A firewall plays a vital role in network security and needs to be properly configured to keep organizations protected from data leakage and cyberattacks.

This is possible by configuring domain names and Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to keep the firewall secure. Firewall policy configuration is based on network type, such as public or private, and can be set up with security rules that block or allow access to prevent potential attacks from hackers or malware.

Proper firewall configuration is essential, as default features may not provide maximum protection against a cyberattack.

Improper firewall configuration can result in attackers gaining unauthorized access to protected internal networks and resources. As a result, cyber criminals are constantly on the lookout for networks that have outdated software or servers and are not protected. Gartner highlighted the size and magnitude of this issue, predicting that 99% of firewall breaches would be caused by misconfigurations in 2020.

The default settings on most firewalls and protocols like the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) do not provide the necessary level of protection to keep networks secure from cyberattacks. Organizations must ensure basic firewall configuration meets the unique needs of their networks.