Dashboard » Technical Community » Case Sharing » Content
Case Sharing

How to Configure a Firewall in five easy Steps

As the first line of online attacker defense, your firewall is a critical part of your network security. Firewall configuration can be an intimidating project, but breaking down the work into more straightforward tasks can make the work much more manageable. The following guidelines will help you to understand the critical steps involved in the configuration of firewalls.

Many appropriate firewall models can be used to protect your network. You can consult a HIPAA security expert or a PCI security expert to find out more about your options. The following steps are critical, regardless of the type of firewall you choose. This guide assumes that you are using a business-grade firewall that supports multiple internal networks (or zones) and performs state-of-the-art packet inspection.

As a result of firewalls' technical nature, a detailed step-by-step guide is beyond the scope of this blog post. However, I will provide some guidance to help illustrate the process to understand how to configure a firewall in 5 steps.

Step one: Secure your firewall

If an attacker can access your firewall administratively, it is "game over" for your network security. Securing your firewall is, therefore, the first and most crucial step in this process. Never put a firewall in production that is not adequately secured by at least the following configuration actions:

Update the firewall to the latest firmware.

-Delete, disable, or rename any default user account and change all default passwords. Make sure you only use complex and secure passwords.
-If multiple administrators manage a firewall, create additional administrator accounts with limited privileges based on responsibilities. Never use a shared user account.
-Disable or configure a simple network management protocol (SNMP) to use a secure community string.

Step two: Architect your firewall zones and IP addresses

To protect valuable assets on your network, you should first identify what assets (e.g., payment card data or patient data) are. Then plan your network structure so that these assets can be grouped and placed in networks (or zones) based on a similar level of sensitivity and function.

For example, all servers that provide services over the internet (web servers, email servers, virtual private network (VPN) servers, etc.) should be placed in a dedicated area that allows limited inbound traffic from the internet (this zone is often called a demilitarized zone or DMZ).

Generally speaking, the more zones you create, the more secure your network is. But keep in mind that managing more zones requires extra time and resources, so you need to be careful when deciding how many network zones you want to use.
If you are using IP version 4, you should use internal IP addresses for your internal networks. Network Address Translation (NAT) must be configured to allow internal devices to communicate on the Internet where necessary.

Once your network zone structure has been designed, and the corresponding IP address scheme has been established, you are ready to create your firewall zones and assign them to your firewall interfaces or subinterfaces. As you build up your network infrastructure, switches that support virtual LANs (VLANs) should be used to maintain a level-2 separation between networks.

Step three: Configure access control lists

Now that you have established your network zones and assigned them to interfaces, you should determine precisely what traffic needs to flow into and out of each zone.

The use of firewall rules will enable this traffic called access control lists (ACLs) applied to each interface or subinterface on the firewall. Whenever possible, make your ACLs unique to the exact source and destination IP addresses and port numbers.

At the end of each access control list, make sure that there is a "deny all" rule to screen out all unauthorized traffic. Apply both inbound and outbound ACLs to each interface and subinterface on your firewall so that only permitted traffic is allowed in and out of each zone.

It is usually recommended to disable the firewall management interfaces (including both protected shell (SSH) and web interfaces) from public access wherever possible. This will help protect your firewall setup from external threats. Make sure you disable all unencrypted firewall management protocols, including Telnet and HTTP connections.

Step four: Configure your other firewall services and logging

If your firewall is also capable of serving as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, Network Time Protocol (NTP) server, Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), etc., then go ahead and configure the services you want to use. Disable all extra programs that you do not wish to use.

To meet PCI DSS requirements, configure your firewall to report to your logging server and ensure that adequate detail is included to meet PCI DSS requirements of 10.2 through 10.3.

Step five: Test your firewall configuration

Check that your firewall works as expected in a test set. Don't forget to confirm that your firewall is blocking traffic that should be blocked according to your ACL configuration. Testing the firewall should involve both vulnerability scanning and penetration checks.

If you've done checking your firewall, your firewall should be ready for output. Always remember to keep your firewall setup backup stored in a safe location so that all your hard work is not lost in the event of hardware failure.

Now note, this is just an outline to help you understand the main steps in the firewall setup. When using tutorials, or even when you plan to configure your firewall, be sure to get a security expert analysis of your configuration to make sure it is set up to keep your data as secure as possible.

Firewall management

With your firewall in development, you have finished setting up your firewall, but you've just started handling your firewall. Logs must be tracked, firmware must be upgraded, bugs must be scanned, and firewall rules must be reviewed at least every six months.

tags： · · · ·

154 comments

  1. Bryan

    Why people still use to read news papers when in this technological globe everything is available on net?

    Here is my blog post: it web hosting

  2. Ernestine

    Nice response in return of this issue with genuine arguments and telling everything about that.

