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Why Firewalls Should be Secure by Default

January 25, 2024
CyberRatings.org

Today, we're addressing a critical issue that often goes unnoticed but plays a significant role in safeguarding your digital infrastructure - firewall configuration.

The Problem with Products that are not “Secure by Default"

It's a common misconception that firewalls, as configured by vendors, are fully equipped to fend off advanced cyber threats when, in fact, the default configuration in many firewalls is designed for general applicability, not optimized protection. This generic setup can leave gaps, particularly in defending against sophisticated evasion techniques. In our continuous efforts to assess and enhance cybersecurity measures, we've observed a significant need for tailored firewall configurations to activate stronger defenses.

Our Initiative: Empowering You with Knowledge

At CyberRatings.org, we believe in empowering our community with the tools and knowledge to fortify their cyber defenses. We're excited to announce that we're developing a series of comprehensive guides focusing on "Best Practices for Firewall Configuration." These documents will serve as your go-to resource for:

  1. Step-by-Step Configuration Instructions: We'll provide detailed, step-by-step instructions on configuring your firewall for optimal security, tailored to various popular firewall vendors.
  2. Best Practices and Expert Tips: Learn from the experts. Our guides will include best practices, tips, and tricks to keep your network secure.
  3. Visual Aids and Screenshots: For ease of understanding, we'll include clear visuals and screenshots to guide you through each step.
  4. Example configurations and policies: We will export the policies and configurations the vendors used during testing and make them available to you online.

Why Is This Important?

Configuring your firewall to enable strong defenses, especially evasion defenses, is not just an option; it's a necessity. By following our upcoming guides, you'll be able to:

  • Maximize your firewall's capabilities.
  • Protect your network against advanced threats and evasions.
  • Ensure compliance with security standards.
  • Gain peace of mind knowing your network is more secure.

Stay Tuned

These guides are being developed with members’ security needs in mind. We understand the complexities involved and are committed to providing clear, concise, and actionable information. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for the release of these essential guides.

Let's work together to build stronger, smarter defenses against cyber threats.

Stay safe,

CyberRatings.org