As you may already know, a firewall is one of the most important components of any security system. It goes without saying that you need to have a firewall activated on your devices at all times. So, what does the firewall actually do and what are firewall rules?
Most simply put, a firewall is a network security system designed to monitor and control both incoming and outgoing traffic. For the sake of visualization, think of the firewall as a barrier between two networks, one being trustworthy and the other not so much. It is important to address that the firewall controls traffic based on predetermined security rules, also known as the firewall rules.
These rules control which Internet traffic will be permitted by the firewall and which will be blocked. You give the firewall a certain set of conditions and it will react to them as soon as it recognizes the familiar condition. Thus, it is important to keep in mind that changing firewall rules or in any way tampering with them could bring forth potential security risks. With that said, here are the best practices when it comes to handling firewall rules.
Blocking Traffic by Default
One of the best ways to ensure optimal security with a firewall is to block traffic to the network by default. Naturally, you will have to provide some level of access but this only refers to known and reliable services and sources of traffic. That way, you will have full control over who gets to join your network, which significantly minimizes the level of risk.
Monitoring User Access
No doubt blocking outside traffic can make a huge difference in the security of the network. However, you have to go deeper than that and actually monitor user access to different levels of the network. Not everyone should have access to all administrative features. Thus, make sure that only authorized users can alter firewall configurations. On top of that, ensure that there is a proper system in place for recording changes within the network. That way, you'll know who had access to which layers at all times.
Documenting Firewall Rules
It is mandatory to keep a certain level of documentation of firewall rules to maintain compliance and have the entire team on the same page. Every single change or development tied to the use of the firewall should be documented. Therefore, make sure to keep track of information such as the purpose of the firewall rules, the affected services, devices, and users involved in each change.
Maintaining Firewall Rules
What makes it so difficult to secure a network is its changing nature and the fact that new devices and users are constantly being added. With that in mind, it is important to maintain firewall rules properly. As time goes on, the rules might have to be updated to meet the latest standards or respond to a change in the number of users. It is recommended to create a schedule for regular maintenance of the firewall rules to ensure optimal security.
Final Words
Keeping security in mind is mandatory nowadays both for companies and individuals on the net. While there is a lot that goes into maintaining optimal cybersecurity, one of the main steps of the process is taking care of the firewall and the way it operates. Keep in mind that simply having a firewall on your device won’t ensure full security unless the program is actually optimized to best protect your network. Thus, make sure to implement the practices listed above for the best results.
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