The Best Firewall Features for Families

Setting up a firewall blocker helps keep it all safe. While this may seem confusing if you’re not tech-savvy, we’ve made it easy for you by outlining a few firewall rules and features you need to know about.

Unified threat management.

The Internet of Things (IoT) includes any devices that connect to a network. Homes that once had only one personal computer now have multiple PCs, tablets, smartphones, smart watches, gaming consoles, virtual assistants, baggage trackers, and more. Our homes are loaded with devices that make life easier (and more fun) by always keeping the internet within arm’s reach. The problem with so many devices is that you’re providing more ways for hackers to access your computer network. Think of it like getting exposed to a cold at work, then bringing it home to your family. A firewall will protect your network of devices from bringing in a Trojan, worm, ransomware, or anything else and infecting everything.

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Network rules for prevention.

Establishing firewall rules makes it easy for you to passively block websites and applications that pose a significant risk to your devices and network or simply have content you don’t want in your home. In contrast, customizable firewall rules allow you to have your firewall turned off but still blocking suspicious activity. For example, you might find that your firewall wants to block a specific video game or app because of its servers or the code it uses. You have the option to allow access to that game or app without your firewall disallowing access to it. Your firewall rules allow you to customize your experience across devices by picking and choosing what you do or don’t want to be allowed on everything from your personal computer to mobile devices to gaming consoles.

Cloud support.

Many of us are backing up files like important documents, photos, and even gaming files on the cloud. Regardless of whether you’re storing family documents like a birth certificate or a Word document with birthdays and social security numbers in the cloud or have nothing more than video game files, you need cloud support for your firewall. Ensure that your firewall is blocking internet threats that extend beyond your hard drive to limit apps and files that have access to your cloud-based server.

Not only do you need to be aware of the cloud-based service that you’re using for personal files, but you should also be aware of any other cloud servers you’re getting access to. Consider a friend who is sharing a file with you via their cloud server. Make sure you can trust them and the files they share with you before clicking the download button.

Application inspection.

We’re constantly downloading new apps to our devices. Whether they’re for games, food delivery, work productivity, or anything else, we’re adding programs to computers, tablets, and smartphones that could be putting us at risk. Kids who may not have developed healthy tech habits want to download every game they see in an ad and can be easily deceived by malicious applications. Ensure that your firewall offers application inspection so you can be certain that you’re not welcoming malware through your front door. Your firewall rules can be used to allow access to applications from specific locations to limit incoming threats.

Able to grow with your network.

We’ve talked about how the IoT in our homes has grown substantially over the years. The fact of the matter is: that’s not going change anytime soon. Ensure that your firewall has the bandwidth to support these connected devices so you can be confident that you’re protected from all sides.

Don’t compromise your privacy and safety by settling for a firewall that doesn’t have the features you want for your home. Protect your IoT and everything you keep on them by setting firewall rules that fit your family’s needs.