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Any Investment in the IT Infrastructure has to be in the best interest of the Business and Productivity. Good use of firewall for small and medium enterprises can save you from a catastrophic cyber attack in the future.
 
Here is a list of important features and essential points, useful to any SME in a Firewall; besides Securing the Network. The usual Firewall Features to know about Good use of firewall for small and medium enterprises are listed here.
1. DHCP Server: A DHCP server gives IP addresses to the connecting devices (Computers and Printers) in the Network, either by a cable or by the right SSID in Wireless mode (leasing) . The automatic allocation of IPs save efforts and documenting IPs configured. Most of the Firewalls have an inbuilt DHCP Server, it may serve adequately for a small office. While Sizing the Firewall configuration, this has to be considered.
2. Load Balancing and Fail Over : Even the Entry level Firewalls in the market having two WAN ports, can be configured for Link fail over or for Load Balancing. Many of the Small and Micro enterprises use Internet connectivity from multiple Service providers and on different connectivity. Even by using internet connections, one can build a reliable and fault tolerant link to Internet.
3. Policy dilemma: The managers, Owners, Digital marketing guys need access to Social media like Twitters and Facebooks. Recruiters need LinkedIn or Naukri. Procurement / Purchase department need e-commerce sites. So, if the policy is based on the Grouping, it is going to be challenging. Exclusionary policy is better way of handling.
4. Policy based on IP or MAC address: You may have the policies based on the Systems’ IP address or MAC ID. But ensure that every user has a non- admin access for the System. So the choice of Editing Network Setting is restricted.
5. Time of the day Access to Social Media: Lunch breaks and Evenings are a good time to have a social media access for all users, the same can be implemented by the suitable security policies, if it is in line with the Management needs. A similar method can be adopted for Departmental access to specific sites.
6. Exclusions: Exclusions is a good option, Website URLs being listed is a lot better than a category based policy. Any site classified under a particular category will be blocked except the selected ones. Few categories, however, has to be blocked without exception. The list can be updated, as and when required to add / delete more sites, by a simple approval process within the organization.
7. Documenting Policies and configuration. This could be just few pages, without jargons and easy to follow steps. Details on the ISP/ Ports/ IPs/ Policies/ MAC-IP specific configurations etc; a ready reference in case of a failure or a change is required. The date of purchase and the due date for renewal are other important information required. Here is an article on Firewall renewals
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