Do Firewalls still have a Future in IT?

Since 1992, Firewalls in a variety of forms, have protected our networks. Their ability to keep unwanted viruses and activities at bay has needed to evolve rapidly in line with the constant evolution of security threats. The question is whether they are still capable of doing what we need of them and indeed whether they have a place in the future of IT.

 [Gary Simpson] Networks and computers - or in today's tech speak 'devices' (as these can include tablets, smartphones and laptops, as well as the good old desktop computer) need something resilient and reliable to protect them from the increasing threats that are ever present through the internet.

As work styles and communication becomes more mobile and data access and storage more diversified,

additional challenges in managing data security have become present and it is in the face of changing modern tech requirements that we ask the question 'Is there still a place for the Firewall in IT'? Before we answer that question however, let's look at what a firewall does for you.

What does the Firewall actually do?

The firewall is intended to protect your network and data from unwanted threats. All threats can be seen as breaches to security. These security threats include:

1. Malicious software (viruses, or malware, bots, botnets, spyware, trojans etc.) that may corrupt files and software functionality
2. Unauthorised access to sensitive company data, or phishing
3. The distribution of viruses or malware (even if inadvertent) through email or file sharing
4. The use of resources such as memory, data storage or bandwidth

To provide more detailed information regarding the types of firewalls available, and what a firewall is meant to do, I have compiled a Firewall Datasheet which will provide the information you need.
Download it here.

Evolving to a Unified Approach

Modes of network attack continue to evolve and so a simple firewall that protects only the perimeter of a network is no longer sufficient.

Thankfully most firewall manufacturers and developers now offer a consolidated approach to security.
Known as 'UTM', or Unified Threat Management, firewalls typically now manage all threats using a single solution.  This single solution is made up of several different technologies which have been programmed to work together more successfully to combat networking threats.

This unified approach continues to be upgraded and the latest improved versions of the UTM - now known as 'Next Generation Firewalls' of NGFW's have been released.

Instead of utilizing a separate engine or service for each technology - all technologies have with the NGFW's, now been unified under one single engine thereby streamlining the scanning process.

Far from becoming obsolete - the unified approach is most certainly the way forward and has secured the future of firewalls in IT. By ensuring that hardware and software firewalling technologies integrate seamlessly, service providers are creating a virtually impenetrable wall that hackers will be hard-pressed to cross.

Central to the Security Strategy

The firewall really is the cornerstone upon which a security strategy is built. Although it is often overlooked - the firewall really does remain core security technology.

To protect your network, data and devices, the firewall needs to integrate all mobile devices, desktop devices, as well as physical and virtual data storage and data sharing.

The challenge is therefore to pinpoint which firewalling service will serve your needs best. Each business operates differently and has unique challenges, so a 'one size fits all' approach is certainly not the answer here.

For advice and assistance in either choosing the most suitable firewall solution for your business, or should you need input into the development of a Security Strategy - give MMC a call. We're here to help you manage your IT so that you can get on with driving the success of your business.

Established in 1991, MMC provides organisations within the small to medium business sector with a variety of flexible, outsourced IT services. With solid implementation experience across a wide range of leading IT products, we provide robust, reliable solutions that are tailored specifically to the individual needs of our clients.

 

Is SharePoint just a Glorified Intranet?

SharePoint is very often used almost solely as an intranet management tool. This powerful software, already used by many companies is however, severely under-utilised. In a slow economy where business leaders are looking to save costs while boosting overall work efficiencies - it makes sense to capitalise on existing infrastructure.

[Anthony Simons] Tagging, News Feeds, Status Updates, Personal Profiles, App Building and Deployment, Development, Usage Analytics and Reporting - these terms are usually associated with Social Media, however now they are also associated with how employees interact in the workplace.

Closely aligned to the Social Networking revolution, SharePoint offers so much more than just a glorified intranet. In its most recent release (SharePoint 2013) this software is now more affordable and accessible to small businesses, while it integrates an incredible range of practical business tools.

In an economy where saving money is a key objective - it is well worth the minimal outlay in time to integrate all the features of your existing software such as SharePoint into the business.  

Here are some reasons why:- 

As an Advanced Intranet 

Individual Information 

Employees are each given a personal profile which they can populate with their Title, Role, Work Experience, Education, Interests, Capabilities, as well as keep their profile up to date with status updates.

Why? This helps colleagues collaborate more efficiently and find the information they need from the most suitable person.

Project / Workflow and Collaboration

Using a central location to house all work information including documents, task schedules and communication (such as email) - SharePoint enables efficient document version control, as well as enabling live updates and simultaneous document collaboration between colleagues.

Why? You can now eliminate the confusion associated with the sending multiple emails, using the cloud to upload and re-upload various versions of the same document, or trying to collaborate on task schedules.

Structured Data 

SharePoint 2013 enables the secure, centralized, structured storage of and access to business data and documentation. 

Why? Reduce storage space wastage and worker confusion through the elimination of duplicate document versions while enhancing security through true document access control.

Employer Branding  

Here the intranet capability of SharePoint comes into its own. Companies can develop a fully customised, branded interface for their employees to use. Company information can be distributed easily to employees, while information regarding company policies and business priorities can be highlighted seamlessly throughout the organisation. Employees also have easier access to company information.  

