A conventional firewall offers stateful network traffic inspection. It filters traffic according to rules set by the administrator and allows or prevents traffic according to state, protocol, and port. NGFWs can block contemporary threats such as sophisticated malware and application-layer attacks in addition to access control. According to Gartner, a next-generation firewall must include the following features:
- Common firewall features such as stateful inspection.
- Comprehensive intrusion prevention.
- Methods for dealing with changing security risks.
- Application control and awareness to identify and prohibit dangerous apps.
- Sources of threat intelligence.
- Improved routes with future information feeds.
Types Next-Generation Firewall
NGFWs come in three different varieties depending on how the security and control capabilities of the solution are delivered:
Software-Based Next-Generation Firewall
Software NGFWs don’t need a specific portion of the physical resources of the network. Instead, they operate by using your CPU and RAM resources as necessary, much like any other networked application. Each network device, individually or collectively, needs to have this type installed and configured. Any size or type of computer network can usually easily accommodate its installation.
Hardware-Based Next-Generation Firewall
Hardware firewalls, which are physical devices, route all incoming and outgoing network traffic for scanning and monitoring. This type relies on its physical resources and doesn’t slow down your network’s flow because it isn’t directly housed on your network’s infrastructure.
Cloud-Based Next-Generation Firewall
A software-based firewall called a cloud-based NGFW, often referred to as a hosted NGFW, is installed in an off-premises cloud to reduce the demand for network resources or the need for technical management. The network owner may own or rent storage and computing space from the hosted cloud.
A Next-Generation Firewall Configuration Process
To create the ideal firewall for the organization, there are numerous procedures to do. Vendors, the degree of protection needed for a network, and the kind of firewall are all included. If they opt not to engage a third party, however, the majority of businesses require assistance putting up a firewall.
The Next-Generation Firewall Must Be Secure.
Which employees should have access to the firewall within the company must be decided right away. A company’s chief technology officer (CTO), a cybersecurity specialist, or a networking specialist could be this person.
Once this position has an employee, they should carry out the actions listed below:
- Firewall Security Measures for The Company
- Update the firewall first
- Discard or rename the default user accounts.
- Modify every default password.
- Make a strong password.
- Give the vendor and employee access to different accounts
- Control access
Identify Zones and IP Addresses for Next-Generation Firewalls
The functions of low, medium, and high sensitivity levels for all data and assets must be determined. The following are the meanings:
- Lack of sensitivity: Assets and data with public access
- Public: Low sensitivity is a classification that fits this one. Access to the public is possible without using security measures. The significance of this information is minimal.
- Medium sensitivity: Internal access, but not catastrophic if accessed by the public
- Internal: This classification is only to be used internally. Even so, the firm won’t suffer if this information is made public.
- High sensitivity: Secure information that, if accessed by someone outside the organization, would be harmful.
- Restricted: If this data leaks, it will be bad for business. If it is revealed, it could result in lost revenue and legal trouble in addition to regulatory and legal repercussions.
However, web services like email and VPNs as well as IP addresses need to be in their zone. This maintains the business secure and well-organized.
Examine The Configuration Of The Next-Generation Firewall
A test of the firewall is required to make sure it is blocking the required traffic. Utilizing a security assessment is advised. Typical evaluations include:
- Vulnerability evaluations
- IT audits
- IT risk evaluation
- Tests for penetration
Create an Access Control List (ACL)
Each user that has access to a firewall is required to have their login and password.
Access control list components:
- An index number
- Name
- Comments
- IP addresses
- Statement/rules
- Protocols
- Devices noted in the log
An ACL necessitates the assistance of trusted personnel in various firewall components. Monitoring who they are and what they do is crucial.
Install Next-Generation Firewall Administration
Follow up on firewall installation every six months or every three months. Ensure the firewall and data are protected from potential cyberattacks by reviewing the setup and upcoming configuration. Installing and configuring a firewall shields a business from open ports that could allow hackers access.
Read IP Address Locator: Unveiling FAQs.
