Next Generation Firewall
The security of your network infrastructure is of paramount importance. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated and persistent, traditional firewalls alone are not sufficient to protect your organisation from the constantly evolving threats. Enter Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs), a cutting-edge solution that takes network security to a whole new level. In this page, we’ll explore the key features and benefits of NGFWs, how they differ from traditional firewalls, and the technologies that make them so effective.
Next Generation Firewall vs. Traditional Firewall
Traditional firewalls have been a crucial component of network security for many years, acting as a first line of defense by inspecting network traffic and enforcing security policies based on rules defined by administrators. While they serve their purpose, traditional firewalls primarily focus on basic packet filtering and lack the advanced capabilities necessary to combat modern threats.
Next Generation Firewalls, on the other hand, go beyond the capabilities of their predecessors. They combine the functionalities of traditional firewalls with additional advanced features that enhance security. NGFWs leverage deep packet inspection, application awareness, intrusion prevention, and threat intelligence to provide a more comprehensive approach to network security.
Advanced Capabilities of Next Generation Firewalls
Intrusion Prevention
Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) are an integral part of NGFWs. They actively monitor network traffic for suspicious activities and malicious behaviour, such as attempted intrusions or exploits. When identified, the NGFW takes immediate action, either blocking the malicious traffic or alerting administrators for further investigation. IPS capabilities add an essential layer of security, proactively protecting against known and emerging threats.
Deep Packet Inspection
Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) is a powerful technology employed by NGFWs to examine the content of data packets traversing the network. Unlike traditional firewalls that only analyse packet headers, DPI scrutinises the payload, enabling it to identify and block applications and protocols that might be attempting to bypass security measures. This granular inspection ensures better control over network usage and prevents potential security risks posed by unauthorised applications.
Packet Filtering
Packet filtering is a fundamental function of both traditional and Next Generation Firewalls. It involves the examination of data packets and their characteristics, such as source and destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols. Based on predefined rules, the firewall decides whether to permit or deny the packet’s passage. While traditional firewalls rely heavily on packet filtering, NGFWs incorporate it as part of their comprehensive security approach, enhancing it with additional layers of protection.
Application Awareness
Next Generation Firewalls possess the ability to recognise applications at a deeper level, beyond just port and protocol. This “application awareness” allows NGFWs to understand the context of the network traffic and implement security policies based on the application’s specific characteristics. For example, they can differentiate between legitimate usage of applications like video conferencing and unauthorised file-sharing activities. This fine-grained control helps organisations optimise network performance while maintaining security.
Threat Intelligence
Threat Intelligence is the foundation of NGFWs’ capability to defend against the ever-evolving threat landscape. NGFWs leverage real-time threat intelligence feeds from various sources, including industry-leading security vendors, government agencies, and their own machine learning algorithms. By continuously updating and learning from the latest threat data, NGFWs can proactively block malicious actors, zero-day exploits, and new malware strains.
Summary
Next Generation Firewalls have become a critical component of modern network security strategies. By combining the strengths of traditional firewalls with advanced features like intrusion prevention, deep packet inspection, application awareness, and threat intelligence, NGFWs offer robust protection against sophisticated cyber threats. Embrace the power of NGFWs to safeguard your network infrastructure and ensure the continued success of your organisation in an increasingly connected world.
FAQs on Next Generation Firewalls
What is a next generation firewall?
A Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) is an advanced and sophisticated network security device designed to provide enhanced protection against a wide range of cyber threats. It goes beyond the capabilities of traditional firewalls by incorporating additional security features and technologies to defend modern networks effectively.
Key Characteristics and Capabilities of Next Generation Firewalls
Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): NGFWs perform deep packet inspection, a process that scrutinises the content of data packets traversing the network. Unlike traditional firewalls that only inspect packet headers, NGFWs analyse the payload of packets to understand the context and content of network traffic. This enables them to identify specific applications, protocols, or malware that might attempt to bypass security measures.
Application Awareness: NGFWs have the ability to identify and control network applications at a granular level. They can distinguish between different applications even if they use the same ports and protocols, allowing organisations to enforce security policies based on specific applications’ behaviours and characteristics. This level of application awareness offers improved visibility and control over network usage.
Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): NGFWs incorporate an Intrusion Prevention System, which actively monitors network traffic for signs of malicious activity or intrusion attempts. When suspicious behavior is detected, the IPS takes immediate action, such as blocking the malicious traffic or generating alerts for further investigation.
Packet Filtering: Similar to traditional firewalls, NGFWs use packet filtering to examine data packets’ attributes, such as source and destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols. Based on predefined rules and policies, the firewall decides whether to allow or block the packets.
Threat Intelligence Integration: NGFWs leverage real-time threat intelligence feeds from various sources, including security vendors, threat research organisations, government agencies, and their own machine learning algorithms. By continuously updating their knowledge of the latest threats, NGFWs can proactively defend against known and emerging threats.
User Identity Awareness: NGFWs can associate network activity with specific user identities. This user-awareness feature allows organizations to implement more precise access controls and security policies based on individual users or user groups.
SSL/TLS Inspection: NGFWs can decrypt and inspect SSL/TLS-encrypted traffic to identify potential threats hidden within encrypted data streams. This ensures that malicious content is not concealed by encryption.
