What is Gateway and Network Security?
Securing your network begins at the gateway, also called the perimeter, to keep unauthorized users, viruses and malicious code from entering your systems. Deploying multilayer technologies is your first line of defense.
With the mobility of employees and the ease with which external devices can be brought in and out of a network, continuing to build your security plan for network servers and clients is a must. Fortunately, there is much that organizations can do to protect themselves from attacks - internal and external. One of the key facets of a successful security strategy is protecting the servers that run critical applications and house so much of your essential data. Having the right policies, procedures and server configurations is critical.
What Options Are Available to Me?
When it comes to gateway and network security, it is important to have an integrated approach that combines key technologies and tools:
Firewalls - Firewalls provide good front line defense by preventing unwanted traffic from entering the network. Firewalls can be in the form of software or a hardware appliance. They are designed to prevent unauthorized access to a private network via the Internet. The firewall examines all traffic as it enters or leaves the network, and blocks messages that don't meet specific criteria set by the user. Firewalls generally block traffic based on IP address or port numbers, so it is important to understand that a firewall alone can't stop everything.
Content Filtering - Content filtering can be an another effective weapon in your arsenal. It proactively blocks websites that are known to contain malicious code, "fake" sites that capture sensitive information, and those that are not business-related or appropriate.
E-Mail and Spam Filtering - Spam filtering can block unwanted e-mail from entering users' inbox. Studies have estimated that 50-70% of today's e-mail is spam, and spam filters can dramatically reduce the impact that e-mail traffic has on your network. Most importantly, it can prevent users from unknowingly opening a seemingly legitimate e-mail and compromising your security.
Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) - IPS is another key component of gateway and network security. An IPS is a software-based product that looks more closely at the content coming into the network than a firewall can. It also looks for known methods of attack and can be fine-tuned to look for attacks targeting only the platforms and applications used by your organization. This helps them operate most efficiently. The greatest benefit an IPS provides is prevention of new or previously unknown methods of attack before anti-virus signatures are available.
Data Encryption - Encrypting your data on your network—as well as e-mails— will ensure your security, as information captured or obtained by hackers will be rendered useless.
Why Should I Consider Gateway and Network Security Solutions?
CDW can assist you with a variety of solutions geared toward your organization's current and future needs. Improving your gateway and network security capabilities can deliver big benefits, including:
Increase Productivity
Blocking non-business-related websites prevent users from surfing the Internet on company time.
Limited Exposure
to Threats
Firewalls and IPS can prevent network attacks, while spam filtering reduces traffic and takes the risk out of opening up everyday e-mail.
Prevents Crime and
Data Loss
Unauthorized access and encryption shuts down external hackers and discourages internal data tampering.
CDW's Approach
CDW has developed a simple, yet comprehensive approach to gateway and network security solutions that has proven successful for organizations of all kinds.
Engage Your Account Manager
Your CDW account manager and our pre-sales team will work with you to assess your current environment and future needs.
Implement and Manage
Working together, CDW will design detailed configurations for your future environment, drawing from best-in-class solutions from our enormous in-stock inventory. We work with multiple service providers to deliver a solution that fits seamlessly into your IT environment.
CDW's commitment continues long after your purchase. Certified technicians offer 24 x 7 telephone support for ongoing management needs, and you can always access online tech support through your My Account tab above. The My Account area also serves as a round-the-clock extension of your account team, detailing your pricing, order status, account history and more.
