Long gone are the days where companies would use multiple stand-alone security technologies that are expensive, difficult to maintain and that cause confusion to the online security framework of the business. Unified Threat Management (UTM) addresses this issue. UTM can be defined as the consolidation of essential security functions into a single device that can perform multiple security functions. This includes: network firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention, antivirus, data loss prevention and reporting, web application access control and web filtering. By utilizing unified threat management, companies can now centralize their network security under one common umbrella. Discussed below are advantages of a Unified Threat Management system.
Flexibility and Adaptability
UTM gives users the ability to possess flexible solutions to help cope with today’s complex networking environments. This flexibility is achieved by offering a wide array of security technologies from which organizations can pick and choose what is most relevant to them. There is also the option to acquire a single licensing model with all the technologies included which helps avoid the purchase of multiple modules which can be difficult to manage under one umbrella. The flexibility of UTM allows for the deployment of multiple security technologies to combat the constantly evolving threats in today’s networking environment. Constant updates also make sure that your system is always current, powerful and well equipped to provide security.
Centralized Integration and Management
A network security system contains multiple components (such as firewall, VPN, application control, among others) that can be cumbersome to control framework that consolidates all the functions of the security system under one management console. This makes the system easier to monitor and gives operators the ability to pinpoint specific components of the UTM that may need attention for specific functions. The centralized security control also allows you to monitor multiple threats affecting different components of your system simultaneously. Under a decentralized framework, sophisticated and multi module attacks are difficult, if not impossible, to detect and prevent.
Cost-effectiveness
Organizations can benefit with significant cost savings by consolidating their network security management. A centralized framework reduces the number of devices that are needed, as well as the number of staff that were previously required to manage multiple devices. Increased Awareness of Network Security Threats UTM allows for the quicker detection of incoming security threats. This is because the centralized system is more up to date, operates faster, and offers a common consolidated platform where multi-faceted threats can be detected. Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) and polymorphic attacks affect your system using multiple technologies and code changes that can be difficult to detect under single component technologies that do not operate in unison. UTM allows incoming threats to be identified and handled under a consolidated framework.
Faster security solution for businesses
Integration of security functions under UTM allows for the coordination of functionality across various platforms. This allows for faster and more streamlined processing of data while reducing the resources required to carry out the inspection process. This efficiency allows for network resources to be allocated to the needs of your business, such as resource-heavy applications, without compromising performance.
In conclusion, UTM offers multiple advantages for your organization’s security needs. Under a consolidated security framework, you can now save in costs, maintain the efficiency of your network and detect and respond to threats much faster.
