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Tag: Firewall Configuration

How To Configure A Firewall To Secure Your Business Server?

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On February 27, 2023

In Cybersecurity

A firewall acts as the first line of defense against network intruders. It works by filtering packets of incoming and outgoing data based on preset security rules. These rules are also termed as firewall configurations. The efficiency of its configuration governs the efficiency of a firewall. The configuration rules should be set to be strict enough to block malicious traffic but lenient enough to allow unobstructed data flow essential to run the website operations.

Follow these steps to ensure effective firewall configuration to secure your business server:

Secure The Firewall: The first step is to secure the firewall to prevent hackers from gaining administrative access. It is important to refrain from using a firewall that is not secured, as it can do more damage by acting as an entry point for hackers. Simple ways to secure your firewall are –

  • Regularly update the firewall to the latest versions released by the developer.
  • Delete default user accounts set by the developer and change default passwords using password reset best practices.
  • Create different accounts for users who will manage the firewall and allow permissions based on their responsibilities instead of creating shared accounts.
  • Pre-define trusted subnets from within the organizational network and allow changes from these subnets only. This helps in reducing the attack surface.

Define Firewall Zones & IP Addresses: In order to define firewall zones, first identify the assets that need to be protected and group them based on the sensitivity or risk level. Place grouped assets together in network zones. For example, group together all servers that provide services over the internet, such as VPN servers, email servers, etc., in one network zone that allows limited inbound traffic from internet. This is usually known as DMZ or a demilitarized zone. Create as many zones as logically possible. Now establish IP address scheme that compliments the zone architecture of your network. Use this as the basis to create firewall zones.

Configure ACLs: ACLs refer to access control lists. They are the defining rules of the traffic that will be permitted to every interface and sub-interface of the firewall. An ACL should include well-defined specifications such as source and destination IP addresses, port numbers, and deny all button to block all unapproved traffic. Make sure to apply both inbound and outbound ACLs to every interface and sub-interface. Also, refrain from granting public access to firewall administration interfaces to prevent outside threats.

Configure Other Services: Check if the firewall you are deploying has add-on capabilities to act as DHCP server, NTP server, or Intrusion Prevention Server. In such case, make sure to configure these services. Additionally, configure the firewall to report to your logging server.

Test The Configuration: Run vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to make sure the firewall is blocking traffic as per ACLs. Create a backup of the firewall configuration for future reference. Make sure to run regular tests to ensure the efficiency of the firewall.

To know more about protecting your business network from cyberattcks, contact Centex Technologies. You can contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 – 4740, Dallas (972) 375 – 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 – 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.

 

Protecting Your Computer Network: Tips To Configure Firewall

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On April 30, 2021

In Security

Firewall is a critical part of first line of defense against online attacks. This makes configuring firewall an important step for ensuring network security. Breaking down the process of firewall configuration into simpler steps can make the process more manageable.

Following are some crucial steps for firewall configuration irrespective of the firewall platform:

Ensure Firewall Is Secure: Securing firewall is the first step towards configuration and management of firewall. So, make sure to –

  • Disable simple network management protocol (SNMP)
  • Rename, disable or delete any default user account and modify default passwords.
  • Establish additional administrator accounts based on responsibilities, specifically if firewall will be managed by multiple administrators.

Create Firewall Zones & Corresponding IP Addresses: The more zones you establish, the higher will be network security. Before proceeding to defend valuable assets, it is first important to identify these assets and then plan out network structure to position networks based on functionality and data sensitivity. Now design a secure structure and create equivalent IP address structure. The next step is to architect firewall zones and allocate them to firewall interfaces.

Configure Access Control Lists (ACLs): After firewall zones have been created and allocated to firewall interfaces, the next step is to determine the traffic that will flow in and out of each zone. This is facilitated by Access Control Lists. Use both outbound & inbound ACLs to each interface and sub-interface on the network firewall.

Configure Other Firewall Services To Required Standards: Depending upon the chosen firewall platform and its abilities such as Intrusion Prevention System, Network Time Protocol, DHCP, etc, configure relevant firewall services and disable additional services.

Conduct Network Firewall Configuration Tests: Test the firewall configuration to testing and verify that the firewall is working as expected. Include both penetration testing and vulnerability scanning to test firewall configuration.

Constant Firewall Management: After completing firewall configuration, ensure secure firewall management. Take following steps to effectively manage firewall –

  • Perform Vulnerability Scans
  • Monitor Logs
  • Regularly Review Firewall Rules
  • Update Firmware
  • Document Progress

In addition to these crucial steps, implement following additional tips for firewall configuration:

  • Fulfill standard regulatory mandates
  • Frequently change configuration settings
  • Set default setting to block all traffic and monitor user access
  • Establish & use secure connection only

For more information on tips on how to protect your computer network from cyber-attacks, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

Steps To Optimize Your Firewall Configuration

By

On October 28, 2015

In Security

October 28, 2015

Firewall is an essential part of your organization’s network security. It works by monitoring all the incoming and outgoing traffic on your network to restrict any unauthorized access. It can also limit exposure by camouflaging internal network information from the public internet. Though its importance is well-known, many people do not optimize their firewall settings efficiently. Majority of the cyber-attacks occur mainly because of flaws in a network’s firewall configuration.

Here are some steps that you need to follow to optimize your firewall configuration:

  • Filter Outbound Traffic: You must constantly monitor your server to detect and remove any unwanted or unauthorized traffic. Denied or dropped outbound requests hitting the firewall should also be tracked. Subsequently, the network administrators should reconfigure the firewall to prevent such unauthorized servers, thereby eliminating load from the firewall.
  • Minimize Privileges: You should set specific configuration polices to filter traffic on your organization’s network. Each user should be given the least level of privileges that are absolutely required for him to work efficiently. This will reduce the chances of a potential data breach. You should also review your firewall policies frequently to determine any new applications and the connectivity they need
  • Run Only Required Services: Many organizations face security issues due to outdated or unrequired services running on their firewall. The best way to overcome this is to strengthen device security and ensuring that the firewall configurations are compliant before they can be used on the organization network. By modifying your device’s settings according to their functioning and usage, you can improve its security and minimize the chances of running a malicious service on your firewall.
  • Standardize Authentication Mechanisms: You should enforce the same authentication mechanisms across all your organization’s branches, even in remote locations. If not, the employees will be able to access online accounts with weak passwords without any limit on login failures on entering incorrect details. In such situations, hackers find an easy way to access the organization network through remote locations. Having a standardized authentication policy will minimize this risk and improve security.

It is important that you continuously monitor your organization’s firewall settings. However, by following these steps, you can improve overall network security and significantly lower the chances of a hacking attack.

We, at Centex Technologies, can help to optimize your organization’s IT security. For more information, you can call us at (972) 375 – 9654.

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