Managed firewalls and secure remote access
Your firewall sits between the office and the internet and decides what gets in and out. It needs regular updates, sensible rules and someone watching it. We install and manage business firewalls and set up remote access in a way that does not leave a door open to anyone with a password.
Managed firewalls & secure remote access for small and medium businesses
Many small offices still rely on the router the internet provider posted out, or on a business firewall installed years ago and never touched since. Its firmware is out of date, the rules list contains exceptions for a contractor who left, and remote access works through a port opened to the whole internet. Firewalls and VPN devices are now one of the most common ways attackers get into businesses, because a single unpatched flaw can give them access without needing anyone's password at all.
We replace guesswork with a managed setup. A business-grade firewall from a recognised vendor such as Fortinet or Sophos is sized for your internet speed and the number of people behind it. Your network is split into separate zones, so guest Wi-Fi, cameras, printers and staff computers can't freely reach each other. Web filtering blocks known bad sites, firmware updates are applied in planned windows, and changes to the rules are logged with a reason.
Remote access is where plain explanations help most. A traditional VPN connects a laptop to the whole office network, which is convenient but means a compromised laptop can reach everything. A zero trust approach checks the person and their device each time and connects them only to the specific system they need. Many offices now need very little remote access at all once files are in the cloud. We look at what your staff actually use and recommend the simplest secure option.
What's included
Firewall supply and install
A business-grade firewall chosen for your internet speed, staff numbers and features, quoted in writing first and installed onsite or shipped preconfigured.
Network separation
Separate zones for staff, guests, printers, cameras and servers, so a weak device can't be used to reach your important files.
Firmware and patching
Security updates applied in a planned maintenance window, with urgent fixes for actively exploited flaws prioritised.
Rule reviews
The firewall rules checked regularly, with old exceptions removed and every change recorded with who made it and why.
Web and threat filtering
Known malicious sites, malware downloads and risky categories blocked, with exceptions approved by you.
Secure remote access
VPN or zero trust access set up with multi-factor sign-in, limited to the people and systems that genuinely need it.
Site-to-site links
Branches, warehouses or a home office connected securely to the main office or cloud services.
Monitoring and alerts
Firewall health, internet connection status and security events watched, with problems followed up and explained.
Who is managed firewall and remote access for?
A firewall review is worth doing if:
- Your office relies on the router your internet provider supplied
- Nobody knows when the firewall firmware was last updated
- Staff connect to the office through an old VPN or open remote desktop port
- Guests, cameras and office computers all share one network
- You have a second site or warehouse that needs a secure connection
Not sure where to start?
Our free IT health check looks at your devices, accounts, backups, security and network. You get a short written report with what is working, what is at risk and a price to fix it. No obligation.
Book the health checkManaged firewalls & secure remote access questions
Is the router from our internet provider enough?
It provides a basic barrier, but it usually lacks network separation, web filtering, logging and timely security updates. For a business with client data and remote staff, a managed business firewall is a sensible upgrade.
What is the difference between a VPN and zero trust?
A VPN puts a remote device onto the office network, as if it were plugged in at a desk. Zero trust checks the person and device every time and connects them only to the specific application they need, which limits the damage if a laptop is compromised.
Do we still need a VPN if everything is in Microsoft 365?
Often not. If email and files are in the cloud and there is no office server, staff may need no VPN at all. We check what remains onsite before recommending one.
Which firewall brands do you use?
We work with recognised business vendors such as Fortinet and Sophos and recommend one based on your size, features and budget. Hardware and licences are quoted in writing first.
Is firewall management included in a plan?
Network, firewall and Wi-Fi monitoring are included in the Managed plan at $119 per user per month plus GST. The firewall hardware and its security subscription are quoted separately.
How often are firewall updates applied?
Routine updates are applied in a scheduled maintenance window, typically monthly or as the vendor releases them. Fixes for flaws that are being actively exploited are applied as soon as they are tested.
Can you take over a firewall someone else installed?
Yes. We back up its current settings, check the firmware and rules, document what it does and tell you whether it is worth keeping or should be replaced.
Other ways we help
Managed IT
One monthly price per person for support, security, updates and backups. Your outsourced IT team.
Managed IT
IT support
Remote and onsite help when you need it, billed by the hour. No plan, no contract.
IT supportCyber security
Practical protection against scams, ransomware and account takeover, set up and kept current.
Cyber security