Home > Ask the Information Security Experts > Network security threat management Questions & Answers > When to use a unified threat management system
Ask The Security UK Expert: Questions & Answers
EMAIL THIS

When to use a unified threat management system

Peter Wood EXPERT RESPONSE FROM: Peter Wood

Pose a Question
Other Security UK Categories
Meet all Security UK Experts
Become an Expert for this site


Enterprise IT tips and expert advice
Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us    Add to Google


>
QUESTION POSED ON: 12 June 2009
I am tempted to install a unified threat management system instead of the software products I currently run. UTM seems to offer me exactly what I need -- regular updates and zero management effort -- and would appear to take a huge load from my shoulders. We are a company with 250 users. Are there any disadvantages to adopting UTM, or would you recommend it?

>
Whilst UTM is very attractive, it should not be considered as the only product for protecting your enterprise. Mobile users will still need antivirus, personal firewalls and full-disk encryption. Desktop users and servers will still need local antivirus as a minimum. A unified threat management system certainly reduces the management of perimeter defences, but on the downside, you are putting all your eggs in one basket by becoming dependent on one vendor. Best practice (as with firewalls) is to always have at least two products to protect against exploits in one or the other.


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us    Add to Google



RELATED CONTENT
Network security threat management
Database activity monitoring technology vs. SIEM tools
Is it enough to analyse log files, or is an IDS necessary?
What to look for in a network security audit
How to address a spike in TCP and UDP flows
How secure are extended validation SSL certificates?
What should happen to users and devices that fail NAC policies?
Cloud computing network security best practices
When IT security costs are cut, which security product is a must?
What considerations should be made when outsourcing IT infrastructure?
When running Wireshark, will adding a switch stop packet sniffing?

Threat and Vulnerability Management
Social networking: Workplace productivity, security no match for Facebook
McAfee-Intel: Why the McAfee acquisition is being met with scepticism
Network security 101: Default router settings, network hardening
Network security 101: Password policy best practices, security documents
Adobe vulnerability: Pen test firm finds ColdFusion admin page flaw
ISACA issues mobile smartphone security policy guidance
Zeus Trojan: Data-stealing malware transfers £675,000 from UK bank
Survey: Web 2.0 security issues cause concern
Spy recording devices can be thwarted by portable USB security policy
Microsoft issues temporary fix for Windows Shell zero-day

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary
Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure  (SearchSecurityUK.com)
Serious Organized Crime Agency  (SearchSecurityUK.com)

RELATED RESOURCES
2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems
Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts
Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary







Search and Browse the Expert Answer Center
Search and browse more than 25,000 question and answer pairs from more than 250 TechTarget industry experts.
Browse our Expert Advice



Access Management: Authentication, Biometrics, Password Security
About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
SEARCH 
TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Reprints  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2008 - 2010, TechTarget | Terms of Use | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget