What is Unified Threat Management, and Why Do You Need It?

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Firewalls, endpoint monitoring, VPNs, intrusion detection systems, MFA—the list of ways to protect your network from cyber threats goes on. Keeping track of them all can quickly become overwhelming.

What if there was a way to centralize them all into one device that you could operate from? That’s where unified threat management comes in. UTM simplifies cybersecurity by consolidating multiple security services into a single platform, offering comprehensive protection without the complexity. Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Unified Threat Management?

Unified threat management (UTM) is a security approach that combines multiple cybersecurity services into one device. Where more traditional methods may require you to complete several installs for a complete cybersecurity set-up, UTM wraps everything into one appliance and one install.

You can think of it like a Swiss army knife—your essentials are all in one place where it’s easy to find, use, and care for them at a moment’s notice.

UTM is sometimes confused with next-generation firewalls, which also serve to protect your network and monitor access and traffic. However, the purpose of NGFWs is to cover the spots that traditional firewalls miss. Meanwhile, a UTM device can do everything that a firewall and NGFW can do and more (e.g., create VPNs).

What Are the Features of UTM?

The beauty of UTM is that it can be exactly what you need it to be, with hand-picked features you need to protect your unique systems. This list outlines some of the most common components included in a unified threat management approach. Consult with a trusted IT professional to determine which services will best fit your needs.

• Firewalls: Set security policies and monitor traffic flowing in and out of your network.
• Antivirus Software: Detect and neutralize malware by scanning software and files.
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems: Flag and resolve suspicious activity on the spot.
• Web Filtering Programs: Control what online content can be accessed on your network and block harmful sites.
• Spam Filters: Keep employees’ email accounts free from phishing and other spam messages.
• Virtual Private Network (VPN): Provide secure remote access to a private network with the help of encryption.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Protect information from being stolen, lost, or corrupted by controlling data access and transmission.

What Are the Benefits of Using UTM?

So, why choose unified threat management over another security method? Besides offering you more complete protection and awareness of your network, UTM offers some unique benefits you don’t want to miss out on.

Because UTM centralizes all of your security systems into one device, management and monitoring become much simpler tasks. Performing maintenance, troubleshooting issues, and filling security gaps can be done quickly and efficiently.

With a single install instead of several, integrating your UTM system into your existing infrastructure is smooth and stress-free. Once your UTM is installed, it’s also completely adaptable to your security needs, and changing, adding, or removing systems is a seamless process.

This straightforward management frees up time, team members, and other resources that you can dedicate to the core operations of your business.

When Should I Use UTM?

If you still aren’t sure whether UTM is right for your organization, check out these scenarios where UTM can be the ideal option.

Retail Businesses

UTM can house systems for protecting customers’ personal and payment information and providing general network security, helping to prevent breaches and unauthorized access.

Healthcare Establishments

UTM consolidates multiple methods for safeguarding health records, financial information, and other sensitive data, contributing to HIPAA compliance and protecting against network threats.

Schools and Universities

Inappropriate sites can be blocked, personal and financial information of staff and students can be secured, and network activity can be monitored for threats, all through the UTM appliance.

Whatever your industry, unified threat management is a great way to simplify your cybersecurity while simultaneously strengthening your protection.

Simplify Your Security with Twintel

At Twintel, we believe in effective, simple cybersecurity. Our clients have access to a wide range of cybersecurity services, including proactive support to keep their networks safe, secure, and organized. So why not join them? Schedule a meeting with us, and let’s get to work on your streamlined cybersecurity.