General Firewall Questions
What is a firewall and why is it important?
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing traffic based on security rules. It protects businesses from unauthorised access, cyber threats, malware, and data breaches. For Malaysian businesses, firewalls are a core requirement for cybersecurity and compliance.
Do businesses in Malaysia really need a firewall?
Yes. Malaysian businesses face increasing risks from ransomware, phishing, and data breaches. A firewall helps protect internal systems, cloud applications, and remote users while supporting PDPA compliance and business continuity.
What types of firewalls are available?
Common firewall types include:
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Packet-filtering firewalls
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Stateful firewalls
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Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW)
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Cloud firewalls
Most modern businesses use NGFWs for better security and visibility.
Firewall vs antivirus – what is the difference?
A firewall protects the network, while antivirus protects individual devices. Firewalls block malicious traffic before it reaches systems, while antivirus detects and removes malware on endpoints. Businesses need both for proper protection.
Can a firewall stop hackers?
A firewall can block unauthorised access and many attack attempts, but it cannot stop all threats alone. Proper configuration, monitoring, and integration with other security controls are essential.
Can a firewall prevent ransomware?
Firewalls help reduce ransomware risk by blocking malicious websites and command-and-control traffic. However, ransomware protection requires a layered approach that includes firewalls, access control, monitoring, and incident response.
FortiGate Firewall FAQs
What is a FortiGate firewall?
A FortiGate firewall is a Next-Generation Firewall developed by Fortinet. It provides advanced security features such as intrusion prevention, web filtering, application control, malware protection, and secure VPN access.
Why are FortiGate firewalls popular in Malaysia?
FortiGate firewalls are popular in Malaysia because they offer strong security, high performance, scalability, and competitive pricing suitable for SMEs and enterprises.
How much does a FortiGate firewall cost in Malaysia?
FortiGate firewall costs vary based on the model, security subscriptions, and support services. Total cost includes hardware, security licenses, updates, and ongoing management if required.
Which FortiGate firewall model is suitable for my business?
The right FortiGate model depends on:
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Number of users
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Internet bandwidth
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Security features required
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Business growth plans
SYSIT helps businesses choose the correct model based on real usage, not estimates.
How much does a FortiGate firewall cost in Malaysia?
FortiGate firewall costs vary based on the model, security subscriptions, and support services. Total cost includes hardware, security licenses, updates, and ongoing management if required.
Do FortiGate firewalls include antivirus and web filtering?
Yes. FortiGate firewalls support antivirus, web filtering, application control, and intrusion prevention through FortiGuard security services.
Can FortiGate firewalls support remote work?
Yes. FortiGate firewalls support SSL-VPN, IPsec VPN, and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to securely connect remote employees and branch offices.
Firewall Deployment & Management FAQs
How do I choose the right firewall for my business?
You should consider:
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Business size and number of users
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Internet speed and applications used
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Security risks and compliance needs
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Budget and long-term scalability
Professional assessment helps avoid under-sizing or overpaying.
What is a managed firewall service?
A managed firewall service includes ongoing monitoring, updates, rule management, and incident response. It is ideal for businesses without dedicated security teams.
How often should firewall rules be reviewed?
Firewall rules should be reviewed at least every 6–12 months, or whenever there is a major change in the network, applications, or business operations.
Do firewalls slow down internet speed?
A properly sized and configured firewall should not noticeably slow down internet speed. Performance issues usually occur due to incorrect sizing or poor configuration.
What are common firewall misconfigurations?
Common mistakes include:
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Default settings
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Overly permissive rules
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Unused or outdated policies
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Disabled security features
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No log monitoring
Cloud, VPN & Compliance FAQs
Can a firewall protect cloud applications?
Yes. Firewalls can secure cloud connectivity, control access to cloud workloads, and provide visibility across hybrid environments.
Are firewalls required for PDPA compliance in Malaysia?
While PDPA does not mandate a specific firewall brand, it requires reasonable security controls. Firewalls help protect personal data, control access, and support audit requirements.
What logs should a firewall keep?
Firewalls should log:
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Traffic activity
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Security events
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Access attempts
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Policy violations
These logs support investigations, audits, and compliance.
Can one firewall protect multiple branches?
Yes. With site-to-site VPN and SD-WAN, a single firewall architecture can securely connect and protect multiple branch offices.
SYSIT-Specific FAQs
Does SYSIT provide firewall assessment and consultation?
Yes. SYSIT provides firewall assessment, design, deployment, and optimisation services tailored to Malaysian businesses.
Does SYSIT offer managed firewall services?
Yes. SYSIT offers managed firewall services (MSSP) including monitoring, updates, incident response, and reporting.
Can SYSIT help with FortiGate firewall configuration?
Yes. SYSIT specialises in FortiGate firewall configuration, hardening, optimisation, and ongoing support.
How do I get started with SYSIT firewall services?
You can contact SYSIT to request a firewall security assessment or consultation to evaluate your current security posture.