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  • CDW Gateway and Network Security Solutions

  • For more information about CDW's gateway and network security solutions, click Read More to expand each section below.

    • What is Gateway and Network Security?
    Securing your network begins at the gateway, also called the perimeter, to keep unauthorized users, viruses and malicious code from entering your systems. Deploying multilayer technologies is your first line of defense.

    With the mobility of employees and the ease with which external devices can be brought in and out of a network, continuing to build your security plan for network servers and clients is a must. Fortunately, there is much that organizations can do to protect themselves from attacks - internal and external. One of the key facets of a successful security strategy is protecting the servers that run critical applications and house so much of your essential data. Having the right policies, procedures and server configurations is critical.

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    What Gateway and Network Security Options Are Available?
    When it comes to gateway and network security, it is important to have an integrated approach that combines key technologies and tools:

    Firewalls - Firewalls provide good front line defense by preventing unwanted traffic from entering the network. Firewalls can be in the form of software or a hardware appliance. They are designed to prevent unauthorized access to a private network via the Internet. The firewall examines all traffic as it enters or leaves the network, and blocks messages that don't meet specific criteria set by the user. Firewalls generally block traffic based on IP address or port numbers, so it is important to understand that a firewall alone can't stop everything.

    Content Filtering - Content filtering can be an another effective weapon in your arsenal. It proactively blocks websites that are known to contain malicious code, "fake" sites that capture sensitive information, and those that are not business-related or appropriate.

    E-Mail and Spam Filtering - Spam filtering can block unwanted e-mail from entering users' inbox. Studies have estimated that 50-70% of today's e-mail is spam, and spam filters can dramatically reduce the impact that e-mail traffic has on your network. Most importantly, it can prevent users from unknowingly opening a seemingly legitimate e-mail and compromising your security.

    Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) - IPS is another key component of gateway and network security. An IPS is a software-based product that looks more closely at the content coming into the network than a firewall can. It also looks for known methods of attack and can be fine-tuned to look for attacks targeting only the platforms and applications used by your organization. This helps them operate most efficiently. The greatest benefit an IPS provides is prevention of new or previously unknown methods of attack before anti-virus signatures are available.

    Data Encryption - Encrypting your data on your network—as well as e-mails— will ensure your security, as information captured or obtained by hackers will be rendered useless.


    Your CDW team will also utilize our Security Calculator to generate customized ROI and TCO analyses to help you present a compelling business case to facilitate more meaningful internal budget discussions.

    • View Sample TCO Analysis - PDF



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    How Can Improved Gateway and Network Security Benefit Me?
    Your gateway and network security is a key component to your overall security plan. Improving these capabilities can deliver big benefits to any organization, including:

    Increased Productivity - Blocking non-business-related websites prevent users from surfing the Internet on company time.

    Limited Exposure to Threats - Firewalls and IPS can prevent network attacks, while spam filtering reduces traffic and takes the risk out of opening up everyday e-mail.

    Prevent Crime and Data Loss - Unauthorized access and encryption shuts down external hackers and discourages internal data tampering.


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    How Can CDW Help Me Get Started?
    CDW has developed a simple, yet comprehensive approach to gateway and network security solutions that has proven successful for organizations of all kinds:  [+] Read More
    CDW has developed a simple, yet comprehensive approach to gateway and network security solutions that has proven successful for organizations of all kinds.

    Step 1: Engage Your Account Manager
    Your CDW account manager and storage specialists will work with you to assess your current and future environment and deliver a solution that includes the right mix of hardware, software and services.

    Step 2: Assess and Design
    We begin by taking an environmental profile of your network—including types of users, applications and endpoints—along with your Security Assessment results. Using this detailed study, CDW will provide a best-in-class solution based upon proven best practices.

    Step 3: Implement
    CDW takes a comprehensive approach to implementation, installation and integration. Working together, we will design detailed configurations for your future environment, drawing from our enormous in-stock inventory. We work with multiple providers to deliver a solution that fits seamlessly into your IT environment. We also offer complete software configuration and installation.

    Step 4: Manage
    CDW's commitment to your gateway and network security solution continues long after your purchase. Certified technicians offer 24 x 7 telephone support for ongoing management needs, and you can always access online tech support through your My Account tab above. The My Account area also serves as a round-the-clock extension of your account manager: detailing your pricing, order status, account history and more.


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