
Introduction
In today’s business environment, cyber security has become more important than ever. As companies grow and rely more on technology, they become more vulnerable to cyber threats. Hence, every business needs a firewall to protect its networks and data.
Firewalls are security systems designed to control access to a computer network, allowing only authorised users to access it while keeping out unwanted traffic. However, there are two main types of firewalls – cloud and on-premise. While both offer cyber security protection, they work differently and have their own advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, we will compare cloud firewalls and on-premise firewalls, highlighting their key features and differences, to help you determine which one is best for your business.
What is a Cloud Firewall?
A cloud firewall is a security solution that is based on cloud technology. It works by creating a virtual barrier around a company’s network, thereby protecting the network from unauthorised access. Cloud firewalls are hosted offsite by a third-party provider, making them accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Cloud firewalls offer several advantages. Firstly, they are more cost-effective than on-premise firewalls, as businesses do not need to purchase and maintain expensive hardware. Secondly, they are more scalable, as businesses can quickly and easily add or remove users as needed. Finally, they are more convenient, as they can be managed remotely and do not require on-site IT staff.
What is an On-Premise Firewall?
An on-premise firewall, also known as a physical firewall, is a security solution that is installed locally within a company’s premises. It works by monitoring and filtering incoming and outgoing network traffic, blocking unwanted traffic and allowing authorised traffic to pass through.
On-premise firewalls have been the traditional way of protecting networks for many years. They offer several advantages, including greater control over security policies, more visibility over network traffic, and increased security for highly sensitive data.
Cloud Firewall vs. On-Premise Firewall
Now that we have an understanding of what each type of firewall is, let’s compare them based on different factors.
Cost
One of the most significant differences between cloud firewalls and on-premise firewalls is cost. Cloud firewalls are generally more cost-effective because they do not require expensive hardware, and businesses only pay for the services they use. On-premise firewalls require more significant upfront investment, as businesses need to purchase and maintain hardware, software and IT personnel.
Scalability
Cloud firewalls are more scalable than on-premise firewalls. Cloud providers can quickly and easily add or remove users and services as needed, while on-premise firewalls require additional hardware and software upgrades to accommodate new users or services.
Convenience
Cloud firewalls are more convenient than on-premise firewalls, as they can be managed remotely and do not require on-site IT staff. On-premise firewalls require on-site IT staff to manage and maintain them, which can be an additional expense for small businesses.
Control
On-premise firewalls offer greater control over security policies and more visibility over network traffic. Companies can configure the firewall to their exact specifications, allowing them to tailor security policies to their specific needs. Cloud firewalls offer less control over security policies, and businesses must rely on the provider’s default policies.
Security
Both cloud firewalls and on-premise firewalls offer excellent security protection. However, some businesses may feel more comfortable with an on-premise firewall, as it offers increased security for highly sensitive data. With cloud firewalls, the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks is lower than with on-premise firewalls because cloud providers have multiple layers of security in place to protect their customers’ data.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to deciding between cloud firewall vs on-premise firewall, it’s important to evaluate your organisation’s specific needs and resources. While traditional firewalls have been around for a long time and offer a sense of security, cloud firewalls offer flexibility, scalability, and convenience that make them a popular choice for many businesses today.
By moving your firewall to the cloud, you can not only protect your network from potential threats, but also reduce costs, simplify management, and improve accessibility. It’s clear that cloud firewalls have come a long way in terms of performance, reliability, and security, and they are definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a more efficient and effective way to secure your business.
At Emerge Digital, we understand that every business has unique needs and challenges, and we offer a range of cloud firewall solutions that are tailored to meet those needs. Whether you’re looking for a fully managed service or just need some advice on how to secure your network, our team of experts is here to help. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you secure your business with cloud firewalls.
Introduction
The aftermath of a data breach is something that often follows businesses around for decades, despite their best efforts to mitigate the effects. In the wake of a series of data breaches (SHEIN, Twitter and Medibank, for example), it is crucial that businesses understand the steps required in managing a data breach.
Many businesses, unfortunately, don’t know what to do after a data breach and go into panic mode, making matters even worse.
Data breach examples
Many data breach examples can be put forth as they have managed to create quite a few waves in the public spotlight as of late, including the examples above. However, these three data breach examples tend to stand out from the rest due to the enormity and severity of the incident:
Marriot
The well-known hotel chain lost 383 million customer records to a hack. The breach includes payment card details and passport numbers, both encrypted and unencrypted.
Yahoo
Yahoo has, unfortunately, been the victim of two of the largest known data breaches in history. First, in 2013, the account details of 3 billion users was stolen, and only a year later, data from 500 million user accounts was stolen again, which included hashed passwords, names and email addresses, as well as security questions and answers.
Equifax
The information solutions and HR business process outsourcing provider suffered a server exploit which led to the loss of credit reports of more than 140 million customers. The breach cost Equifax $575 million, courtesy of the fine which needed to be settled with the FTC.