Why? Creates a central location for data to help reduce enquiries to and pressure on HR and management, as well as promote engagement with the company brand through this professional facility. 

As a Powerful, Secure Extranet...  

In addition to being a fantastic tool for the team to use inside your business, SharePoint 2013 enables enhanced collaboration with your customers and suppliers too. 
 

•	Provide a centralised place for customers to see updated product information
•	Let customers order products & services, plus view order status and update their details online
•	Enable customers to extract reports and invoices securely
•	Share project updates and calendars with suppliers and customers

SharePoint Integration is Easy  

When an IT company starts showing a client what they could do with a software programme - from the clients perspective it all very often looks like hard work. All the fantastic features that the IT company is enthusiastically showing the client, need to be set-up and populated with data and in many cases, people are resistant to change from how they are accustomed to working. 

With SharePoint the initial set-up of your system can be managed by MMC or your IT team. One of the most attractive aspects of SharePoint 2013 is that Microsoft has enabled easy future updates to product features negating the need to redeploy new software across the network. 

In enticing teams to embrace the powerful features of SharePoint 2013, companies will be pleased to know that the look and feel of the software is entirely familiar to existing users of Microsoft Outlook and Office, as well as those who make use of social media platforms, making the transition to an improved way of working more attractive. 

The benefits of SharePoint 2013 to business productivity and potential savings in time and money far outweigh the seemingly onerous on boarding process. 

Established in 1991, MMC provides organisations within the small to medium business sector with a variety of flexible, outsourced IT services. With solid implementation experience across a wide range of leading IT products, we provide robust, reliable solutions that are tailored specifically to the individual needs of our clients.
 

 

Can cloud give you the edge?

Change can be daunting - and certainly in a technologically driven world where change happens virtually overnight - it seems almost impossible to keep up. In an economy where competition is high, adopting modern, enhanced ways of using technology, drives competitive advantage through enhancing efficiency, productivity, mobility and your overall image.

[Anthony Simons] The more recent decreases in data pricing, easier multi-device access to the internet and enhanced security of cloud based storage is boosting the adoption of cloud services in South Africa.

According to the recent '2013 State of the Cloud Report', small to medium size businesses are using the Cloud mostly for storage and collaboration.

But Cloud offers much more than simply a solution to online document storage and access. If integrated according to a solid business strategy, cloud services can really give your business the edge. 

MMC's top 3 reasons why Cloud is a winner include: 

Multiple Device Access

An increased number of workers are using tablets and smartphones, in addition to laptops to perform work functions remotely. Cloud services enable not only the storage of documents online, but more importantly enable multi-device access to documents with the ability from some providers such as SkyDrive, to compile and edit documents even where relevant software is not loaded on the device itself. 

Business Agility 
Having additional computing resources at your disposal as and when you need them, leads to significant savings in time and capital. For example if you are running a project with a team of project based, temporary personnel, the required software and data storage can be provisioned within a matter of minutes or hours, rather than days - all at minimal expenditure.

 
Enhanced Business Continuity 
In the case of server failure, software issues or even something of an external nature such as an area wide electricity outage, teams can still have access to documents and can work on them using familiar software applications in the cloud.

So we mentioned the fact that technology advances almost within the blink of an eye. No business can really afford to continually update its software. Take for example the soon to be released Windows Blue - this is an upgrade to Windows 8 - already!

This is where something like Microsoft's SkyDrive comes into its own. In addition to offering online storage, users are able to access the latest versions of Microsoft Office.

An Express Review of Microsoft SkyDrive Pro 

Following Microsoft's intention to be 'the worlds hard drive', SkyDrive Pro recently replaced SharePoint Workspace and has become instantly accessible in the latest versions of Microsoft Office (2013) and Office 365, in addition to SharePoint.

If you want to test the waters, sign up for the consumer version of SkyDrive, which offers you access to a comprehensive selection of Microsoft Office products and online email in addition to a generous 7GB of online storage.

Many users harbour some confusion as to the difference between SkyDrive and SkyDrive Pro - and wonder why Microsoft decided to rename SharePoint's Workspace application in the first place.

While SkyDrive is built for consumers, SkyDrive Pro offers additional functionality for business users.

• SkyDrive Pro runs on the latest SharePoint Online & SharePoint 2013
• SkyDrive Pro offers rich content management features such as document versioning, alerts, document quick preview, Office integration etc.
• Each SkyDrive Pro user gets 7GB of personal storage instead of the 500 MB of storage that SharePoint Online MySite users receive currently. Each user’s 7GB is still separate from the overall SharePoint Online pooled storage
• Users can sync documents directly to their SkyDrive from the latest version of Microsoft Office (2013)
• With SkyDrive Pro, document syncing happens automatically when connected online.

For more information please view this post on the Microsoft SharePoint Team Blog 

So cloud services offer you a way of staying current. For a pittance of what it would cost to deploy software on-site across the company, your entire business can have access to important documents and professional versions of the latest software - immediately and anywhere.  

In an ever evolving technological landscape - the efficiencies, mobility and cost savings offered by cloud services is something that no business can afford not to consider.

Established in 1991, MMC provides organisations within the small to medium business sector with a variety of flexible, outsourced IT services. With solid implementation experience across a wide range of leading IT products, we provide robust, reliable solutions that are tailored specifically to the individual needs of our clients.