A wide array of security tools help businesses protect sites against online threats. Most enterprises rely upon some level of Firewall protection for WordPress websites, in fact. Should you consider implementing this security measure?
About Firewalls
Since hosting firms and Internet Service Providers need to safeguard their networks, many of these companies already implement some type of basic firewall. Essentially, a “firewall” operates as a virtual wall (with monitored gates) in cyberspace. It allows a network administrator to establish specific rules governing access to (and from) devices connecting with the network.
By monitoring the firewall, a network administrator gains important information about network traffic. The firewall program also may reveal malicious activities by a computer virus or a worm. Some types of viruses and computer worms cause infected computers to try to contact other devices, for instance. Unusual activity within the network or attempts by certain programs to access the Internet may trigger an alert. A firewall helps thwart some types of hacking. If cyber criminals attack websites protected by firewalls, the authorities may eventually track these incidents with the assistance of traffic logs compiled by firewall programs.
Some Drawbacks of Firewalls
While firewalls offer great value, these tools do hold limitations, too. Establishing too stringent a set of firewall rules may cause some of the programs on a computer to operate inefficiently. It may prove impossible to access the Internet from certain devices, for example. Additionally, even reliable firewalls don’t always protect against some types of online threats.
Most Internet Service Providers and hosting companies need to exercise care not to inadvertently block access to network resources by their customers. They seek to implement firewalls capable of thwarting threats while permitting customer access to online resources.
Types of Firewalls: Hardware And Software
Customers typically choose a firewall based upon the type of device requiring protection. Many ISPs and web hosting companies install routers that incorporate firewall technologies into their designs. These expensive hardware devices require skilled configuration, but yield copious data.
Additionally, businesses may purchase security software programs that include firewall components. Security firms such as Norton, McAfee, and many others market comprehensive security software programs for the use of commercial customers. For example, companies that run WordPress websites sometimes also protect their own computers with comprehensive antivirus or anti-malware security programs. They may already benefit from some firewall protection furnished to them at the network level.
Firewalls For WordPress Websites
For instance, WordPress website builders frequently choose to utilize some plugins designed to interact with firewall software programs. The Wordfence Security plugin poses just one example. It scans a website’s firewall to discover malware and hacking attempts. Numerous other available plugins assist WordPress developers.
Before adding firewall plugins, WordPress website developers may discover benefits in discussing these items with their website hosting company’s IT security officer. Sometimes one security plugin or software program conflicts with another. Attempting to establish conflicting security programs may prove more insecure than allowing the hosting company to maintain a single comprehensive security program. Additionally, it proves important to determine the authenticity (and currency) of any WordPress firewall plugin. Make sure the developer designing this type of plugin furnishes ongoing support to update code as necessary, and that the plugin won’t conflict with the security software firewall protecting the server.
Selecting a Firewall
Many highly individual factors enter into the decision to deploy a security firewall to protect WordPress websites. Obtaining knowledgeable WordPress admin help proves vitally important!
