Why Every Business Needs a Firewall Health Check at Least Once a Year

In today’s fast-paced digital world, cyber threats are evolving more rapidly than ever. For businesses, especially those reliant on digital infrastructure, a robust firewall is the first line of defence against malicious attacks. But simply having a firewall in place isn’t enough. Like any security measure, it needs to be actively maintained, reviewed, and tested. This is where a firewall health check becomes crucial.

What Is a Firewall Health Check?

A firewall health check is a comprehensive review of your firewall’s configuration, performance, and effectiveness. It assesses whether your firewall is doing its job—protecting your network while allowing legitimate traffic to flow freely. The process typically includes:

• Reviewing firewall rules and policies

• Checking for outdated or redundant configurations

• Analysing logs for unusual activity

• Verifying firmware/software is up to date

• Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards

Think of it like a routine MOT for your network’s security system.

Why It Should Be Done Annually (At a Minimum)

1. Cyber Threats Are Constantly Evolving

New vulnerabilities and attack methods emerge every day. An annual firewall check ensures your system is keeping up with the latest security threats and defensive best practices.

2. Configuration Drift Happens

Over time, changes to your network or business operations—adding new applications, services, or users—can lead to unintended weaknesses in your firewall setup. Regular reviews help identify and fix these gaps before they’re exploited.

3. Compliance Requirements

Depending on your industry, you may be required to demonstrate strong cybersecurity practices. Regular firewall checks can help ensure you meet data protection regulations such as GDPR, ISO 27001, or industry-specific standards like PCI DSS.

4. Improved Performance

Old or poorly configured firewall rules can slow down your network. A health check can identify bottlenecks and streamline traffic flow, improving both security and efficiency.

5. Avoiding Downtime and Breaches

The cost of a data breach or significant downtime can be devastating for any business. Proactively identifying risks via a firewall health check is far cheaper than dealing with the aftermath of a successful attack.

Who Should Perform the Check?

Firewall health checks can be performed in-house by IT teams with the necessary expertise, but many businesses choose to bring in third-party cybersecurity professionals. External audits offer a fresh perspective and often uncover issues that internal teams may overlook.

What Happens If You Don’t?

Neglecting to assess your firewall could result in:

• Increased risk of unauthorised access

• Potential compliance violations and fines

• Poor network performance

• Missed signs of ongoing or attempted attacks

In other words, skipping your firewall’s annual check-up is like ignoring the oil warning light on your car. It might seem fine now, but the long-term consequences can be costly.

Final Thoughts

Your firewall is a critical part of your cybersecurity defences, but it’s not a set-and-forget tool. Annual health checks are an essential, proactive step in keeping your business secure, compliant, and efficient.

If your organisation hasn’t had a firewall health check in the past year, now is the time to schedule one. Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a business priority.