Your internet provider supplied the router, and your IT provider looks after your computers. But who updates the firewall, checks its settings and removes access when it is no longer needed?

Responsibility depends on the services you have agreed. Knowing who handles each task helps prevent important security work from falling between providers.

Does your internet provider manage your router?

An internet service provider (ISP) may supply and configure a router as part of your broadband or leased line service.

However, supplying the equipment does not automatically mean every aspect of its ongoing security is included. Check whether your provider manages firmware updates, configuration changes and administrative access, or whether some tasks sit with your IT team.

If you use your own router, ask how this affects support and who will maintain it.

Is your router also your firewall?

Many routers include firewall functions, which control traffic between your local network and the internet.

Your business may also have a separate firewall with additional security features. The router and firewall could be managed by the same provider, different providers or your internal IT team.

Make sure each device has an agreed person or provider responsible for maintaining it.

What changes with a managed firewall service?

A managed firewall service puts agreed configuration, maintenance and support tasks in the hands of specialist engineers.

Depending on the service, this may include installing updates, reviewing firewall rules, managing VPN access and responding to problems.

The scope matters. Ask what is included, how changes are approved and who you should contact when something needs attention.

What remains your business’s responsibility?

Even when technical management is outsourced, your business needs to tell the provider what access people require and when those requirements change.

For example, you may need to notify them when an employee leaves, a supplier no longer needs remote access or a new application is introduced.

A managed firewall also does not automatically include protection for every laptop, user account or cloud service. Check who manages those areas too.

What should you ask your provider?

Use these questions to clarify your current arrangements:

• Who installs router and firewall security updates?
• Who reviews and approves firewall rule changes?
• Who controls administrative and remote access?
• Who removes access when it is no longer required?
• Is monitoring included, and who responds to alerts?
• Who maintains a backup of the configuration?
• What support is available if a fault or security incident occurs?

Record the answers and review them when your services or providers change.

Get clear advice on your setup

If you are unsure who manages your router or firewall, start by checking your agreement and speaking to your provider.

Speak directly to Beaming’s network and firewall engineers about your current setup and the support your business needs. Let’s Talk