What to do if you have a data breach
The breach management process doesn’t have to be an overly complicated one. Here are just some steps you can take in preventing a data breach:
Don’t sit on it
As soon as a breach occurs, don’t sit around and wait to see what happens next. Immediately, spring into action and do whatever you can to minimise further risk. This means logging out all sessions, both on-premises and remotely; changing passwords with more complex ones and not giving out those passwords until you have discovered the root cause of the breach and a solution, and; setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all your workstations and devices.
Remove the risk, then find out what happened
Attempting to find out what caused the breach before fully understanding and removing the risk is pointless and futile. You should always start with securing yourself (the steps discussed in the previous point), removing the risk, and then finding out what happened – e.g. how they broke in, what they accessed, what they managed to exfiltrate, the extent of the damage, etc.
Notify the relevant parties
Now that you’ve minimised the risk and investigated the root cause, along with some basic measures to secure yourself, notify the relevant parties: your customers, employees, stakeholders, investors, etc. Hold a meeting and calmly explain what happened and what you’re planning to do about it. For those who can’t attend the meeting, such as your customers and stakeholders or investors, send them an email and text notification.
Take preventative measures
This could come in many forms, including tailored cyber security software, speaking to a cyber security expert, conducting an in-depth security audit, etc.
Seek legal advice to determine next steps
Depending on the scale and severity of the breach, you may need to speak to a legal advisor to better understand how to proceed. You might need to inform the ICO as well.
Preventing a data breach
Preventing a data breach doesn’t have to a cumbersome, uncertain, or overly complex process. With the right breach management process in place, you can ensure that your data remains safe and secure in future.
Introduction
Did you know that:
· Small businesses account for 28% of data breach victims?
· Human errors cause 23% of data breaches?
· Only 5% of a company’s sensitive folders are fully protected?
Data breaches across companies of all scales and sectors have become commonplace today – every now and then, you might come across a new hair-raising headline about how a business lost millions due to a data breach. Data now being the most valuable commodity to a business, it’s no wonder cybercriminals and hackers are finding new and innovative ways to steal it.
What is a data breach?
A data breach is an incident or attack where a company’s sensitive information is stolen without their knowledge or the authorisation of the data’s owner. If this information is stolen, it can lead to massive losses as it often contains trade secrets, credit card numbers, proprietary technology or intellectual property information, data pertaining to matters of national security, and so on.
What could the impact of a breach be?
Preventing a data breach may not be as difficult as some people believe – in fact, later on in the article we’ll be discussing a few best practices to prevent a data breach to ensure that you’re protecting yourself from the outset. Here are five common impacts of a data breach:
· Loss in sales volume
A data breach can not only cause severe reputational harm but also, in turn, lead to lost customers, which will adversely affect a company’s sales. When people lose trust in a business or come to know that it is not fully secure, they move on to other service providers.
· Sudden/unexpected expenses
A data breach can throw you budget almost completely out of whack. Cyber incidents can not only lead to high and sudden, uncalled for expenses but also a lot of lost income due to the downtime following an attack. CFOs often end up paying a ransom to recover lost data which can cost millions.
· Legal penalties and fines
The legal ramifications of a data breach can be devastating. Many organisations have faced litigation after a breach due to data privacy laws being violated or sensitive customer data ending up in the wrong hands. These fines can range in the thousands to millions, not to mention the bad press that follows.
· Maligned search results on your brand
Nobody wants to do business with or buy from a brand that’s been the victim of a cyber attack or data breach. Nothing ever truly disappears from the internet, with many companies being tainted forever due to the damage the data breach does to their reputation.
· Friction between the CEO and CISO
A few years ago, after a data breach, the CEO could throw their hands up and tell everybody how it wasn’t their fault and that the CISO (chief information security officer) was to blame. This is no longer the case. When a company’s data is breached, people almost always hold the CEO responsible as they are the “frontman” – the person calling the shots, so to speak. This can cause friction and disagreement between the CEO and CISO as the blame game ensues, with public dismissals often being the only recourse.
Best data breach prevention solutions
Here are some best practices to prevent data breaches, including specific data breach solutions, which can help companies cut down the number of incidents:
· Multi-Factor Authentication – setting up multi-layered protection for your accounts will prevent unauthorised access and is a great first layer of security.
· Cyber Security Awareness Training – Ensuring staff know what a threat looks like is critical. Running regular phishing simulations can help you see how effective the training courses have been in increasing staff awareness.
· Zero Trust – Most cyber security software is based on blocking things that you don’t want on your system, but with ThreatLocker, you only allow things that you do want.
· Next Generation AV uses a combination of machine learning, behavioural analysis and AI to learn how someone ‘normally’ uses the device. If something happens outside of this learned pattern, the NGAV will quarantine the suspected threat, roll back any changes, and flag the threat for review.
· Data Loss Prevention – Specify rules on the type of data that you want to stay in control of – e.g. addresses, order numbers, or bank account information.
