IFSM 300 Disc ***Zeek the GEEK***

Julie:

1. What advantages does a firewall offer provide a network?

They provide protection from outside attackers. It armors computer and or network from mean or pointless network traffic. It also prevents mischievous software from accessing the network. They can be constructed to block data from certain sites or applications while allowing relevant and necessary data.

2. What is the cost savings for the first year if the company purchases the 10 firewalls? What about the next five years?

               The annual loss is $250,000.00. In the first year alone with the initial set up plus 1 year maintenance is $95,000. This is a savings of $155,000.00. Within 5 years the loss would be $1,250,000.00. In five years that would be initial set up, one renewal, and 5 years of maintenance is $235,000.00. This gives the company a savings of $1,015,000.00.

2. Are there any considerations in addition to finances?

Yes, as the firewalls get more complicated than the maintenance would go up. In addition as hackers start learning more than extra firewalls will need to go up to protect the network.

3. What would your recommendation be? Provide examples and citations to support your position.

I would recommend what we invest in firewalls, even with the cost going up each year what has been saved in the first year alone will help cover the up cost of the firewalls and maintenance.

Security Tip (ST04-004). (n.d.). Retrieved November 10, 2016, from https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-004

Charlene:

Good Evening Class,

 What advantages does a firewall offer provide a network?

       “A firewall is a computer security device that is situated between a small business's internal network and the Internet. It can work at either the software or the hardware level to prevent unwanted outside access to the company's computer system. "A firewall gives you a single chokepoint through which all incoming and outgoing Internet traffic must pass, allowing you to control traffic," Vince Emery explained in How to Grow Your Business on the Internet. "A good firewall prevents Bad Guys from breaking in and helps keep confidential data from being sent out. " The firewall basically acts as a guard, identifying each packet of information before it is allowed to pass through. It is one of the most effective forms of protection yet developed against hackers operating on the Internet.”

 What is the cost savings for the first year if the company purchases the 10 firewalls?      

         $155,000 is the cost savings for the first year ($250,000 estimated annual loss - $80,000 cost of firewall - $15,000 cost of annual maintenance.)  

What about the next five years?  $1,095,000 is the cost savings for five years

($1,250,000; $250,000 estimated annual losses x 5 years - $75,000; $15,000 x 5 years annual maintenance - $80,000 cost of firewall.)

3.  Are there any considerations in addition to finances?

         Another consideration is the security of Inverness’ investments.  There is nothing more important than “preventing unwanted outside access”.  A 3% chance of hackers getting into the system is better than a 100% chance with no firewall.

4. What would your recommendation be? Provide examples and citations to support your position.

                       My recommendation would be to purchase the firewall.  It pays for itself in one year and the company doesn’t have to worry about losing $250,000 annually.  To not invest in firewall would not be a wise business decision especially when it is proven that having antivirus software is not enough.

 http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/small/Eq-Inc/Firewalls.html#ixzz4PfDgfXyz

 Charlene