Choosing the correct type of firewall for your organization is vital to keeping malicious traffic out. Firewalls operate at the network layer and operate on a range of OSI layers, including the data link, application, and security.
The different types of firewall include packet-filtering, circuit-level gateway, stateful inspection, and next-generation firewalls (NGFW). Each type is suited to different business needs.
Packet-Filtering Firewalls
A packet-filtering firewall is a security device that controls and monitors data packets entering the network to allow or deny them. It examines the source and destination IP addresses, port numbers, and protocol IDs of each packet transmitted.
It then compares the information in an IP, TCP, or UDP header with a firewall’s access control list (ACL) to determine whether it should be allowed to pass or block. This allows the firewall to filter out malicious packets.
The main disadvantage of a packet-filtering firewall is that it mainly relies on the authentication of IP addresses and port numbers rather than context or application information. This can result in a less secure firewall because it may allow attackers to insert commands into the packet or in unnoticed headers.
Packet-filtering firewalls are also stateless, which makes them susceptible to hacking or intruders who bypass the filters. This is why using them in combination with other firewalls is a good idea.
Another advantage of packet-filtering firewalls is that they can process traffic at very high speeds. This is important because it can help you implement tighter security policies.
These firewalls can filter incoming and outgoing packets based on the rules that are set up in the device. They can also block unwanted data traffic and allow only a user authorizes data packets.
Hardware Firewalls
Hardware firewalls sit between a network uplink and a client system (such as a server, employee desktop, or WFH network). They filter traffic based on pre-configured security policies. Firewalls can also be integrated with other technologies to provide advanced security features such as network logging and monitoring.
These solutions are a popular choice for businesses that need to protect sensitive data, such as healthcare and finance. They also come with many benefits for IT teams.
For example, they can help with centralized visibility by centralizing all of the network’s firewalls in one appliance. This helps ensure that security teams can fully see the network’s devices.
They can also block malware, viruses, and other threats before they get into the network. These types of firewalls can be combined with software firewalls to strengthen network security further.
Another advantage of hardware firewalls is that they can be configured to match the unique needs of your network and business. This gives your IT team greater flexibility to tackle vulnerabilities that are difficult to address with software firewalls.
In addition, they can be customized to meet specific security requirements, such as a certain type of security policy. This is an area where the customization level depends on your IT department’s skills and support.
The type of firewall you choose for your business depends on the type of network you have, the security issues you need to address, and how much money you want to invest in cybersecurity. Regardless of the firewall you choose, you should know a few things before you purchase and install one.
Software Firewalls
Firewalls protect your network from malicious software. This is done by blocking or limiting access to specific applications and websites. This can greatly benefit businesses that need to keep their networks secure.
Some firewalls can also detect and prevent attacks from outside the network, such as malware or spyware that infiltrates computers via email or other Internet communications. They can also identify and block suspicious user behavior, such as phishing, and automatically shut down compromised computers.
These firewalls are generally more flexible and easier to install than hardware ones. Many home and SMB users use them to protect their computers. Any Windows OS newer than XP comes with a software firewall that is free to use.
A software firewall also allows administrators to set security policies and various other features, making it easy to customize the protection of your system. These types of firewalls are especially useful in cloud-based environments where granular control is needed to ensure a high level of security.
NGFW
Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) are an important part of securing networks. They use deep packet inspection technology to scan traffic and analyze its contents for malicious activity and threats. This helps to identify and stop attacks before they reach the organization’s network perimeter.
They also have some other security capabilities, such as application control, intrusion prevention, and malware detection. NGFWs can be used on both on-premise and cloud environments to secure networks against cyberattacks.
An NGFW can also increase network visibility, providing a more comprehensive picture of how data flows across the network. These tools can help to manage bandwidth and increase employee productivity by allowing organizations to prioritize certain types of traffic over others.
NGFWs can also be used to separate different zones within an organization’s network, making it harder for hackers to take advantage of a single point of entry. This helps prevent account takeover and supply chain attacks that allow hackers to access corporate information.
