Table of Contents
Introduction
A next-generation firewall is a third-generation firewall that uses intelligent, context-aware security features to address advanced security threats at the application level. This article covers detailed knowledge of Next-Generation Firewalls.
Firewall
A firewall is a network security tool that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic in accordance with previously established security policies in an organization. A firewall, at its most basic, is the barrier that separates a private internal network from the public internet. A firewall’s primary function is to allow safe traffic while blocking harmful traffic.
Next-Generation Firewall
The third generation of firewall technology includes next-generation firewalls, which are built with intelligent, context-aware security capabilities to counter advanced security threats at the application level. In order to make better decisions about what traffic to accept, an NGFW integrates other features with more classic firewall functions like packet filtering and stateful inspection.
What are the Five Types of Firewalls?
Packet Filtering Firewall
Examines the IP header of packets and discards those that are flagged.
Circuit-Level Gateway
Rather than packets themselves, TCP handshakes and other network protocol session initiation messages are used to flag malicious content.
Stateful Inspection Firewall
Combines packet filtering with session monitoring to provide an extra layer of security.
Application-Level Gateway
Filters packets based on the destination port and the HTTP request string. A proxy firewall is another name for it.
Next-Generation Firewall
To protect against advanced threats, application-level, context-aware, intelligent technology is used.
What are Next-Generation Firewall Features?
Specifications for next-generation firewalls vary by provider, but they typically include some combination of the following features:
Application Awareness
This is an important characteristic of next-generation firewalls. They can restrict traffic from specific applications while maintaining greater control over individual applications.
Deep-Packet Inspection
Deep packet inspection is an advancement over traditional firewall technology, which only examines the IP header of a packet to determine its source and destination.
High Performance
This enables the firewall to monitor large network traffic while remaining responsive. As next-generation firewalls incorporate several security features that necessitate processing time, high performance is critical to avoid disrupting business operations.
External Threat Intelligence
Communication with a threat intelligence network to ensure threat information is up to date and to aid in the identification of bad actors.
In addition to these fundamental features, next-generation firewalls may include antivirus and malware protection. They can also be deployed as a Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), a cloud-based service that allows for greater scalability and easier maintenance. The service provider maintains the firewall software in FWaaS, and resources scale automatically to meet processing demand. This relieves enterprise IT teams of managing patches, upgrades, and sizing.
The Importance of Next-Generation Firewalls
A next-generation firewall is almost as important in today’s environment. Every day, new threats to personal devices and larger networks emerge. The flexibility of an NGFW protects devices and businesses from a broader range of intrusions. Although there are better solutions than these firewalls for some businesses, security professionals should carefully consider the advantages that NGFWs can provide, as there is a significant upside.
An NGFW’s main advantage is the ability to safely enable Internet applications that enable users to be more productive while blocking less desirable applications.
The Threat Intelligence Challenges with Next-Generation Firewalls
Networks are changing at an unprecedented rate today. Nation-state events and global crises are putting every aspect of business in jeopardy. Organizations rely on their network infrastructure to ensure business continuity and to support digital business initiatives now more than ever. Unfortunately, cybercriminals’ threat to the network is one constant in the digital economy. As they scramble to adopt new network paradigms, organizations continue to rely on traditional security controls such as Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) to secure their operations.
However, many organizations are discovering that their next-generation firewalls need help to keep up with today’s threats. Organizations expect a lot from their firewalls, such as increasing network traffic, threat volumes, encrypted traffic, and a never-ending list of functions.
In light of this, and to improve network security, organizations are increasingly relying on threat intelligence to identify and respond to evolving threats. However, as organizations seek to operationalize threat intelligence, they need help integrating it into next-generation firewalls.
What is next for Next-Generations Firewall?
Businesses are switching from Next-Generation Firewalls to a new firewall technology known as the “Network Firewall” as security risks continue to increase. Network firewalls offer extra security features and real-time threat intelligence across the datacenter, cloud, mobile, endpoint, and IoT.
A firewall is a crucial part of any organization’s security architecture that may secure sensitive data, help firms comply with regulations, and lead them toward achieving digital transformation.
Conclusion
Next-generation firewalls continue to be an essential foundational component of network security. However, firewalls need help to keep up with today’s threats due to a reliance on proprietary and closed threat intelligence and an inability to integrate threat intelligence at scale.
A Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) is a type of firewall in its third generation and can be implemented in hardware or software.