IT Connection Newsletter: Issue 5

The latest firewalls can enforce thousands of security policies and let you segment your network into multiple security zones, each with its own rules. Progent's engineers are certified to support hardware and software firewalls from Microsoft, Cisco, Juniper/NetScreen, Check Point, and SonicWall and can show you smart ways to deploy firewall technology to maximize your security and compliance.

Firewalls range from software-only solutions like the ones included with Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 to advanced hardware products that combine firewall, VPN, and routing in one device. In all cases, the purpose of the firewall is to enforce your security policies by preventing undesirable traffic from passing between your network and the outside world. Firewalls can block malicious software, unauthorized web sites, invalid data packets, or untrusted programs, depending on the firewall's configuration and capability.

Because of their central role, improperly configured or malfunctioning firewalls can have a big impact on network speed, availability, and security. This makes it important to have access to Firewall expertise. The security experts at Progent have earned certifications from the industry's leading firewall vendors including Microsoft, Cisco, Juniper/NetScreen, Check Point, and SonicWall.

The Strategic Use of Firewalls
The new generation of firewall appliances can be set up to enforce thousands of security policies and allow you to segment your network into multiple security zones, each with its own unique set of rules to enhance your security and ensure regulatory compliance. For small businesses and branch offices, these advanced security appliances can be one-box solutions that provide edge protection, VPN, and high-speed routing for converged IP voice, video, and data. When properly configured and managed, today's latest crop of firewalls can add significant business value to your information network by cutting hardware and administration costs, improving productivity, and protecting sensitive data.

Network Security Services Available from Progent
Progent's engineers have been awarded the security industry's top certifications including CISM, CISSP-ISSAP, CISA, and GIAC. These experts can provide a broad range of services to help businesses of any size to build and validate a strong security profile.

Security services available from Progent include:

• Security compliance assessment and remediation
• 24x7 security monitoring with real-time alerts
• Security policy definition and automated enforcement
• Business continuity planning
• E-Mail Guard managed services for email filtering
• Post-attack recovery services

Progent's Cisco experts can help you to determine the business case for migrating from PIX to ASA 5500 firewalls, create a migration plan for a seamless upgrade, deploy and configure ASA 5500 Series devices, and set up remote monitoring and management. To save you money and minimize downtime, Progent offers remote consulting and troubleshooting services for Cisco's extensive line of security appliances.

Find Out More About Progent's Firewall Support
To read more about Progent's support for hardware and software-based firewalls, visit Progent's Firewall Support. To ask about Progent's firewall and security consulting services, call Progent at 1-800-993-9400 or visit Contact Progent.

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