    My website ... for quest bars (http://t.co/RcVeItAANQ)

  3. Young

    What's Taking place i'm new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively useful and it has helped me out loads.
    I'm hoping to give a contribution & aid different users like its
    helped me. Great job.

    Feel free to visit my page: quest bars is (t.co)

  4. Terrie

    Exceptional post but I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more
    on this topic? I'd be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
    Bless you!

    Feel free to surf to my homepage ... our scoliosis surgery

  5. Virgilio

    Useful information. Lucky me I discovered your website accidentally, and I am surprised why asmr (bit.ly)
    this coincidence didn't took place earlier! I bookmarked it.

  6. Burton

    each time i used to read smaller articles that as well
    clear their motive, and that is also happening with this paragraph which I am reading at
    this time.

    Also visit my webpage ... asmr a

  7. Brandon

    I know this web page provides quality based content and additional information, is there any other website which
    gives these information in quality?

    My web page :: asmr the - j.mp -

  8. Erika

    You could certainly see your enthusiasm within the article you
    write. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not
    afraid to mention how they believe. All the time follow your heart.

    Check out my site ... asmr or

  9. Shayna

    Hey there this is kind of of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG
    editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I'm starting a blog soon but have no coding experience so I wanted to get advice
    from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly
    appreciated!

    Look at my web blog: for scoliosis surgery

  10. dumps and cc

    604194 970190There is clearly a whole lot to know about this. I feel you created various great points in capabilities also. 834117

  11. Priligy

    Nolvadex Musculation

  12. daily meal plan 1200 calories

    865334 783311Now we know who the ssebnile 1 is here. Excellent post! 790374

  13. Neurontine

    Ed Cures

  14. Paket Honeymoon Bali

    403149 744708I would like to see far more posts like this!.. Wonderful blog btw! reis Subscribed.. 780130

  15. Christy

    Hi, this weekend is good for me, since this time i am reading this fantastic informative post here
    at my residence.

    My web blog - the ps4 games

  16. Lasix

    Flarex Without A Prescription

  17. sormive

    Prednisone

  18. Lasix

    Amoxicillin Tooth Abscess

  19. priligy seratonin

    Lasix Dosage

  20. Mammie

    Please let me know if you're looking for
    a author for your weblog. You have some really good
    articles and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever
    want to take some of the load off, I'd really like to write some content for your
    blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an e-mail if interested.
    Cheers!

    my website: asmr why

  21. Julian

    Wonderful blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.

    Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
    I've been trying for asmr a while but I never seem to
    get there! Cheers

  22. Isela Rische

    Thankfulness to my father who stated to me on the topic of this blog, this weblog is truly remarkable.|

    https://notes.io/ZhLC

  23. Tracy Bresser

    I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I'm looking to construct my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. many thanks|

    https://www.allrecipes.com/cook/29476613/

  24. neurontin 300

    Levaquin With Overnight Delivery Mastercard

  26. spakam

    spakam 7b17bfd26b https://wakelet.com/wake/bHHtZz0zDjPPuSZ2poIMd

  30. Deloise Cumens

    Heya i'm for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.|

    https://www.blog.lovinah.com/members/hollowaylove14/activity/180203/

  33. Drucilla Ketring

    bookmarked!!, I really like your blog!|

    https://freebookmarkstore.win/story.php?title=what-went-wrong-excellent-why-she-wont-be-in-agreement-with-a-second-date#discuss

  34. darrindi

    darrindi 7b17bfd26b https://wakelet.com/wake/f6fvw4iDJHoBZaBAkl4Sq

  37. wilifid

    wilifid 7b17bfd26b https://wakelet.com/wake/XIUyLehe9QlaHPdmJKWM1

  38. birzynd

    birzynd 7b17bfd26b https://coub.com/stories/3266680-gta-san-andreas-bosna-mod-for-do

  41. olwfed

    olwfed 7b17bfd26b https://wakelet.com/wake/Q46dCSyA32JKcl-MVmkI_

  43. rainosmo

    rainosmo 7b17bfd26b https://wakelet.com/wake/0J3bGNzsGF0V9z-uxs-gU

  46. graydej

    graydej 7b17bfd26b https://wakelet.com/wake/uo7UCPo14MVjeZjrNfbK_

  47. thornic

    thornic 7b17bfd26b https://coub.com/stories/3498497-kontoauszug-builder-free

  49. shaybeth

    shaybeth 7b17bfd26b https://wakelet.com/wake/2Oe_jSv8AiVE6Uo_AU9Cy

  51. gabyele

    gabyele 7b17bfd26b https://wakelet.com/wake/zeWiPR2tAUxm7r73T7bOx

  52. best laminator

    i love the Bazooka of Megatron, i don’t understand why they did not include it on the movie,.

