For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the firewall remains the first and often main line of defence against cyber threats. Yet too often, firewalls are treated as a one-off purchase rather than a living, evolving security control. Misconfigurations, outdated software, and a lack of oversight can open the door to attacks that would otherwise be preventable. Below we explore five of the most common SME firewall missteps, the risks they pose, and how Integrity360 helps businesses avoid them.

 

Leaving default settings in place

One of the simplest but most dangerous errors SMEs make is leaving their firewall on factory defaults. Default admin usernames and passwords, open ports, or pre-set policies are widely known to attackers. Automated scanning tools constantly probe networks for devices running unchanged settings, making this an open invitation to intrusion. 

Integrity360 addresses this by conducting thorough baseline audits when onboarding a new client. Our accredited engineers review every configuration setting, apply least-privilege policies, and enforce strong authentication for administrative access. This eliminates default weaknesses and ensures the firewall aligns with your specific risk profile from day one.

Running outdated firmware

Firewalls rely on firmware to run their core functions. When this software is outdated, it can contain known vulnerabilities that attackers actively exploit. SMEs, lacking dedicated IT security teams, often delay or overlook firmware updates because they fear downtime or assume the device is “set and forget.” 

Integrity360’s managed firewall services include scheduled and emergency patching and firmware upgrades with minimal disruption. Our team tests updates in a controlled environment and deploys them at agreed windows, ensuring you stay protected without unexpected downtime. We also monitor vendor advisories and threat intelligence feeds to prioritise urgent fixes before attackers can weaponise them.

Poor remote access control

Remote access is essential for modern working but it can also be a major weakness if handled incorrectly. SMEs sometimes enable broad VPN access or port forwarding for convenience, creating a large attack surface. Weak authentication, lack of segmentation, and failing to revoke old user accounts compound the problem. 

Integrity360 designs remote access policies based on zero-trust principles. We implement strong multi-factor authentication, restrict access to only the services required, and segment networks so that a compromised account cannot roam freely. Regular access reviews and automated revocation processes further tighten control.

No ongoing monitoring

A firewall is only as effective as the visibility and response behind it. Many SMEs install a firewall and assume it will quietly block threats forever. Without active monitoring, suspicious activity, policy misconfigurations, or performance issues can go unnoticed until a serious incident occurs.

Over-reliance on isp-provided firewalls

Some SMEs assume that the basic firewall built into their Internet Service Provider’s router offers sufficient protection. While ISP devices provide rudimentary filtering, they are not designed to handle advanced threats, granular policy control, or integration with wider security measures. 

Attackers know this. ISP-supplied equipment often lacks timely updates and has uniform configurations across many customers, making it an attractive mass-exploitation target. Relying solely on this layer leaves businesses vulnerable to malware, credential stuffing, and targeted attacks. 

Integrity360 recommends a dedicated business-grade firewall tailored to your environment. We handle procurement, configuration, and ongoing management, ensuring your network security evolves with your business needs. This gives SMEs the same level of protection as large enterprises without the cost and complexity of running it in-house. 

The risks of these mistakes 

Each of these missteps exposes SMEs to a spectrum of risks: ransomware attacks that cripple operations, theft of sensitive customer data, regulatory fines for breaches, and reputational damage that undermines trust. Cybercriminals often view SMEs as “soft targets” precisely because these common mistakes are so widespread. Even a single weakness—an unchanged password, an unpatched firmware vulnerability, or a misconfigured VPN—can provide a foothold that attackers can exploit to devastating effect. 

Real-world cases show that breaches don’t only affect large corporations. SMEs in retail, manufacturing, professional services, and the public sector have all suffered significant losses from attacks that exploited poor firewall hygiene. The cost of recovery frequently exceeds the initial investment that would have prevented the breach. 

How Integrity360 helps SMEs get firewall security right 

Integrity360’s managed firewall services take the guesswork out of protecting your network. We provide a complete lifecycle approach: 

• Design and deployment – Accredited engineers select and configure the right firewall technology for your environment, eliminating default weaknesses and aligning policies with your business objectives. 

• Patch and firmware management – Regular and emergency updates keep your firewall secure and compliant without disrupting operations. 

• Policy optimisation and reviews – We regularly audit rules, remote access permissions, and segmentation to ensure your defences evolve as your business does. 

With Integrity360 managing your firewall, you gain enterprise-level protection, proactive oversight, and protection from emerging threats—at a predictable cost that suits SME budgets. Our approach allows your team to focus on running the business while we keep the perimeter secure. 

Firewalls remain a critical control for SMEs, but only when properly configured, updated, and monitored. Default settings, outdated firmware, weak remote access policies, lack of monitoring, and over-reliance on ISP devices are common missteps that create openings for attackers. By partnering with Integrity360, SMEs can close these gaps, reduce risk, and gain confidence that their first line of defence is managed by accredited experts around the clock.