You can’t see it. You can’t touch it. But every email you send, every website you visit, and every file you download passes through it.
Your firewall is quietly protecting your business from thousands of online threats every day.
Most businesses do have a firewall. The problem is that many aren’t using it properly. And when firewall mistakes go unnoticed, they create a false sense of security that’s just as dangerous as having no protection at all. This is why firewall protection is a core part of Adept Networks’ Managed IT Services for small businesses.
Below are the most common firewall mistakes we see in small and mid-sized businesses, why they matter, and how to avoid them. But first, let’s make sure we’re clear on what a firewall actually is and what it does.
What a Firewall Does (And Why It Matters)
Think of your business as a building.
Inside are your people, systems, and sensitive data. Outside is the internet, full of opportunity, but also full of risk. You want customers, vendors, and staff to move freely, but you don’t want strangers wandering in uninvited.
That’s exactly what a firewall does.
A firewall monitors all incoming and outgoing network traffic and checks it against a set of rules (or policies).
If traffic looks safe, it’s allowed through.
If it looks suspicious, the firewall blocks it—instantly.
This makes your firewall your first line of defense against:
- Hackers trying to break in
- Malware and ransomware
- Phishing websites and fake login pages
- Unauthorized devices or connections
Most businesses never notice their firewall working. That’s a good thing. When it’s configured correctly, it quietly stops threats before damage is done.
Common Firewall Mistake #1: Using Default Settings
When a firewall is installed, it often ships with factory-default settings. These are designed to get things up and running quickly, not to protect your specific business.
Default settings can:
- Leave unnecessary ports open
- Allow risky types of traffic
- Miss threats unique to your industry or workflows
Properly configured firewall security should reflect:
- The size of your business
- The type of data you handle
- The software and cloud tools your team uses
Without customization, you’re only getting partial protection.
Common Firewall Mistake #2: “Set It and Forget It”
A firewall isn’t something you install once and ignore.
Cybersecurity threats evolve constantly. New attack methods appear every week. If your firewall isn’t updated regularly, it can quietly fall behind.
Firewalls need:
- Ongoing security updates
- Rule reviews as your business changes
- Adjustments when new software or staff are added
If your firewall hasn’t been reviewed in months or years, it may not be protecting you the way you think it is.
Common Firewall Mistake #3: Relying on a Home-Grade Router
Many businesses start out using the same type of router they’d use at home. While that may work for basic internet access, home-grade firewalls aren’t built for business risks.
They often lack:
- Intrusion prevention
- Real-time threat monitoring
- Detailed alerts and reporting
Business networks handle more users, more data, and far greater risk. Business-grade firewalls are designed for exactly that.
Common Firewall Mistake #4: No One Is Watching the Alerts
Your firewall logs every blocked attempt and generates alerts when something looks unusual.
But if no one is reviewing those alerts, problems can go unnoticed until real damage is done.
This is one of the biggest reasons many businesses choose managed firewalls, where computer support services like those provided by Adept Networks:
- Monitor activity 24/7
- Investigate suspicious behavior
- Respond before small issues turn into major incidents
If you’re not sure who’s watching your firewall alerts right now, that’s worth addressing.
Common Firewall Mistake #5: Trying to Do Everything With One Device
Some businesses rely on a single box to handle:
- Firewall protection
- Wi-Fi
- Web filtering
- Network management
While convenient, this can overload the system, slow performance, or weaken security.
In many cases, a next-generation firewall or a combination of dedicated tools provides better protection without bottlenecks.
Common Firewall Mistake #6: Ignoring Remote Workers
Remote work is now standard, but many firewalls are still designed around a single office.
If remote devices connect via unsecured Wi-Fi or outside your firewall, your network can still be exposed. Home office security is as critical to your network's overall safety as the precautions in place at the main office.
Cloud-based firewalls and secure remote access tools help extend protection wherever your team works, whether at home, in the office, or on the road.
Common Firewall Mistake #7: No Regular Review or Testing
Even a correctly configured firewall can drift out of alignment over time.
Businesses change. New software gets added. A few more employees join. Someone starts working remotely. A second location opens. None of those feel like “security decisions,” but every one of them affects how your network behaves.
Often, the firewall rules remain unchanged from day one.
That’s when gaps appear.
A rule that made sense two years ago might now be unnecessary or worse, quietly risky. Without periodic reviews, it’s easy to miss outdated permissions or traffic patterns that no longer belong.
A simple check every few months is usually enough to catch issues early, well before they become real problems.
Why Web Filtering Matters Too
Even the best firewall can’t stop everything—especially when threats are invited in accidentally.
That’s where web filtering plays a critical role.
Web filtering:
- Blocks known malicious and phishing sites
- Prevents risky downloads
- Reduces accidental exposure to harmful content
- Helps improve productivity by limiting distractions
If your firewall is the security guard at the door, web filtering is the guide helping your team avoid danger inside.
Together, they provide layered protection that dramatically reduces risk.
How to Choose the Right Firewall for Your Business
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
The right firewall depends on:
- How many people connect to your network
- Whether staff work remotely
- The type of data you handle
- Any industry data compliance requirements
Key features most SMBs benefit from include:
- Next-generation protection
- Automatic updates
- Web filtering
- Monitoring and reporting
An experienced IT partner can help you strike the right balance between protection, performance, and cost without overcomplicating things.
Download and save our PDF, "Firewalls 101," to ensure you’re getting answers to all the right questions.
Questions Businesses Often Ask About Firewalls
Do we already have a firewall?
Most businesses do, but it may be basic, outdated, or poorly configured.
Is a firewall enough on its own?
No. Firewalls work best when combined with email security, endpoint protection, MFA, and monitoring.
Is managed firewall protection worth it?
For most SMBs, yes. It provides enterprise-level security without needing in-house staff.
Don’t Make the Mistake of Taking Your Firewall for Granted
A firewall isn’t just a box on your network. It’s a living part of your security strategy.
When it’s set up correctly, updated regularly, and monitored properly, it quietly protects everything you’ve worked so hard to build.
And when it’s not? The risks add up quickly.
If you’re unsure whether your firewall is truly protecting your business, that’s exactly the kind of question an experienced IT partner like Adept Networks in Medford, OR, and Spokane, WA, can help answer.