What is a Firewall and Why You Absolutely Need One

September 9, 2025

What is a Firewall and Why You Absolutely Need One

Think of your business network like your office building. You lock the doors at night so random people can’t just walk in. A firewall is that lock for your computers and internet connection.

What a Firewall Does

  • Blocks bad traffic: Hackers and malicious software constantly try to connect to your devices. A firewall acts like a security guard, stopping them at the door.
  • Controls what goes out: It also keeps an eye on outgoing traffic, so if malware sneaks onto your system, it can’t easily send your data out.
  • Protects your whole network: Whether you’re on Wi-Fi, wired internet, or cloud services, a firewall creates a safe barrier between your devices and the open internet.


Why You Need One

  1. Hackers don’t take breaks. Automated bots scan the internet 24/7 looking for easy targets. Without a firewall, you’re basically leaving your front door wide open.
  2. Data protection. Even a small business holds valuable information: customer records, invoices, login credentials. A firewall helps keep that safe.
  3. Peace of mind. Instead of worrying about every new threat, you have a strong first line of defense working for you.


Types (Keep It Simple)

  • Software firewalls. Built into your computer (like Windows Defender Firewall). Good for individual devices.
  • Hardware firewalls. A physical device that sits between your network and the internet. Best for businesses, since it protects everything connected.
  • Managed firewalls. If you don’t want to deal with settings and updates, you can outsource this to an IT provider.


Bottom Line

A firewall isn’t optional anymore. It’s the difference between running a business with a locked front door or leaving everything wide open. If you’re not sure whether your business already has one - or if it’s set up correctly - get it checked. It’s one of the simplest, most effective steps you can take to keep your business safe.

December 1, 2025
We've made an exciting change to how we serve our customers at Top City Tech. We are moving away from walk-in or drop-offs at our shop. Instead, we're bringing our expertise directly to you. We are now picking up devices from you, working on them, and returning them to you! Why This Change Benefits You Your time is valuable. We realized that requiring you to pack up your computer, drive to our shop, wait for service, and make another trip to pick it up was costing you hours of productivity. By coming to you, we're eliminating that hassle entirely. Faster turnaround. Without the overhead of managing a retail storefront, we can focus entirely on solving your technical problems quickly and efficiently. Many issues can be resolved on-site during our first visit, getting you back to work the same day. More personalized service. Seeing your technology in its actual working environment helps us provide better solutions. We can address network issues, printer connectivity, and other problems that only show up in your specific setup. How Our New Process Works 1. We Pick Up . Schedule a convenient time, and we'll come to your location to collect your equipment. No packing, no driving, no waiting in line. 2. We Do the Work . Your device gets our full attention in our workshop. We'll keep you updated on progress and any findings along the way. 3. We Return Everything . Once the work is complete, we deliver your equipment back to you, set it up if needed, and make sure everything is working perfectly before we leave. The Bottom Line This transition allows us to provide you with white-glove service that respects your time and delivers better results. You stay productive while we handle the technical heavy lifting. Ready to schedule a pickup? Send us an email, call, or text to get this started. Note : We no longer offer electronics recycling services. For recycling, please contact Mobile Wave Repair or Shawnee County Hazardous Waste to check on availability and capacity.
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