Firewalls are the first line of defense in an organization’s network security systems. They are designed to protect businesses from cyber threats by managing and controlling network traffic. However, there is an incomplete understanding of what they can and cannot do.
Misconceptions about this technology leave organizations vulnerable to threats, and cybersecurity threats are not trivial. According to an FBI report, cybercrime losses exceeded $16 billion in 2024, a 33% increase from 2023. This number underscores the importance of building robust defenses and being confident about them.
Let’s unpack some of the most common misconceptions surrounding firewalls to help you get a clearer picture of the role of this technology.
1. Firewalls Alone Can Fully Protect Against Cyber Attacks
Firewalls are only one part of a much larger security framework. Some organizations mistakenly assume that installing one can neutralize all threats. In reality, they aren’t enough, as cyber attacks can take many forms that often go beyond their protective capabilities.
Antivirus software, encryption, intrusion detection systems, and adequate employee cyber security training are additional layers of protection that need to be paired with firewalls.
2. Firewalls Don’t Need Updates
A widely held misconception is that firewalls can be installed once and then operate independently without support or regular updates. However, software needs to be periodically updated, monitored, and tuned to remain reliable.
An organization’s network traffic and security requirements vary continuously. The security software, such as firewalls, should be inspected and modified if necessary.
To maintain optimal security, policies must be regularly audited and updated. A firewall policy manager can help businesses monitor unwarranted loopholes and access points.
3. Firewalls Only Protect Against External Threats
Firewalls protect against external threats, but many people don’t know that they also work against internal threats. This misunderstanding can ignore the possibility of an internal attack or an accidental organizational breach.
In fact, you can set them up to limit internal traffic, providing you with an additional safety layer on the ‘inside’ of the company.
Businesses should configure their firewalls to segment and isolate different areas of their network. For example, restricting access between departments can help prevent sensitive data from being compromised, detect unusual traffic patterns within the network, and alert the administrators if they are configured to do so.
4. All Firewalls Provide the Same Level of Security
Some companies believe that a firewall, regardless of its configuration, is a sufficient level of security. However, firewalls are different in their abilities, from simple packet filtering devices to next-generation complex firewalls.
Knowing the various types of firewalls and choosing one that suits your organization well can vastly enhance protection.
5. A Firewall Slows Down Network Performance
Another common myth is that firewalls negatively impact network performance. In the early days, with older, hardware-based firewalls, this was a reality in some organizations. However, modern solutions are incredibly efficient and designed to handle large volumes of data.
It’s worth noting that most firewalls can improve network efficiency by blocking any unwanted traffic. This also frees up bandwidth for legitimate data.
6. Firewalls Are Only for Large Enterprises
Many small businesses assume that firewalls are only required by large companies with expensive networks. Cyber threats, however, don’t discriminate and can attack small companies that often lack the resources to recover. According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach was approximately $4.88 million in 2024, marking a 10% increase over 2023.
A well-configured firewall helps businesses of all sizes defend against data loss and unauthorized access, offering essential preventive and cost-saving protection.
Firewalls Are a Crucial Part of Your Cybersecurity Strategy
Firewalls remain a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity, and integrating them with your broader security stack is more important than ever. As threats continue to rise, a well-configured firewall helps businesses stay protected and focused, with greater confidence in their defenses.
