage files, but can also cause bandwidth and server overload, extort confidential information, and – most importantly in the area of e-commerce – can infect the computers of customers.
This is because today’s websites offer two-way communication, where users are encouraged to share their resources – for example, if you log on to a store account store via Facebook. On the one hand, these solutions are very supportive of business development and facilitate the search for and contact with customers. On the other – an insufficiently protected page can spread malware and install not only harmful content, but also extort information from our network.
In addition to typical anti-virus software solutions, companies storing sensitive data within their networks should invest in advanced solutions that provide multi-level network protection (the so-called “defence in depth”). Protection devices working this way scan the network and analyze both the incoming and outgoing content. Advanced network security is provided by different forms of Unified Threat Management (UTM) devices, that is, integrated security gateways. Equipped with modern features, these devices not only monitor specific ports, but also all kinds of traffic transmitted through them.
Security gateways available on the market usually offer firewall with stateful packet inspection (SPI), anti-virus, intrusion detection and prevention (IDP), content filtering, anti-spam, and – crucial for safe remote connections – a VPN service (IPSec/SSL/L2TP).
Manufacturers of the latest solutions equip their devices in efficient security processors. Using the UTM gateway content filter monitors traffic in real time – ensuring that all content flowing through the network (e.g., e-mails) is inspected, and any threats are blocked immediately without limiting the capacity. In this way, the device optimizes the enterprise network protection and traffic filtering when downloading files, sending e-mails or simply browsing the Internet.
Of course, we must not forget that it one of the most important and most vulnerable links in the corporate network is the human factor. We will make the job easier for the devices protecting our network and websites if we refrain from clicking on suspicious links or opening dubious e-mails, so as not to contribute to the spreading of harmful content on the internet and your local network.
