Next Generation Firewall for a secure IT environment
As part of a managed firewall, we act as your external IT department, proactively configuring, administering, maintaining and monitoring your security-critical firewall and your network.
In the field of IT security the firewall plays an absolutely central role, because the firewall monitors and regulates the data traffic between your company network and external networks, such as the internet. As the name suggests, it works like a barrier that can detect and block unwanted and dangerous data packets. At the same time, it lets legitimate data packets pass. A firewall consists of hardware and software and protects your network against malware, ransomware and other unauthorized access.
A practical example: admission control
Imagine you want to host an event at your premises and use admission control to ensure that only invited guests get in and unwanted guests stay outside.
Applied to a conventional firewall, this means: outbound data traffic is always let through, while inbound data traffic is only allowed in if it was actually requested.
Compared to a conventional firewall, a so-called next generation firewall (NGFW) offers more extensive and more powerful features and security components. These make it possible to detect, analyze and block in real time even elaborately disguised cyberattacks at the application level.
Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly technical and thus more sophisticated. For this reason, security technologies must also evolve proactively to offer companies efficient, multi-layered protection. Thanks to their technical complexity, next generation firewalls offer remarkable efficiency in responding appropriately to security breaches. Below we present a selection of the features – without going too deep into technical details.
Blocking access from specific countries
When setting up the firewall, access from individual countries can be blocked outright. Our experience over recent years has shown that this approach can ward off a large proportion of attacks.
Decryption, behavioral analysis, detection of attack patterns and automatic blocking
Encrypting data traffic is essential for confidentiality and data protection. However, cybercriminals also use encrypted malware for their attacks. That is why next generation firewalls (NGFW’s) use specific decryption techniques to fend off these threats (SSL/TLS decryption).
In addition, NGFW’s are programmed and configured to detect suspicious activity based on signatures, attack and behavioral patterns and to block it immediately (Intrusion Prevention System). This threat data (threat intelligence feeds) is continuously updated and refined by IT security companies, government agencies and cyber defense centers. Some NGFW’s also use AI and machine learning to analyze large volumes of data for potential threats.
Network segmentation
When it comes to cybersecurity, many people initially only think of attacks from outside. However, a not insignificant share also comes from attacks originating inside the company.
Your next generation firewall also offers ways to optimally protect the network from within. Network segmentation plays a major role here, because sensitive areas can be better isolated and equipped with access controls and security policies. This approach makes it difficult or even impossible for attackers to gain further access within the network. You must also make sure that the Wi-Fi access for your guests/customers is always kept separate from that of your employees.
Network segmentation is one aspect of the legal compliance requirements!
Port security settings
Another feature for increasing internal IT security is the deactivation of unused ports. This helps you prevent unwanted and unauthorized devices or connections from being attached to your network.
Additional configurations, such as the assignment of MAC addresses to individual ports, can furthermore ensure that only the registered device with the exactly matching MAC address can connect. (MAC stands for Media Access Control and in this case has nothing to do with the company Apple.)
Blocking individual online services and websites
Using a filter function, you can block connections to and from certain unwanted websites and online services outright.
Secure VPN connections for home office workstations
Offering remote workplaces, such as working from home, is important for companies to stay competitive in the race for skilled staff. However, these workplaces must also be securely connected to the company network. The integrated VPN features of the next generation firewall enable you to exchange data and information securely within your company.
Bandwidth management for ideal network performance
To avoid bottlenecks and ensure optimal network performance, next generation firewalls (NGFW’s) enable the prioritization of data streams for critical applications such as VoIP telephony and video transmissions in the data traffic.
At the same time, the “less important applications” are assigned less bandwidth. This bandwidth management can be controlled and optimized via the NGFW.
Redundant internet connections (WAN)
In most cases, an internet outage brings the entire operation to a standstill. To prevent this, two independent internet connections can be set up. (Despite paying twice for internet service, this security measure is still extremely worthwhile! Important for you to know: our service price remains unchanged!)
The NGFW permanently checks the availability of the internet. In the event of an outage, it automatically switches to the second line and at the same time informs the IT security staff about the outage and the measures taken.
Operating a security-critical firewall is a continuous process. Nowadays, it is no longer enough to buy a firewall once, implement it and expect to run it without much maintenance effort. A simple Fritz!Box alone also does not offer companies sufficient protection against the growing cyber threat — because the threat level, driven in part by the use of AI in the cyber arms race, is high.
Instead, the security settings must be constantly updated, monitored and adapted to the latest attack methods. The right configuration and maintenance are essential prerequisites and should only be carried out by qualified specialists. If you do not have these IT experts available, external IT service providers – like us – can help and support you.
As an IT systems house, we take care of your systems proactively with the necessary know-how.
We analyze your network in order to set up the firewall optimally. We also adapt it to your current and future needs — always, of course, with security aspects in mind. In addition, we administer and monitor your systems in real time through comprehensive monitoring (remote management monitoring).
A competent IT support team is on hand for questions and technical assistance.
By the way: the next generation firewall incl. service is already an integral part of our IT Service Flat Rate Pro. With it, you get a comprehensive service and IT security package at predictable IT costs!
| One-time cost per user | |
|---|---|
| Next Generation Firewall basic installation | 99,90 € |
| Ongoing cost per user per month | |
| Next Generation Firewall incl. service | 17,90 €* |
* Our IT Service Flat Rate Pro already includes the Next Generation Firewall incl. service.
What do the ongoing costs of the Next-Generation Firewall include?
Which services are chargeable and not included?
What advantages do Computer-Spezialisten offer compared to my current IT provider?
Are there any requirements I need to meet to be supported by Computer-Spezialisten?
What are my contract terms?
What response times can you offer me?
We offer you a guaranteed response time of 6 hours within our working hours for system-critical problems. During working hours (Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m.) you can reach our 1st-level support by phone, e-mail or via the contact form: IT support ticket.
Can I reach you outside regular business hours?
Outside business hours, you can reach us via our emergency support (chargeable).
How much extra does emergency support cost?
Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation consultation.
Phone: +49 7551 80194-0 or by
e-mail to info@computer-spezialisten.de
Do you need an IT solution and are looking for an IT service provider who advises and supports you competently?
Then you have come to the right place! Simply arrange an appointment directly.
