2.22.2007

Firewalls vs. Barbarians at the Gates

As they are plotting against you and going in for the attack, what is your strategy? How well are you at keeping them out? Are you putting too much stock in your firewall? According to Mick Johnson, a product marketing manager with Sensory Networks, "The definition of a firewall has changed over the years, compounding this issue, but most commercial 'firewalls' out there just don't dig deep enough into the network traffic to provide any real security. They'll certainly block a lot of basic attacks, but as soon as someone tunnels an exploit over HTTP or targets an older SMTP server, an enterprise can be considered completely unprotected (sensorynetworks.com)." Is one firewall enough to protect your network traffic?

Actually, when it comes to computer networks, one firewall is not enough. "There is no one-size-fits-all security solution, and most IT managers spend a large chunk of time creating multi layered, process-driven security strategies. . . ." as found in Elizabeth Millard's article called Weighing in on Security Services. Each firewall is different, and since there is such a wide range of firewalls to choose from (software programs to hardware devices), it's important to have the firewall protection you are looking for. For instance, irregardless of what firewall(s) you are using, if you have open unattended ports, you are undermining your firewall(s).

Unfortunately, there is no single way for the barbarians to intrude into your computer network. Computer viruses are another huge predicament for networks today. Since there are 25 to 35 new viruses occurring everyday on the Internet, your virus software should be scheduled to update on a daily basis.

Genesis Global, Inc. provides a wide variety of security equipment. Cisco hardware and accessories, as well as other leading network equipment manufacturers, have much to offer. Cisco's PIX Firewalls and Adaptive Security Appliances brilliantly transform traditional network management into state-of-the-art secure communication networks where worms, hackers, and other threats are proactively controlled through the combination of firewall, application security, and intrusion prevention services.

To adequately secure your computer network, part of covering your basis is to hire a security consultant and have him or her take an assessment of your network vulnerabilities. Once you know where the gaps are in your software, firewall appliance, or business policies, you will be in a better position to fight the ongoing war of keeping the barbarians at the gates!

When you are ready to improve your network system, don't forget about Genesis Global's wide selection of new and used network equipment. If you need help in upgrading your security for your business network, the professionals at Genesis Global are happy to help. Give us a call at 1-800-908-9665 or email sales@genesisglobalinc.com and let us help you reduce your network vulnerabilities.

2.12.2007

How Used Cisco Can Save Your Company Money.

Do you want to stretch your purchasing power? Switch to used Cisco and take advantage of the gigantic savings! It is no secret that used Cisco has become America 's favorite computer network equipment. If your company is expanding or upgrading their network, Genesis Global will compensate you for old equipment and save you substantial money on your next purchase. Yes, this means that you can get cash for your used network equipment even if it doesn't have the Cisco brand name.

According to David Willis, the author of the article, The Soft Side of Networking , Once every desktop gets Gigabit Ethernet, once every IP phone and wireless access point has Power over Ethernet, once every core trunk has moved to 10 Gigabit, and once nearly every bottleneck on the campus is removed, you might think that the job of networking would be 'done.' But it won't be, by any means (Network Computing).

As the software side of networking becomes more expensive and sophisticated, hardware becomes more sophisticated too. Willis noted, "[S]witches and access routers that hit the market this year may well work for seven years, given advances in processing power and memory." This is so true-Genesis Global Cisco is so reliable and durable that businesses everywhere are holding onto their hardware for longer periods of time.

Everybody loves Cisco! Today's businesses are building their networks with used Cisco due to the technologically advanced features, and this is why older Cisco products can be salvaged and reused again. Cisco's life cycles can easily be compared to that of a cat. Cisco components may be integrated and reconfigured over and over again. Often times, there is nothing wrong with the equipment we receive due to the fact that businesses are in the constant state of flux. Some businesses outgrow their network systems while other businesses are down-sizing.

The real question is: Do you want to stretch your purchasing power? If you do, then give us a call and see for yourself that the Genesis Global Cisco Account Managers know how to get the most for your dollar. The process of selling your used network equipment and replacing or upgrading to used Cisco is simple and painless at Genesis Global! Just send us an itemized list of your network products you have available to sell, and we'll help you with the rest.

As you strive for excellence, call Genesis Global and let us think of ways that you can save your company money with used Cisco. At Genesis Global, we not only buy used equipment such as routers, switches, VPN and security applications, gateways, storage, cables, and accessories, but we give you a fair price too! All you have to do is email us at sales@genesisglobalinc.com or call our toll free line at 1-800-908-9665, and ask for a quote from one of our knowledgeable and professional Genesis Global Cisco Account Managers.

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