Discover how to set up a secure, private business network using pfSense, TrueNAS, and Linux—Infinity Skies’ proven framework for digital independence.
Introduction: Why Small Business Network Security Matters
In today’s digital world, your network is your business. From financial records and customer data to proprietary designs and AI tools, nearly everything depends on secure connectivity. Unfortunately, cyberattacks, ransomware, and data leaks have made small businesses prime targets—43% of attacks target SMBs, according to Verizon’s Data Breach Report.
At Infinity Skies Corp, our mission is to empower small business owners to achieve digital independence and complete data sovereignty. That means building a rock-solid network foundation—one that’s private, secure, and owned entirely by you.
This guide breaks down our step-by-step framework for setting up a professional-grade network on a small business budget using open-source tools like pfSense, TrueNAS, and Linux. You’ll learn:
- How to secure your network’s perimeter with pfSense firewall
- How to protect and centralize your files using TrueNAS storage
- How to create a private, AI-ready computing environment for modern work
Let’s build your network the Infinity Skies way.
Chapter 1: Build a Rock-Solid Network Foundation
Every strong business begins with a strong foundation. The same is true for your IT infrastructure. Without a secure network, your business operations remain vulnerable to external threats, downtime, and data loss.
Infinity Skies Corp’s approach focuses on three key pillars:
- Core Infrastructure – pfSense firewall and routing
- Secure Storage – TrueNAS network-attached storage
- Private Computing – Linux workstations, private AI tools, and virtual environments
This system enables data privacy, operational autonomy, and complete control over your digital assets—freeing businesses from dependency on cloud providers and invasive data-tracking platforms.
1. Strengthen the Perimeter with pfSense Firewall
Your firewall is your network’s first and most critical line of defense—the gatekeeper that determines what comes in and what goes out.
Why pfSense?
pfSense is a powerful, open-source firewall and router platform trusted by enterprises, data centers, and privacy advocates alike. It’s free, flexible, and can run on almost any hardware—from a dedicated appliance like the Netgate 1100 to a custom-built mini PC.
Key Security Features:
- Advanced Firewall Rules: Block unauthorized access with precision.
- VPN Integration: Secure remote access for teams using OpenVPN or WireGuard.
- Intrusion Detection/Prevention (IDS/IPS): Stop threats before they reach your LAN.
- Traffic Shaping: Optimize bandwidth for critical business operations.
- DNS Filtering: Prevent malicious domains and phishing sites.
Infinity Skies typically deploys pfSense on dedicated hardware at the network edge, ensuring that every inbound or outbound connection passes through a secure checkpoint.
Pro Tip:
Pair pfSense with a Dynamic DNS service and configure automatic VPN failover for an enterprise-grade setup that costs a fraction of corporate licensing fees.
2. Secure Your Data with TrueNAS
Data is the lifeblood of every business. Losing it—or exposing it to third parties—can be devastating. That’s why Infinity Skies integrates TrueNAS, an open-source enterprise-grade storage solution, into every client’s infrastructure.
What is TrueNAS?
TrueNAS is a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) system that consolidates all your files, backups, and virtual machines in one secure location. It’s built on ZFS, one of the most resilient file systems ever created.
Core Advantages:
- Centralized File Management: Share data across teams securely.
- Automated Backups: Protect against accidental deletions or ransomware.
- Data Integrity Checks: Detect and repair corrupted files automatically.
- Remote Access: Connect from anywhere with secure VPN or SSH tunnels.
With TrueNAS, you can configure redundant drives (RAID-Z), snapshot backups, and encrypted shares. It’s like having your own private cloud—without paying monthly fees or giving up control to Big Tech.
Example Setup:
pfSense (firewall) → TrueNAS (storage server) → Linux workstation (client)
This architecture ensures that your business’s sensitive data never leaves your network.
3. Build a Private AI & Computing Environment
Artificial intelligence and automation are transforming business operations—but cloud AI services come with serious privacy trade-offs. Infinity Skies helps businesses harness the power of AI without exposing proprietary data to third-party providers.
Private AI with Ollama Mistral
Instead of using OpenAI or Google Bard in the cloud, Ollama Mistral runs locally on your own hardware.
Benefits include:
- No Data Leaks: All prompts and outputs stay offline.
- Faster Processing: Local inference avoids cloud latency.
- Full Control: Customize models and integrate securely with internal tools.
Private Search with SearxNG
SearxNG is a privacy-focused meta-search engine that aggregates results from multiple search sources without tracking you.
Infinity Skies deploys SearxNG on internal servers, enabling:
- Anonymous, ad-free web research
- Keyword intelligence without surveillance
- Secure, customizable filters for staff and analysts
Knowledge Management with Obsidian
For notes, strategies, and research, Obsidian serves as a secure knowledge base. Paired with the Second Brain plugin, it connects your thoughts, tasks, and documents into a structured, searchable knowledge graph—all stored on your own devices.
4. The Operating System: Linux and Virtual Machines
Infinity Skies configures workstations with Linux as the main operating system and Windows in a virtual machine (VM) for compatibility.
Why this hybrid approach works:
- Linux offers unmatched stability and security for daily use.
- Windows VMs (e.g., with AtlasOS) support apps that require Windows.
- Virtual machines isolate risks—if a Windows app is compromised, your host system stays safe.
This setup gives your team speed, flexibility, and security—plus the ability to run legacy business software without performance loss.
5. Example: Small Business Network Layout
Here’s a typical layout Infinity Skies builds for small teams:
[ISP Modem]
│
[pfSense Firewall (Netgate 1100)]
│
[Wi-Fi Router in Access Point Mode]
│
[Gigabit Switch]
├── [TrueNAS Storage Server]
├── [Linux Workstation / VM Host]
└── [Private AI Node: SearxNG + Ollama]
Each component plays a defined role in performance, redundancy, and security—creating a system that rivals corporate IT setups at a fraction of the cost.
6. Best Practices for Maintaining Network Security
A secure setup is only as strong as its maintenance. Here are Infinity Skies’ top recommendations:
Routine Security Maintenance
- Keep pfSense, TrueNAS, and all software updated.
- Run firewall log reviews weekly.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all admin interfaces.
Physical & Access Controls
- Restrict access to servers and network devices.
- Use separate user accounts and avoid shared admin credentials.
Data Redundancy & Backup
- Configure off-site encrypted backups.
- Test your restore process quarterly.
Monitoring & Alerts
- Enable pfSense Suricata or Snort for real-time intrusion detection.
- Set up email or SMS alerts for suspicious activity.
Conclusion: Own Your Network, Own Your Future
In a world dominated by surveillance capitalism, data brokers, and cloud lock-in, the smartest move a small business can make is to own its infrastructure.
By combining pfSense for security, TrueNAS for storage, and private AI tools like Ollama Mistral and SearxNG, you gain total control of your operations—without sacrificing performance or privacy.
Infinity Skies Corp helps business owners build, manage, and grow these systems from the ground up—turning your office into a secure, efficient, and future-ready digital fortress.
Ready to take control of your business data and security?
👉 Visit InfinitySkies.com to schedule your free consultation and discover how we can design a custom private network for your company.
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