    https://emiliozisdp.blogs-service.com/37558368/a-secret-weapon-for-best-chiminea

  55. floger

    floger ec2f99d4de https://wakelet.com/wake/rG1EvcfzyzAAFBtEqwue3

  56. Jenine Mundziak

    I always used to read article in news papers but now as I am a user of net so from now I am using net for articles or reviews, thanks to web.|

    https://pbase.com/topics/emeryknowles7/your_work_home_options_are_e

  57. Shauna Carther

    What a information of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable experience about unexpected emotions.|

    http://husarria.eu/forums/users/munchturan87/

  58. Clark Durre

    Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO? I'm trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I'm not seeing very good success. If you know of any please share. Many thanks!|

    https://mensvault.men/story.php?title=enhance-the-functions-of-your-micromax-q1-by-some-fashionable-accessories#discuss

  64. Ja Baskin

    Thanks a lot for sharing this with all people you actually understand what you're talking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally visit my website =). We may have a link trade arrangement between us|

    http://sc.sie.gov.hk/TuniS/movavicrack.info/wondershare-video-converter-ultimate-crack-key-latest/

  65. Colby Teitelbaum

    whoah this blog is great i really like studying your posts. Keep up the great work! You know, many individuals are searching around for this info, you can help them greatly. |

    http://www.phishtank.com/

  66. elichry

    elichry 31ebe8ef48 https://wakelet.com/wake/MdwP8SN4dFyAMFhRcOKo2

  67. genjan

    genjan 31ebe8ef48 https://wakelet.com/wake/asmLOblCx2ySCltgIDnLw

  68. fermar

    fermar 31ebe8ef48 https://wakelet.com/wake/6QHKCQrAUw1q0tJo8I6CB

  69. margis

    margis 31ebe8ef48 https://wakelet.com/wake/z4qocQiICmkmzRlbN3hP8

  70. innzal

    innzal 31ebe8ef48 https://wakelet.com/wake/pggUkIIiqoiEGdBRkm8K1

  71. yovjan

    yovjan 31ebe8ef48 https://wakelet.com/wake/e32l9JaIKRlqxsgJah8iq

  72. Del Galea

    Great post.|

    https://www.click4r.com/posts/g/2886669/web-design-7-key-things-to-avoid

  73. ryddelc

    ryddelc 31ebe8ef48 https://wakelet.com/wake/53Zc-Oj5uc3WX510XwQcq

  74. Geraldo Raiche

    I'm amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that's both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something that not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about. I'm very happy that I stumbled across this during my hunt for something concerning this.|

    https://www.easyfie.com/read-blog/479771

  75. Peggie He

    It's an amazing piece of writing for all the internet people; they will get benefit from it I am sure.|

    http://q2a.sydt.com.tw/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=forbes50ottosen

  84. chalhal

    chalhal 219d99c93a https://coub.com/stories/4356133-nexus-2-pc-pro-zip-download

  89. Shellie Sontag

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on meta_keyword. Regards|

    https://telegra.ph/Learn-Potentially-Profitable-New-Skills-With-Internet-Site-Design-Course-10-21

  90. Sarita Brookins

    Hi there, simply become alert to your blog thru Google, and found that it's truly informative. I'm going to be careful for brussels. I'll appreciate in case you proceed this in future. Lots of other people shall be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!|

    https://telegra.ph/Top-App-Locker-To-Secure-And-Lock-Apps-On-Android-Phone-08-14

  91. Jan Kanable

    Everything is very open with a precise clarification of the issues. It was really informative. Your website is useful. Many thanks for sharing!|

    https://bandochoi.com/members/wallerbullock26/activity/798816/

  92. Barney Dejohn

    Everyone loves what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever work and coverage! Keep up the very good works guys I've included you guys to my own blogroll.|

    http://pigskinref.com/secure/members/skovcunningham72/activity/142030/

  93. Douglass Hija

    We're a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with useful info to work on. You've performed a formidable activity and our whole group might be grateful to you.|

    https://abdelgwad-hamida.com/members/peterssoncampbell9/activity/257605/

  94. Bonita Toussiant

    Hello There. I discovered your weblog using msn. This is an extremely smartly written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to read extra of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I'll definitely comeback.|

    https://0rz.tw/create?url=https3A2F2Fpremiumlicensekey.com2Ftally-erp-9-crack-download2F

  95. Hans Lischak

    Hello! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to check it out. I'm definitely enjoying the information. I'm bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Wonderful blog and terrific design.|

    https://ondashboard.win/story.php?title=how-select-from-a-builder-for-the-home-addition#discuss