Overall, Next Generation Firewalls play a crucial role in modern network security strategies, offering a comprehensive and proactive approach to safeguarding networks against ever-evolving cyber threats. They provide organisations with increased visibility, control, and protection to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of their sensitive data and digital assets.
What are the benefits of next generation firewalls?
Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) offer numerous benefits that make them a valuable addition to modern network security strategies.
Some of the Key Advantages of NGFWs
Advanced Threat Protection: NGFWs employ deep packet inspection, application awareness, and threat intelligence integration to identify and block a wide range of cyber threats. They can detect and prevent malware, viruses, intrusions, and other malicious activities, providing more effective protection against both known and emerging threats.
Application Control and Visibility: NGFWs have granular control over network applications, allowing organisations to enforce security policies based on specific application behaviours and characteristics. This visibility ensures that unauthorized or risky applications are effectively managed, preventing potential security risks.
Increased Network Visibility: NGFWs offer enhanced visibility into network traffic, providing detailed insights into application usage, user behavior, and potential security threats. This visibility enables IT teams to identify anomalies and potential security breaches more effectively, facilitating quicker incident response and threat mitigation.
Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): The integration of IPS in NGFWs allows for real-time monitoring of network traffic to identify and block malicious activities. IPS capabilities help prevent unauthorised access, exploits, and zero-day attacks, reducing the chances of successful intrusions.
User Identity Awareness: NGFWs can associate network activity with specific user identities, enabling more precise access controls and security policies. This user-awareness feature helps in implementing the principle of least privilege and restricting access to sensitive resources based on user roles and responsibilities.
SSL/TLS Inspection: NGFWs can decrypt and inspect SSL/TLS-encrypted traffic to identify potential threats hidden within encrypted data streams. This ensures that cybercriminals cannot leverage encryption to bypass security measures.
Simplified Security Management: Many NGFWs offer centralized management platforms, making it easier for administrators to configure, monitor, and update security policies across the entire network from a single interface. This streamlines security management, reduces complexity, and improves overall efficiency.
Scalability and Flexibility: NGFWs are designed to cater to the needs of diverse and evolving network environments. They can handle high volumes of traffic and are flexible enough to adapt to changing network infrastructures and security requirements.
Regulatory Compliance: By providing robust security features, NGFWs help organizations comply with various regulatory standards and data protection requirements. Compliance with industry regulations is crucial for avoiding penalties and maintaining the trust of customers and stakeholders.
Integration with Security Ecosystem: Many NGFWs offer integration capabilities with other security solutions, such as antivirus software, threat intelligence feeds, and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems. This integration enhances the overall security posture and facilitates a unified security approach.
Next Generation Firewalls deliver comprehensive and proactive protection against modern cyber threats while offering improved network visibility and control. With their advanced capabilities and seamless integration with other security tools, NGFWs are a crucial component in safeguarding organisations’ network infrastructures and data assets.
What are the types of next generation firewalls?
Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) can be categorised into different types based on their deployment models and the features they offer.
Common types of NGFWs
Hardware NGFW: Hardware NGFWs are standalone physical appliances dedicated to providing advanced network security. They come in various sizes and performance capabilities, allowing organizations to choose a model that fits their specific network requirements. Hardware NGFWs are often preferred for high-performance environments where dedicated appliances are needed to handle large amounts of network traffic.
Virtual NGFW: Virtual NGFWs are software-based firewall solutions that run as virtual machines (VMs) on virtualization platforms. They offer the same features and functionalities as hardware NGFWs but provide the advantage of flexibility and scalability. Virtual NGFWs are well-suited for virtualized or cloud-based environments where on-demand scalability and resource allocation are essential.
Cloud-based NGFW: Cloud-based NGFWs are delivered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions. They provide network security from the cloud, eliminating the need for on-premises hardware or software installations. Cloud-based NGFWs are particularly useful for organisations with distributed offices, remote workers, or cloud-centric infrastructures, as they can secure network traffic regardless of location.
Integrated NGFW: Integrated NGFWs are designed to combine multiple security functions into a single appliance. They may include not only firewall capabilities but also features like intrusion prevention, antivirus, anti-malware, URL filtering, and more. The integration of various security functions into a single device simplifies security management and reduces the number of devices in the network.
Software NGFW: Software NGFWs are firewall solutions that are installed and run on standard server hardware. They offer similar features to hardware NGFWs but are installed on existing servers or dedicated server hardware. Software NGFWs are often chosen by organizations looking for cost-effective solutions and those who prefer to build their own security infrastructure.
UTM (Unified Threat Management) Appliances: UTM appliances are a specific type of integrated NGFWs that offer a wide range of security functionalities in a single device. UTM appliances typically include firewall capabilities, intrusion prevention, antivirus, anti-malware, content filtering, VPN, and more. These all-in-one solutions are popular among small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) due to their simplicity and ease of management.
Choose the right Next Generation Firewall
It’s important to note that the features and capabilities of NGFWs can vary among different vendors and models. Organisations should carefully assess their specific security needs and network requirements before selecting the most suitable type of Next Generation Firewall for their environment. Call Fusion on 0333 241 4123 or email [email protected] to scope your needs.