Do You Need a Next-Gen Firewall? Signs It’s Time to Upgrade
Is your firewall keeping up with today’s threats? Learn the signs it’s time to upgrade to a Next-Gen Firewall—and how Image IT can help.
Let’s face it firewalls have been around forever. And for good reason. They’ve always been the first line of defence, like the security guard at the front door of your business’s digital world.
But here’s the thing: cyber threats have evolved. A lot. Cyberattacks today are quicker, more sophisticated, and far more difficult to spot. So, if you’re still relying on a basic or older firewall, your business might be more exposed than you realise.
At Image IT, we help businesses across Ireland strengthen their cybersecurity in simple, practical ways. In this post, we’ll break down what a Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) really does and how to know when it’s time to move on from your current setup.
Think of a traditional firewall like a traffic cop at a junction: it checks what’s coming and going and blocks anything that’s on the "do not enter" list.
A Next-Gen Firewall is much smarter. It doesn't just check traffic it understands it. It can:
- Dig deeper into what’s really going on in your network
- Detect and block viruses, ransomware, and suspicious behaviour
- Identify who is doing what (not just which device)
- Control which apps people are using and how
- Use up-to-date threat intelligence to stop attacks in real time
In other words, it’s not just watching your front door it’s scanning the entire building.
7 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Firewall
Wondering if your current firewall is still doing the job? Here are some clear indicators that it could be time for an upgrade:
1. You Can’t See or Control What People Are Doing Online
Are your staff watching YouTube, using file-sharing apps, or accessing risky websites? Older firewalls can’t tell the difference between streaming, browsing, or downloading.
Next-gen firewalls let you monitor app and website usage and step in if something’s eating up bandwidth or creating risk.
2. It Can’t Check Encrypted Traffic
Most online traffic is encrypted these days. That’s great for privacy, but it also means threats can sneak in unseen unless your firewall knows how to look inside.
NGFWs can scan this encrypted traffic without slowing down your systems catching malware before it gets in.
3. You’re Constantly Dealing with Security Issues
If your business is regularly dealing with suspicious emails, malware infections, or ransomware scares, your firewall may not be doing its job.
Modern firewalls catch threats early so you spend less time cleaning up messes and more time focusing on your business.
4. You Have No Idea Who’s Doing What on Your Network
Basic firewalls work at the device level they don’t tell you much about who is behind the activity.
Next-gen firewalls link network activity to individual users, so you can identify risky behaviour and respond quickly.
5. Your Team Works Remotely But Your Security Doesn’t
If your firewall only protects the office network, you’ve got gaps. Remote working is here to stay, and your security needs to follow your people.
NGFWs provide secure remote access (VPN, multi-factor authentication, etc.) keeping everyone safe no matter where they log in from.
6. You’ve Moved to the Cloud, But Your Firewall Hasn’t
Using Microsoft 365, SharePoint, or other cloud tools? That’s great but older firewalls may not protect cloud traffic properly.
Next-gen firewalls are built with the cloud in mind, helping you control access, secure data, and prevent leaks.
7. Reporting and Compliance Are a Pain
If creating reports for audits or GDPR compliance feels like pulling teeth, it’s probably time for a change.
With an NGFW, you get detailed, easy-to-read reports making it simple to stay compliant and in control.
How Image IT Makes Firewall Upgrades Easy
Upgrading doesn’t have to mean buying the most expensive firewall and hoping for the best.
At Image IT, we:
- Take time to understand your business, your risks, and your setup
- Recommend a firewall that suits your size, needs, and budget
- Set it up properly with smart rules, user controls, and threat filters
- Monitor it for you so you don’t have to worry about day-to-day management
We’ve helped businesses all across Ireland from family-run shops to multi-location offices get the right protection without the tech overwhelm.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for Trouble to Upgrade
Cyber threats won’t wait. And neither should your security.
If your current firewall is outdated, unsupported, or just not giving you the visibility and control you need it’s time to act.
Let’s Talk About Your Firewall Setup
Not sure where you stand? Let us take a look.
We’ll give you a free, no-pressure firewall assessment and help you understand exactly where you’re secure, and where you might be at risk.
Get in touch with Image IT today and take the guesswork out of your cybersecurity. We’re here to help you stay safe, confident, and focused on what you do best running your business.
