Safety FirstYou know a firewall is essential in keeping your network secure. So why haven't you gotten one yet?

Hackers, crackers and other virtual outlaws are increasing their attacks on small networks, but you can turn them away with a firewall-assuming you have one, that is. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, only 60 percent of broadband users have a firewall. If you fall into the other 40 percent, it's time to make protection a priority.

This month, the CRN Test Center reviewed two new firewalls designed for small networks: the WatchGuard Firebox SOHO 6 and the SonicWall SOHO TZW (Trusted Zone for Wireless). Both firewalls include wireless and VPN capabilities, extending encrypted tunnels to mobile and remote users so they can connect to the company network without creating vulnerabilities in the firewall. A hardware appliance is easier to install and set up than a software firewall and offloads security processing from your overworked server.