Key Features of a Next-Generation Firewall
Depending on the vendor, different NGFW offerings may provide different characteristics. It’s crucial to know what an NGFW can achieve for your network and look for manufacturers who offer the capabilities and security level you require. The features listed below are some of the ones you may expect to see in various NGFW products on the market:
Centralization of Network Traffic Management
NGFWs have the flexibility to take a subtler approach to access management than conventional firewalls. The programs and user devices that have access to network resources, as well as the restrictions on their ability to communicate with servers outside the network, can be identified. One of the top centralized access management and control NGFW products available is Panorama from Palo Alto Networks. It makes it simple for network administrators to manage which programs can access and transmit what kinds and amounts of data via the network.
Broad-based Network Visibility
An NGFW can deliver a complete picture of the network in real-time by watching the actions and interactions of user devices and apps. Data analysis can be used to identify bottlenecks, eliminate them, and make sure operations are secure and productive.
Establishing and Enforcing Policies
A crucial component of network security that many NGFW solutions provide is the definition and enforcement of security policies. They establish a foundation for the network’s security and privacy standards by being an easy way to define guidelines for user and application behavior. The same applies to the intrusion protection system in place on your network.
Network Protection with Multiple Layers
NGFWs can shield your network from threats by enforcing numerous layers of security. Application-level protection keeps an eye on how the programs operate within the network, making sure they don’t act maliciously or gain unauthorized access to certain regions. With Layer 7 application profiling capabilities, the CloudGen NGFW from Barracuda Networks offers comprehensive web filtering that safeguards your networks from malware and malicious activity on more than just the endpoints.
Advantages Next-Generation Computing
Next-Generation Firewalls Provide Greater Security
The biggest benefit of all is probably the most well-known one: a next-generation firewall offers cutting-edge security solutions. A next-generation firewall, or NGFW, offers multi-layered protection as compared to a standard firewall, which can only block access through ports (single-layer protection). The firewall will only allow the transfer of data if it falls within the parameters of your established firewall regulations; otherwise, it will block the transfer.
Threat intelligence is a feature that NGFWs have that makes it possible for them to learn the patterns of any new threat they encounter. Additionally, it includes a full set of antivirus, spam, and ransomware protection tools that aid in enhancing network security.
Next-Generation Firewalls Accelerate Networks
For each new threat in a traditional firewall, you need a different security appliance. Your network performance will decrease when you add more devices and security measures to your traditional firewall to give the appropriate level of security. When all of these processes are running, they will slow down the network and, by the time it reaches the end user, reduce the promised speed by one-third. You free up the bandwidth necessary to give you the promised network speed by getting rid of the requirement for many security tools and procedures.
Next-Generation Firewalls Are More Affordable
Continuing from the previous point, you don’t need to buy separate solutions for ransomware, spam protection, or antivirus protection because an NGFW already includes these features. This aids businesses in saving money on outdated software. When the costs are added up, moving from a typical firewall to an NGFW is far less expensive than upgrading three distinct systems and expanding your network bandwidth.
Next-Generation Firewalls Are Urgently Required
Without a next-generation firewall, you can’t possibly expect to be sufficiently secured from dangers on the internet. The complexity of modern malware and the sheer volume of programs and websites we use every day have outgrown the capabilities of a traditional firewall. NGFWs are now essential due to the use of VPNs, the variety of devices linked to the network, and remote working.
Disadvantages Next-Generation Firewall
There Can Be Too Many Rules To Follow
The requirement for VPNs and allowing remote access to servers has altered as a result of the epidemic when the majority of Australia’s workers worked from home. Because the NGFW does not recognize the corporate VPN as a secure network, an employee attempting to access it from their home internet IP may be prevented from doing so.
To satisfy all the access requirements, data protection needs, and the number of apps and users using the network, the administrators may need to manually add each IP address to their safe user list or update the numerous policies on their networks.
The Initial Installation Cost Could Be High
Many businesses are reluctant to upgrade their current firewalls to next-generation firewalls because of the upfront costs involved. However, the numerous cost advantages it provides in the long run typically outweigh this initial upfront cost. Contact Intellect IT, a managed IT service provider that specializes in offering IT services to small businesses, if you’re thinking about replacing your conventional firewall with an NGFW.
