TL;DR:
Your “edge” is the boundary between your internal network and the internet—typically your firewall/VPN gateway. A short, disciplined edge audit (version check → exposure scan → config hygiene → safe change window) closes common breach paths fast and cheaply.
What you’re looking at
Your network edge: the device(s) that separate “inside” (workstations, servers, Wi-Fi) from the internet. Think firewall/router, often with VPN, web portals, or remote-management pages enabled.
Why it matters
- It’s the first thing attackers can touch from the outside.
- Small mistakes here (old firmware, exposed management, stale VPN accounts) lead to big incidents.
- Fixes at the edge deliver outsized risk reduction with minimal downtime and cost.
The 15-Minute Edge Audit (our no-drama checklist)
1) Version & Patches (4 min)
- Identify platform and code train (e.g., ASA/FTD, SMB firewalls).
- Confirm current hotfixes and recommended upgrade path.
- Snapshot/backup the running config before you touch anything.
2) Exposure Scan (4 min)
- Inventory what’s publicly reachable (VPN portals, RDP remnants, test ports).
- Remove accidental exposures; restrict admin interfaces to a management network or VPN only.
- Verify geo/IP allow-lists if you use them.
3) Config Hygiene (5 min)
- Enforce MFA on VPN and admin logins.
- Disable default/legacy ciphers and unused services.
- Rotate shared/admin creds; ensure logging to your SIEM/EDR.
- Check rule order: prune “permit any/any” and temporary rules.
4) Change Control & Rollback (2 min)
- Schedule a safe window; notify users.
- Keep a rollback plan (previous image/config).
- Post-change validation: VPN up, key apps reachable, monitoring quiet.
What you get from us
- A one-page report: what’s exposed, what’s outdated, exactly what to change.
- A prioritized action list with owners and timelines.
- Optional guided patch window where we stand by with a rollback ready.
Common findings we fix in Milwaukee
- Management portals reachable from the internet (even briefly).
- VPN portals without MFA or with stale local accounts.
- Old firmware with known exploited vulns.
- “Temporary” any/any rules that never got rolled back.
How we keep it safe (and quiet)
We treat the edge like production surgery: backup first, test in a maintenance window, validate, and document exceptions that expire by default. No cowboy changes; just calm, repeatable steps.
Who should be in the room
- IT lead / MSP (owns the firewall)
- Ops (approves downtime window)
- Business owner or GM (accepts risk/deferral if needed)
Next steps
Want a quick sanity check? We’ll run the 15-minute Edge Audit and send the one-pager. If fixes are needed, we can schedule a guided change window.CTA: Book your Edge Audit → link to your booking page
FAQ
What exactly is “the edge”? The network boundary between your internal systems and the public internet—usually your firewall/VPN gateway.
How long does remediation take? Simple items (blocking exposed ports, enabling MFA) can be same-day. Firmware upgrades and rule re-writes are typically scheduled in a short evening window.
Will this disrupt users? We design changes for minimal impact and use maintenance windows wherever possible. Rollback is always ready.
Do I need a new firewall? Not necessarily. Many wins come from configuration and hygiene. If the platform is end-of-life or missing modern features (MFA, threat feeds), we’ll advise options.