What Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know About Firewalls (And Why It Matters Now)

Running a small business is no small feat. You’re juggling customer leads, supply chains, compliance, staff, and a never-ending list of daily demands. It’s not surprising that cybersecurity rarely makes it to the top of the to-do list.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: Small businesses across New Zealand are in the crosshairs, and research tells us many don’t realise the risk – until it’s too late.

Government research from 2025 is compelling [1]: Over half of small businesses in New Zealand experienced an attack in the last six months. In the first quarter of 2025, businesses reported cyber related financial losses exceeding NZ$7.8 million.

One of the simplest and most effective tools to safeguard your business is a firewall. No doubt you’ve heard the term, but few understand what it actually does, or why choosing the right kind matters.

Why Small Businesses Are Now Prime Targets

There’s a dangerous myth that still lingers: “We’re too small for cyber criminals to bother with.”

[1] https://www.ncsc.govt.nz/assets/insights/Documents/sme-cyber-security-behaviour-tracker-2025.pdf

Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Criminals know that smaller businesses often have fewer defences in place and are therefore easier to breach.

To make matters worse, attackers don’t need to “target” you specifically. Hackers release malware or phishing campaigns designed to find any vulnerable system, and many modern cyberattacks are automated. If your business hasn’t got the basics right, you could be the next unlucky victim.

The Real Cost of a Cyberattack

Let’s put this into perspective. The average cost of a data breach for a New Zealand small business is estimated at $173,000. That’s not a typo.

And it’s not just about dollars lost. The fallout often includes:

• Downtime: Systems locked up for days or even weeks.
• Lost trust: Clients or patients wondering if their sensitive data has been exposed.
• Reputation damage: Hard-earned credibility evaporates in the headlines.
• Legal and compliance issues: Particularly if personal data is involved.

Installing a properly configured, business-grade firewall is a fraction of that number. And unlike many business expenses, it doesn’t just protect against loss – it actively reduces risk every day, 24/7.

What exactly is a Firewall?

Imagine your business is a building. You wouldn’t dream of leaving the front door wide open overnight. You’d lock it, maybe even add an alarm, to control who can get in.

A firewall works the same way, but for your digital assets. It monitors and controls the flow of data in and out of your business network. It acts like a security guard at the door, deciding what traffic to let in, what to keep out, and what to keep an eye on.

Without one, your business is effectively leaving its digital doors and windows open, and attackers are only too happy to walk right in. In fact, you might already have one – but how do you know if it’s’ doing its job?

Why “Good Enough” Isn’t Good Enough

Some business owners assume that because they already have a modem from their internet provider, or a consumer-grade firewall, they’re all set.

Unfortunately, those tools are often designed with home use in mind, they provide only the most basic filtering and very limited reporting. They’re not built for the complex reality of running a business, where multiple staff, devices, cloud apps, and customers are connecting all the time.

This is where Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) come in.

How a Fortinet Firewall Protects Your Business

Fortinet is the global leader in cybersecurity for good reason. Their FortiGate next-generation firewalls are specifically designed to give small businesses enterprise-level protection without the enterprise-level complexity.

Here’s how:

Superior detection and prevention: Independent testing shows FortiGate blocks over 99% of known threats, while using AI to spot and stop new ones before they spread.

Protection against real-world threats: From ransomware and phishing emails to dodgy Wi-Fi connections, Fortinet covers the full spectrum of attacks most likely to impact SMEs.

Simplicity for busy teams: Fortinet’s “Security Fabric” ties everything together, firewall, Wi-Fi, switches, and reporting – so you manage security from one place instead of juggling multiple tools.

Scales as you grow: Whether you’re adding more staff, opening a new office, or expanding online services, Fortinet firewalls grow with you instead of needing a rip-and-replace.

Enterprise protection at SME prices: The same level of defence trusted by Fortune 500 companies but delivered in a package that makes sense for Kiwi SMEs.

Myth Busting: Firewalls Don’t Slow You Down

Another common misconception is that stronger security makes everything harder or slower.

The truth is, modern firewalls are designed to run quietly in the background. With Fortinet, you won’t even notice it’s there, except when it saves you from a suspicious email or a malicious download. Think of it like car airbags: you don’t feel them working, but you’re glad they’re there when you need them.

The ROI of Protection

Cybersecurity shouldn’t be considered as an expense – it’s a long-term investment.

According to a Forrester Total Economic Impact study, organisations using Fortinet solutions saw a 318% return on investment over three years, with payback in less than six months.

For small businesses, that ROI translates into fewer interruptions, lower IT headaches, reduced compliance risk, and ultimately, a stronger platform for growth.

When you balance $173,000 in potential breach costs against the affordability of business-grade firewalls, the decision speaks for itself.

Why Partner with Focus?

Buying technology is one thing. Setting it up properly, integrating it with your systems, and keeping it up to date is another. That’s where a managed IT supplier can help.

At Focus, we don’t just sell you Fortinet products and wish you luck. We configure them for your exact needs, manage the licences, monitor your systems, and provide ongoing support, so you get the full benefit without the complications or guesswork.

And because we’re local, with offices and experts across New Zealand, help is never far away.

The Bottom Line

With Fortinet firewalls, delivered and supported by the helpful team at Focus, you get enterprise-level protection, tailored to fit your business, at a price that makes sense. All the complexity removed and world-class firewall protection in place – so you can sleep better at night.

Don’t wait for a cyberattack to force your hand. Talk to us today about setting up affordable Fortinet firewall protection, and give yourself the confidence that your business is protected, now and in the future.