[IT Security Tip] Router or a Firewall which one do I need?

Not everybody is good with technology, and this is why computer jargon could get confusing at times. Like the confusion with routers and firewalls. They essentially serve the same purpose of distributing the Internet to devices on the network.

A router commonly purchased at a big-box store is designed to serve the needs of the home, not the needs of a business. Its main purpose is to make sure that all of your electronics have great WiFi, rather than being able to deny all Internet access from unwanted sources. A firewall, unlike a router, is intelligent. 

You typically pay a subscription fee because the firewall is constantly updating itself to protect against the newest cyber-attacks. Unlike a router, the firewall looks at all Internet traffic passing through it to make sure it’s legitimate, not a virus, and was requested from a computer inside the network. They also allow us to block access from other countries known for producing cyber-attacks.

If you have a router instead of a firewall distributing internet to your employees you need to look into getting a firewall. Please reach out to us if you have any questions about firewalls. We are always happy to help!