  96. Cody Stapleton

    Fabulous, what a webpage it is! This webpage gives helpful information to us, keep it up.|

    https://cope4u.org/forums/users/kloster63hanley/

  97. Pia Ezagui

    Hi there to every one, the contents existing at this web page are in fact remarkable for people knowledge, well, keep up the nice work fellows.|

    https://divulgaaqui.online/author/briggsgunn88/

  98. Sarita Balestra

    Wow, this post is good, my sister is analyzing these things, so I am going to convey her.|

    https://www.pinterest.com/sonach3334/_saved/

  99. Corinne Kramp

    Appreciating the persistence you put into your blog and in depth information you present. It's nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn't the same out of date rehashed information. Wonderful read! I've bookmarked your site and I'm including your RSS feeds to my Google account.|

    https://priti-nag.tribe.so/user/wallikhan603

  105. Duncan Dowgiallo

    Spot on with this write-up, I actually believe this web site needs far more attention. I'll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the advice!|

    https://audiomack.com/asif432

  108. Enriqueta Ortman

    What's up mates, how is the whole thing, and what you want to say concerning this paragraph, in my view its genuinely remarkable designed for me.|

    https://www.mixcloud.com/alishoaib/

  110. Cliff Schnebly

    Hi, Neat post. There is a problem together with your web site in internet explorer, may check this? IE nonetheless is the market chief and a large component of other people will omit your fantastic writing because of this problem.|

    http://khbartar.ir/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=chengsvenningsen2

  116. pheloffi

    pheloffi 538a28228e https://coub.com/stories/4375989-play-along-hd-dubbed-blu-ray-mkv

  120. Kurtis Loureiro

    Thanks for finally writing about > blog_title < Loved it!|

    https://wefunder.com/usmanarbi

  121. Dalton Barcik

    It's an remarkable post designed for all the web users; they will get benefit from it I am sure.|

    https://linkagogo.trade/story.php?title=how-to-earn-lindens-and-or-obtain-a-job-in-second-life-1#discuss

  122. Carter Seefeldt

    I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I'll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am quite sure I will learn many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!|

    https://www.producthunt.com/@sajawal_rasheed

  123. Karan Harbison

    Howdy very nice web site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds additionally? I'm satisfied to find a lot of useful info right here within the post, we'd like develop extra techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .|

    https://tagoverflow.stream/story.php?title=the-long-awaited-htc-hero-white-has-arrived-2#discuss

  124. kill bed bug

    I really enjoy the blog post.Really thank you! Will read on...

    https://sites.google.com/view/apexpestcontrol/bed-bug-exterminator/

  132. Luther Smothers

    Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My blog is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would genuinely benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Thanks!|

    https://www.scribd.com/user/564351867/Hamza-Ahmad

  133. Vita Kushner

    Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I'm kinda paranoid about losing everything I've worked hard on. Any suggestions?|

    http://khbartar.ir/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=pottererlandsen56

  134. Darrel Humbertson

    You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I'll try to get the hang of it!|

    https://www.goodfirms.co/community/profile/khan-lovely

  135. สมัครambbet

    Thanks a lot for the blog.Really thank you! Great.

    https://amb19.com/

  136. Melinda Galofaro

    Whats up this is kinda of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I'm starting a blog soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!|

    https://www.spreaker.com/user/usmanghazi

  137. Laurence Wold

    Greetings from Florida! I'm bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the information you present here and can't wait to take a look when I get home. I'm shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I'm not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, superb site!|

    https://lexsrv3.nlm.nih.gov/fdse/search/search.pl?match=0&realm=all&terms=http://crackbros.com/adobe-acrobat-reader-dc-crack-license-key-free-download/

  138. Edmund Moorehouse

    {

    https://storium.com/user/alinawaz175

  139. Lino Parlato

    Very good information. Lucky me I found your website by accident (stumbleupon). I have bookmarked it for later!|

    https://www.transtats.bts.gov/exit.asp?url=https://licensekey.net/internet-download-manager-crack-key/

  140. James Neal

    As the admin of this website is working, no hesitation very soon it will be famous, due to its feature contents.|

    https://notes.io/U6SL

  144. Archie Fauver

    Hi friends, how is everything, and what you want to say concerning this post, in my view its actually remarkable in support of me.|

    https://v.gd/ibTlqa

  145. Jimmy Beiser

    There is definately a great deal to find out about this issue. I really like all of the points you have made.|

    https://list.ly/abildgaardperkins251

  146. Alfonzo Rinderle

    Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much approximately this, like you wrote the e book in it or something. I feel that you can do with some to force the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is great blog. An excellent read. I'll definitely be back.|

    https://republic.co/@muhammad-awais-2

  147. Elease Montalbo

    Hello, just wanted to say, I liked this blog post. It was funny. Keep on posting!|

    https://eine-ehren-sache.de/author/melchiorsendrew6/

  150. armnkaz

    armnkaz df76b833ed https://www.kaggle.com/haupelpaigen/cher-believe-album-torrent

评论已关闭。

Related recommendation

No related articles!

微信扫一扫,分享到朋友圈

How to Configure a Firewall in five easy Steps