What is unified threat management? It sounds pretty complicated, doesn’t it? Unified threat management (UTM) is simply the integration of several security tools into one, streamlined console. This consolidation of cyber security safeguards reduces the complexity often associated with SMB security.
In addition to being much easier to manage, an all-in-one UTM solution also offers these benefits:
- Affordability: Purchasing half a dozen different security tools and devices can get expensive. By using one platform for most of your security needs, you’re able to keep more funds in your bank account.
- Enhanced security: As any business owner, manager, or parent can tell you – it’s hard to effectively supervise multiple moving parts, especially when you’re busy juggling so many other things. Centralizing your network security is the key. This centralization allows for faster threat detection and greater overall protection.
Unified threat management tools
UTM is comprised of several network security layers. These layers, or tools, can include the following:
- Next generation firewalls: Next-generation firewalls (NGFW), such as the award-winning Fortinet devices, utilize purpose-built security processors and threat intelligence services to provide cutting edge protection. NGFWs are scalable, offer advanced performance, and flexible deployment. They’re available as an appliance, virtual machine, or in the cloud.
- Spam filtering: Spam isn’t just annoying, it can also be downright dangerous. Spam filtering will limit the costly consequences of falling prey to phishing emails and detect unsolicited or unwanted email. Spam filtering protects against phishing, malware, and other email-borne threats, reducing the risk of inadvertent loss and/or non-compliance with regulations like HIPAA, PCI, GDPR, SHIELD, etc.
- Web content filtering: Web content filtering is your first line of defense against web-based attacks. Ensure that employees aren’t wasting time or putting your company at risk by accessing unsafe websites or downloading suspicious content. Block access to inappropriate, hacked, or malicious sites and set your own content-filtering and use policies.
- Antivirus protection: Protect your network against both known and unknown threats in real-time.
- Intrusion detection & prevention system: IDPS monitors your network for suspicious activity then protects your business by stopping potential attacks.
- Virtual private network: A VPN encrypts the data you send and receive online.
Signs of a good UTM solution
- Proven effectiveness: Opt for a UTM solution that is independent lab tested to determine how well you’ll be protected.
- Breadth of functionality: Look at what else you can integrate with your UTM, such as wireless or endpoint security.
- Ease of management: Choose an easy to manage solution that preserves your resources to grow your business.
- Market adoption: Select a solution that has a proven track record of success.
