Use the benefits of united threat management to better protect your business.
How united threat management can keep your infrastructure safer.
United Threat Management, or UTM, is just what it sounds like – one device or system that can manage potential cybersecurity threats by integrating all security features and functions in one place. United threat management devices can host several anti-threat software or solutions from one console. Some UTM examples usually include:
- Antivirus protection
- Anti-spyware solutions
- Anti-spam defense
- Network firewalling and protection
- Intrusion detection and prevention
- Content monitoring and filtering
What are the benefits of united threat management hosting so many security functions on one device? Companies value UTM for the streamlined simplicity of having one device manage their anti-threat software and solutions. This helps cut down on communication between various vendors and a unified threat management device can usually be supported by one IT team. A UTM solution can also be more cost-effective in certain situations – rather than paying different vendors for different software solutions and support, everything is managed in one place.
UTM is also a good solution for home businesses. Most individuals or entrepreneurs need robust security solutions, just like small to medium-sized businesses, but don’t have the time or budget to work with various security solution vendors. United threat management can be a great fit for them.
Disadvantages of United Threat Management
While UTM is a very simple and straightforward solution that is preferred by many vendors and able to handle prevention of common threats and security issues, there are some potential disadvantages with this type of threat management to be aware of.
The first is that having a single solution means that if the solution fails, all threat management associated with it is vulnerable. This can create problems for businesses and leave them unprotected in the unlikely event of a system failure.
Another possible drawback is that while it can be a very effective solution from a cost and manpower standpoint, it can be hard to scale as businesses grow in size or if their security needs become increasingly complex. There is also the question of if these solutions can be customized to include new threat management down the line if different security concerns emerge.
Also, by their very nature, these all-in-one devices only include what they include, meaning you might be able to get more security features or solutions buying them separately through different vendors who specialize in different areas (antivirus vs. network protection vs. cloud security solutions, for example). Some businesses worry that having many solutions on one device somehow lowers the effectiveness of each individual threat management tool.
Free United Threat Management
There are some free options available to those looking at UTM on a trial basis or while trying to understand if united threat management offers enough of a benefit to their business. Some vendors who offer a free solution or free trial of their UTM solution include:
- Comodo
- Sophos
- Endian
- Simplewall
- WatchGuard Technologies
United threat management is a great option for some businesses, primarily those looking to streamline their security solution. Do you think the benefits of united threat management are enough to compete with traditional security software and vendor solutions? Has your business employed UTM solutions?
