To begin with, before we clarify the function and importance of a firewall and a DNS filter for companies and organizations , we need to define what a firewall is and what a DNS filter is .
What is a firewall?
A firewall is a hardware and/or software device that monitors and controls the flow of data and internet access on a network , according to each company's security policy.
Above all, a firewall makes it possible to filter incoming and outgoing traffic and grant or deny specific and malicious access , in accordance with the set of legal and/or previously defined rules.
Specifically, the origin of the term firewall explains its concept well. In short, the word emerged in the 17th century to identify a type of wall that prevented the spread of fire and increased the safety of buildings .
By analogy, when configured correctly , a firewall acts as an additional layer of protection against malicious external attacks and increases the security of the network, equipment, systems, and information.
Undoubtedly, a firewall is one of the main defenses at the perimeter of a private network and an essential component in protecting against unwanted traffic and intrusion attempts .
Learn more about this valuable security tool:
What are DNS and DNS filters?
The acronym DNS, which comes from the English Domain Name System, is a system that "translates" domain names (hosts) into IP addresses .
In practice, DNS makes using the Internet easier . Above all, because it's a service that allows you to type just one name into your browser's address bar to access the desired website – www.lumiun.com , for example.
In our example, it is not necessary to provide an IP address (200.154.39.214), a numerical combination that is difficult to memorize. Ultimately, knowing about DNS, or not, neither requires nor affects the day-to-day operations of companies.
, on the other hand, is a solution for managing access rules based on DNS queries, and some basic knowledge is indeed necessary.
After all, in any and all access and flow of data and information , from simple home networks to large corporate networks and the internet itself, IP addresses are involved .
Therefore, a basic understanding of DNS filtering is important when defining and prioritizing rules, controls, and risks regarding data . This is because, on the internet, it is very difficult, but extremely important, to determine, monitor, and control the flow and traffic of accesses .
In fact, there is a need to ensure the security of flows and traffic , from origin to destination, only at interesting and useful addresses, and not at harmful and malicious ones.
And what is a DNS firewall?
In fact, the most accurate and usual way to refer to it is as a DNS firewall . Because, as we have just seen, firewalls and DNS filters exist distinctly and separately.
So, a DNS firewall, or DNS firewall, is a step forward in the evolution of processes that ensure the security, control, and monitoring of data and internet access flows on a network .
Unlike a traditional firewall, a DNS firewall , in addition to blocking and redirecting users to prevent access to malicious websites, also acts more broadly, at different layers and phases than DNS, preventing the loss, blocking, or compromise of data .
In principle, this technology offers an advantage by providing more data on threats , helping to isolate compromised devices , and keeping information about malicious attacks visible and up-to-date through an automated threat feed , even with end-to-end encryption.
Why is a DNS firewall solution important?
In addition to preventing identity theft, protecting against malware installation, and monitoring data and information blocking or loss, optimizing tax burden and increasing productivity, a DNS firewall solution also enhances security by :
GUIDING THE END USER – The possibility of demonstrating and explaining to the end user the risks avoided is educational. In this sense, the objective is to inform in order to raise awareness and prevent virtual risks and dangers.
PROTECTING THE TEAM – A DNS firewall minimizes risks and also prevents major difficulties and disruptions should the network be compromised. This is a relief for companies and teams, allowing them to focus on resolving other equally urgent issues.
GENERATING INSIGHTS AND PROACTIVITY – The greater the transparency and the better the communication management, the greater the agility in decision-making and intervention, and consequently, the lower the risks and moments of crisis.
SIMPLE TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN – Once configured, the DNS firewall protects your network and devices from malicious attacks. Continuous updates are another factor that eliminates the need for constant upgrades.
PROTECTING BRANDS – The impact of leaks and security breaches can ruin a business and its reputation. Investing in security preserves the value of brands and companies.
LOWERING THE COST OF CYBERRISK INSURANCE – The price and costs associated with insurance are usually not foreseen or planned for. However, a DNS firewall is a technology that guarantees discounts and reduces the cost of cyber risk insurance.
What is Lumiun?
Lumiun Internet Security is a company that delivers effective internet management and security solutions for your business, your provider, or your family: Lumiun Box , Lumiun DNS , and Lumiun ISP .
Every day since 2016, the Brazilian startup has undeniably helped thousands of users by developing and improving solutions based on DNS filtering. It not only improves the security and control of internet access, but also the productivity of its clients and partners .
To illustrate, Lumiun Internet Security is responsible for controlling and monitoring over 508 million accesses per day! As a result, it fulfills its mission and purpose by blocking more than 95 million harmful requests .
Lumiun DNS
Lumiun Lumiun DNS is a new internet access security and protection platform, a practical and complete tool that requires no hardware. Affordable, this tool allows you to add an extra layer of protection to your company's networks in various environments, as well as apply web content filters and access monitoring through artificial intelligence.
This solution offers specialized customer support, direct contact with analysts located in Brazil, and rapid deployment without network interruptions. Lumiun Lumiun DNS features a low-latency infrastructure with Anycast technology, as well as optimized website filtering.