· Cloud Firewall – A cloud firewall has all of the features of a physical one, but it’s hosted in the cloud. You can connect to the firewall via a transparent always-on VPN, giving you a secure connection without affecting the speed of your network infrastructure. For businesses with remote workers, a cloud firewall is a must.
· Mobile Device Management – A platform for controlling devices, applications, data, and user activity.
· Anti-Spam – Microsoft Defender safeguards against the malicious threats posed by email messages, links, and collaboration tools.
Emerge Digital helps SMEs to harness the power of technology to reach their goals. We are your partners in achieving best practices to prevent data breaches, offering tailored data breach solutions according to the current vulnerabilities you may be facing and the level of protection you require.
This event has now passed. However, you can still register to access a copy of the recording.
2023 looks to be a big year for data protection in the UK. New threats to data security are appearing all the time, so businesses will need to adopt new methods of prevention and defence. The government’s Data Protection and Digital Information Bill 2022-23, which was recently delayed, is expected to be passed this year, which will see data protection legislation reformed. Join BPE Solicitors and Emerge Digital as we give our predictions on the world of data security for the year ahead.
What You’ll Learn
• What the emerging cyber threats that put your data’s security at risk are
• How you can remain compliant and keep your data protected, using a range of cyber security solutions
• Why the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill could have a big impact on data protection
• How advertisers could start using personal data to build more detailed profiles on individuals
Register Today
About BPE Solicitors
BPE Solicitors is a commercial South West law firm. Whether you’re an SME, corporate or a private individual, BPE Solicitors are here to help.
We provide clear, purposeful advice that is instrumental in building long-term relationships we have with our clients. Together we make brilliant things happen, working as a team to create the very best opportunities for our clients.
We have worked with a number of serial entrepreneurs at all stages of their life journey, who have built up large businesses from start-ups, as well as AIM quoted companies. By supporting our clients through their each phase, we become more than just lawyers; we are trusted advisers at every life stage of a company.
We work with enterprising, innovative people and are integral to their success, supporting them on a personal and business level. We attract these clients because we mirror their entrepreneurial spirit, it’s at the heart of who we are and what we do.
BPE consistently receives recognition for its legal expertise from Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
About Emerge Digital
Emerge Digital is a technology and digital innovation business and Managed Services Provider (MSP) which provides solutions to SMEs that drive efficiency, competitiveness, and profit.
Using our comprehensive solutions – including outsourced IT support, cyber security, cloud infrastructure, and innovative technologies like process automation and data visualisation – we enable businesses to invest in technology that supports them in achieving their goals.
Introduction
In the year 2022, many companies still find themselves asking this ever-important question: “Do I need Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001?”
The short answer to the above is this:
Cyber Essentials protects your data and systems on local networks, servers, computers and other elements within your IT infrastructure. ISO 27001 takes into consideration every piece of information pertaining to your company, be it paper-based information or digital information stored on information systems and digital media.
However, it’s worth noting that there’s a lot more to these two cyber security standards, so arming yourself with the right information should help answer “Do I need cyber essentials or ISO 27001?” more faithfully and comprehensively.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials certification has become one of the most common and popular ways of enabling businesses to protect their data and systems from everyday cyber threats. Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common and more sophisticated, with many companies falling victim to attacks without warning. Cyber Essentials can help protect businesses against a variety of common cyber attacks.
In order to achieve certification, five key controls must be implemented:
• Secure devices and software
• Secure internet connection
• Virus and malware protection
• Controlled access to company data and services
• All devices and software up-to-date
What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 certification is designed to help businesses comply with the international standard for information security. The certification was first introduced in 2005 and defines what businesses need for the establishment, maintenance, and improvement of their Information Security System.
Many organisations choose ISO 27001 over Cyber Essentials as they benefit from the best practice set by its standards. Clients also get reassurance that the recommendations set out by these standards have been strictly followed in terms of cyber security.
What are the key differences?
Cyber Essentials is ideal for businesses of all sizes that wish to implement just the basic cyber security measures, whereas ISO 27001 is suitable for all organisations in any industry who want to keep every piece of information on their assets secure.
Where the Cyber Essentials scheme has five controls to protect businesses, ISO 27001 has 10 clauses along with 114 generic security controls grouped into 14 unique sections (referred to as “Annex A”).
For suppliers bidding on UK Government contracts where the handling of sensitive and personal information comes into play, Cyber Essentials is a must. As for ISO 27001, some businesses achieve the Standard merely in order to benefit specifically from the best practice it contains – while others achieve it to reassure their clients that the Standard’s recommendations have been strictly followed.
Which is best for my business?
In conclusion, you need to carefully consider the requirements of your business.
Our cyber security experts may initially recommend Cyber Essentials to help you implement some basic controls for protection against common cyber attacks – and then make you ISO 27001 compliant to help you enjoy the full extent of the Standard.
Get in touch with us now to understand the full scope of both services, and so we can guide you through the process of complying to these standards.