Going online without any security measures is like sharing your bank password; it leaves you and your company exposed. We are fortunate to have protection systems at our disposal, like next gen firewall Malaysia and antivirus software Malaysia.
But are they sufficient to protect you or your company, given the sophistication of cyber threats?
That’s where more sophisticated systems like NGFWs, or next-generation firewalls, come into play. What precisely are NGFWs? In what ways will it help your network be more secure than a conventional firewall?
What is a Next Generation Firewall?
A next-generation firewall, or NGFW for short, is a vast advancement over the traditional firewalls that networks frequently employ. But precisely what does that mean? Let’s first discuss what a conventional firewall performs before delving into a more thorough definition of an NGFW.
Since its debut in 1994, firewalls have been the de facto network security tool. Consider firewalls as the gatekeeper who keeps an eye on traffic entering and leaving your network following a set of rules. When data transmission deviates from these guidelines, the firewall immediately blocks it. This is the core function of a firewall and is known as stateful inspection. Most of a firewall’s protocol compares IP addresses against a blocklist of undesirable addresses.
Even though firewalls have been securing networks for more than 20 years, their functionality is still quite constrained. Traditional firewalls can struggle to keep up as online security threats grow.
The NGFW firewall is now active. A next-generation firewall (NGFW) improves on a traditional firewall by providing a complete cybersecurity solution with more sophisticated features. After simple port and address monitoring, deep packet inspection and intrusion prevention are added.
Modern firewalls are now able to stop malware and other sophisticated online attacks. Additionally, it includes application awareness, allowing it to track and restrict software that could be a security issue. The network is additionally actively monitored by intrusion prevention systems (IPS) for any unusual behaviour that might exploit security holes in the network.
What Distinguishes Next Generation Firewalls From Standard Firewalls?
We’ve already discussed the more fundamental distinction between these two technologies, so let’s dig into more specifics.
Next-generation firewalls must contain the same fundamental features as a traditional firewall. This entails employing dynamic and static filtering to close check on incoming and outgoing network traffic and make sure each connection is valid. Additionally, they must translate network and port addresses to map IP addresses. VPNs are supported by both NGFW and standard firewalls.
There are no more commonalities, and this is where the more intriguing features of NGFWs start.
Modern firewalls are more focused because they can now track packets according to the applications they are used for. Because applications are found in Layer 7 of the OSI model, this is also known as an NGFW layer seven firewall. They have complete control over all programmes and software running on the network and use allowlists and signature matching to distinguish between legitimate and malicious programmes.
However, the ability of next-generation firewalls to adapt to deal with threats that have not yet existed is their most novel feature. NGFWs accomplish this by utilising online intelligence sources and setting up an upgrade path for them to advance. Next-generation firewalls are among the most effective network defence solutions available today and for years because of their adaptability and versatility.
A Next-Generation Firewall’s Advantages
The fundamental advantage of employing a next-generation firewall is that it provides stronger, all-encompassing security against all significant internet threats. An NGFW now immediately stops malware in its tracks, something firewalls are unable to do. An NGFW can also be used to prevent sophisticated threats like Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs).
Regardless of the computer’s IP address, its application-level monitoring is a game-changer because it permits the usage of lawful Internet programmes while suppressing unwanted ones. Additionally, it offers administrators in businesses more precise control over employee programmes.
Newer firewall technology is also quite effective. It integrates the features of several security programmes, including firewalls and anti-virus software, into a potent bundle. As a result, it might be a very affordable option for businesses wishing to increase security. Because there is only one interface to deal with instead of several, it operates more simply and smoothly.
In the end, NGFWs are swiftly becoming the prerequisite for Internet safety today and in the near future. The rate of advancement of hackers and harmful attackers is worrying. Next-generation firewall services, however, have a great possibility of responding to threats we haven’t even encountered yet because of their adaptability and intelligent design.
What Constitutes a Next-Generation Firewall’s Core Components?
As more security developers release their next-generation firewall products, it’s critical to assess each one to ensure it’s working for your company. When looking around for an NGFW, keep the following points in mind:
Robust Security Features
First, the security of every next-generation firewall you examine is principally assessed. Potential security holes must be able to be found, and additional assaults like malware or SQL injections must be stopped. Sandboxing, behaviour analysis, URL filtering, and intrusion prevention systems are some of the methods crucial for NGFWs (IPS).
Second, a strong NGFW never depends solely on one line of defence. Your front line won’t ever be able to thwart all threats completely. Therefore, a strong firewall should also identify any hazards that get past your early defences and promptly halt them before they can cause any harm.
Third, an NGFW should be able to modify itself over time using the most recent intelligence data.
Detection and Reaction Time
Time is always a factor when it comes to network security. Instead of the industry type of 100 to 200 days, a next-generation firewall should be able to identify threats and respond to them in mere seconds. NGFWs should also notify you of a breach within minutes or hours.
In addition to alerting you quickly, next-generation firewalls should be able to prioritise the dangers that need your immediate attention.
Including Your Security System
A next-generation firewall should function well with the other elements of your network architecture as your principal security instrument.
Look for firewalls that can easily communicate and share necessary data with other security appliances on your network. Automating essential security chores like user identification and network policy management should be possible with NGFWs.
Flexible Configuration
Whether you run a small business or a large corporation, your network needs a firewall that can adapt to those needs. It should also be able to be deployed in a wide range of contexts, including both on-premises and cloud environments. Additionally, administrators must be able to install only the functions they require and configure every aspect of the firewall.
Network Visibility
To identify and block threats coming from all directions, a next-generation firewall must constantly scan every square inch of your network. To accomplish this, an NGFW must have complete visibility and contextual knowledge of every server, application, file transfer, communication, and data storage on your network. By doing so, it will be able to detect any possible hacks from individuals, devices, and other networks.
Additionally, NGFWs should thoroughly understand any threats that breach their defences, including their historical movements, present location, and current activities.
Other Qualities
Geolocation, which enables you to control and divert traffic based on physical location, is another helpful feature you might consider. Support for web gateways and reverse proxy servers is also crucial.
Use NGFW And Fusion To Protect Yourself.
In the direction of a robust security system for the contemporary Internet era, next-generation firewalls are a step, but you know what’s even better? Having a single plan that addresses every possible network security issue is the primary goal of Fusion Connect’s Unified Threat Management (UTM).
A multi-layered centralised system called UTM makes it easier to control the security of your network. It incorporates the most excellent features of modern firewalls, antivirus programmes, malware protection, content filtering, and other security measures. It is further enhanced with quick setup, an interactive reporting system, and easier licencing to produce the best, all-encompassing security solution.
Want to upgrade an already effective security system with a next-generation firewall? Use any of our standalone Fortigate firewall devices. Schedule a meeting with Spectrum Edge to learn more about firewall needed.
Article posted by 360postings.com