To help companies discover how this tool can transform the security of their networks, data, and devices, Lumiun offers a free trial period . If the company chooses to continue using it, it can opt for a paid plan or continue with a free plan with limited features.
Lumiun Box
Lumiun Box It is a cloud-based service that uses the DNS system to provide security and control over internet access .
At the same time, it makes the network more secure and the team more productive by filtering which domains can, or cannot, be accessed.
Lumiun Box 's Business VPN is a solution that brings external collaborators closer together and unites them all on a single network. Similarly, this process contributes to increased security and productivity.
The acronym VPN , which stands for Virtual Private Network, is a technology that uses the internet to connect a group of computers and, above all, to maintain the security of data transmitted over the network .
Furthermore, the pandemic has made this technology even more relevant, especially due to remote work and working from home .
Lumiun ISP
Lumiun ISP is a DNS filter in SVA for internet service providers. Without a doubt, it's an innovative service that generates value for both providers and subscribers.
Lumiun Lumiun ISP , which works by filtering DNS queries, is useful and secure for the subscriber , but it is also fair, straightforward, and profitable for the ISP provider.
Primarily because the VAS (Value Added Service) encompasses any and all services provided that are ancillary to telecommunications activities, offering subscribers benefits such as security, protection, and control over internet usage.
Why is a DNS Firewall solution important?
A firewall is a feature that allows monitoring and control of the flow of access to data and virtual resources on the network . This tool works based on the security policy implemented and determined by each company, applying its criteria according to the established rules.
Therefore, the firewall allows for the filtering of incoming and outgoing traffic, controlling access according to previously implemented security layers . This functionality makes the firewall one of the main layers of protection in a company's private network, being essential for blocking possible intrusion attempts and malicious access.
All these features make this tool one of the main security resources for a business . The DNS firewall is the evolution of this solution, allowing for even more efficient monitoring of access and traffic in a company's digital environment and network.
What differentiates a DNS firewall from a traditional solution is that, in addition to blocking and redirecting access to prevent malicious access, it also ensures data protection, preventing leaks, losses, and compromise of information.
6 benefits of a DNS firewall
As we have seen, the DNS firewall is a highly versatile solution that can help your company ensure even greater security for access and information traffic within the network. The main benefits of this tool are:
1. It ensures greater control over the company's internet presence
There are countless pages and websites that can compromise the security of your devices and the confidentiality of the information stored on them. A DNS firewall provides protection against harmful websites, internet monitoring
2. Increase your company's internet security
With countless ways to infiltrate systems and steal information, cybercriminals are implementing malicious actions every day. For this reason, having extra security resources will help your company avoid cyberattacks and maintain the security of your information. The DNS firewall:
- Blocks malicious links;
- Avoid accessing harmful websites;
- Blocks malicious ads;
- It prevents the theft of company data and information;
- It prevents the installation of malicious software;
- Block the adult content page;
- Among other features.
3. Increase your team's productivity
By blocking pages and websites that are not essential to your company's activity, the DNS firewall will help increase your team's productivity . Much of the time available for work is wasted on social media, entertainment websites, streaming platforms, gaming and betting sites, etc. Blocking these pages will help your team stay focused on what is truly important.
4. Compliance with the LGPD (Brazilian General Data Protection Law)
The LGPD (Brazilian General Data Protection Law) introduced several paradigms and protocols that companies must follow to ensure data protection and the confidentiality of information stored by organizations. Data breaches can lead to numerous losses for a company, potentially damaging its market image.
A DNS firewall will help your company follow security principles and prevent the leakage of confidential information . In this way, it can help your business remain compliant with the LGPD (Brazilian General Data Protection Law).
5. Device and network protection
The DNS firewall has security filters and access blocking systems that can help keep your network and company devices protected. Virus and malware contamination can seriously damage your devices impacting employee productivity as these devices will be unavailable indefinitely.
6. It helps educate and train your team
Having a Safe Internet Usage Policy is essential, but it's not the only solution a business should implement. Security training can also be complex, depending on the number of employees and their level of familiarity with technological tools.
With a DNS firewall, your company no longer needs to worry about training and developing security skills for its employees, as control becomes automatic and efficient.
What is a DNS Firewall for?
Without a doubt, your company needs the protection of a DNS firewall .
Unless the equipment is non-existent, or the equipment and its systems and networks are permanently free of vulnerabilities (both old and undiscovered), or if the data and information in circulation are completely irrelevant, only in that situation can you dispense with a DNS firewall .
It is the responsibility of managers and IT professionals to adopt, maintain, and review actions aimed at protecting company information . Protecting the perimeter of the company's network is an important action for the security of the network itself and the information that travels through it.
To implement a new DNS firewall accurately and effectively, with minimal disruption and complications, seek to understand which solution is best suited to the size and profile of your company .
Features such as predefined configuration policies, firewall DNS rule templates, cloud-based dashboard management, and ongoing technical support are good internet security practices .
In fact, they make all the difference in the deployment and operation of a secure and reliable DNS firewall solution .
As a suggestion for further reading, the page "What is a DNS Firewall and 7 reasons to use it in your company" is a good continuation of this text. You can also download the content from that page and share it with anyone who needs this information as well.
