Glossary · Security

Firewall

In plain language

A device or software that decides which traffic may enter or leave your network, blocking the rest.

The metaphor

Like a locked front desk with a visitor list: only people and traffic the rules allow get past, and everything else is turned away.

Going deeper

How it works

It sits between your office and the internet and checks every connection.
Rules say what is allowed in and out.
Newer firewalls inspect the content of traffic and block known bad sites.
It also keeps parts of the office separate, such as guests and staff.

How WILDCARD handles it

Network covers the firewall, switch and on-premises authentication scope, with firmware kept current and the rules reviewed.

In practice

A law firm blocks inbound remote desktop from the internet.
A clinic keeps its medical devices on a separate network behind the firewall.
A contractor adds a VPN to the firewall so staff can work from home.

A question owners ask

Does Windows already have a firewall? Yes, on each computer, and it should stay on. A network firewall at the office edge adds protection for every device, including ones that cannot run security software.

Where WILDCARD handles this

Network

Firewall managed and monitored
Switches kept current
On-prem Active Directory auth

Start with Network

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