A firewall is a fundamental component of IT security. It monitors data traffic and can block unauthorized access. However, on its own, it does not provide sufficient protection against phishing, stolen login credentials, or security vulnerabilities in outdated software. This can create a false sense of security, especially among small and medium-sized businesses: The technology is in place, but critical risks remain.

„I believe it’s a combination of many different factors,“ explains Tim Stephan Schulze, founder and CEO of the Hamburg-based IT company OIT.One. He says that it’s not just hardware and software that are crucial, but also their regular maintenance and updates. Setting up security systems once and then operating them unchanged for years can create significant vulnerabilities.

IT security also starts with the employees

In addition to technical security vulnerabilities, the human factor plays a crucial role. Phishing emails, weak passwords, or attachments opened without caution can give attackers access to corporate systems—even if a firewall is in place.

„Each and every one of you. Everyone has a small part to play in making sure everything here runs smoothly,“ emphasizes Sven Bartsch, a data protection expert from Meppen. Information security is not solely the responsibility of the IT department. Employees, too, must recognize risks and consistently follow security rules.

The responsibility lies with management

For small and medium-sized businesses, this means that a firewall is an important component, but not a comprehensive security strategy. A comprehensive security strategy also includes regular updates, controlled access rights, reliable data backups, and employee awareness training.

External IT service providers can take on these tasks and assist companies with their implementation. However, management remains responsible for ensuring that IT security is properly organized.

What matters, therefore, is not which security solutions a company has installed, but whether the protective measures work together and actually function in an emergency.