FAQs
Have Questions?
Do I need a new firewall or can CinchOps manage the one I have?
In most cases we can manage your existing firewall if it is still under vendor support and capable of receiving firmware updates. We work with Fortinet, SonicWall, Cisco Meraki, WatchGuard, and several other common business firewalls. If the hardware is too old, we will tell you and explain why.
How often should firewall rules be reviewed?
At minimum, quarterly. Rules accumulate over time as vendors come and go, as new applications get added, and as staff changes. Without a regular review, the rule base becomes a tangled mess where overly permissive rules sit forgotten. CinchOps reviews managed firewall rules every 90 days.
What is the difference between a firewall and a managed firewall?
A firewall is hardware or software. A managed firewall is a service. With a managed firewall, someone configures the rules, reviews the logs, applies firmware updates, and adjusts the policy as your business changes. Without that service, the firewall hardware works but the protection drifts over time.
Can CinchOps help us pass a firewall audit for cyber insurance?
Yes. Cyber insurance carriers now ask specific questions about firewall configuration, log retention, and patching cadence. CinchOps produces the documentation carriers expect, including rule justifications and change logs. We help clients answer renewal questionnaires accurately.
What happens if our firewall gets attacked?
Our engineers monitor logs for unusual activity and respond when something looks off. If an attack is in progress, we can block the source address, tighten the rule base, and coordinate with our breach response team. The goal is to catch problems early rather than discover them after damage is done.