Firewalls are a common security tool for most companies, but next-generation firewalls are the only firewalls that can provide proper protection in today's changing threat landscape.

An NGFW (next-generation firewall) is a part of the third generation of firewall technology implemented in either hardware or software. It can detect and block sophisticated attacks by enforcing security policies at the application, port, and protocol levels. It is a network security device that provides capabilities beyond a traditional, stateful firewall. While a conventional firewall generally provides stateful inspection of outgoing and incoming network traffic. An NGFW includes additional features like application awareness and control, integrated intrusion prevention, and cloud-delivered threat intelligence.

An NGFW (next-generation firewall) does this and lots more. In addition to the access control, NGFWs can also block modern threats such as application-layer attacks and advanced malware. According to Gartner, an NGFW (next-generation firewall) includes:
● Threat intelligence sources
● Integrated intrusion prevention
● Upgrade paths to include future information feeds
● Awareness about application and control to see and block risky apps
● Techniques to address evolving security threats
● Standard firewall capabilities like stateful inspection

Most NGFW integrate at least three primary functions in these offerings: enterprise firewall capability, an IPS (intrusion prevention system), and application control.
NGFW (next-generation firewall) brings more context to the new-gen firewall's decision-making process. It provides the ability to grasp the details of the application's traffic passing through and block traffic that might exploit vulnerabilities.

TRADITIONAL FIREWALLS VS. NEXT-GENERATION FIREWALLS

As their name suggests, next-generation firewalls are a more advanced version of the traditional firewall, and they offer the same benefits. While both next-generation firewalls and traditional firewalls aim to serve the similar purpose of protecting the organization's data assets and network, they also have several differences. Like traditional firewalls, NGFW uses VPN support and dynamic and static packet filtering to ensure that all connections linking the web, internet, and firewall are logical and secure. Both next-generation firewall and traditional firewall types should also translate network and port addresses to map IPs.
The main similarities between traditional and next-generation firewalls include static packet filtering to block packets at the interface point to network traffic. They can also both have the capability to provide stateful packet inspection, network, and port address translations, and set up VPN connections.
There are few fundamental differences between the traditional firewall and next-generation firewalls. The most crucial difference is that NGFWs offer a deep-packet inspection function apart from simple port and protocol inspection by inspecting the data in network packets. Another difference between the traditional firewall and next-generation firewalls and the most apparent difference is NGFW's ability to filter packets based on applications. These firewalls have extensive control and visibility of applications that they can identify using analysis and signature matching. They can use safelists or a signature-based IPS to distinguish between safe applications and unwanted ones, identified using SSL decryption. Unlike most traditional firewalls, NGFWs also include a path through which future updates will be received. Another key difference is that NGFWs add application-level inspection, intrusion prevention, and the ability to act on data provided by threat intelligence services.
Furthermore, NGFWs extend the traditional firewall functionality of NAT, PAT, and VPN support to operate both in routed mode -- in which the firewall behaves as a router -- and transparent way in which the firewall acts like a bump in the wire when it scans packets -- while also integrating new threat management technologies.

BENEFITS OF NEXT-GENERATION FIREWALLS

The differentiating features of NGFW's create eccentric benefits for the organizations using them:
1. Next-Generation Firewall can block malware from entering a network, something that traditional firewalls would never do.
2. NGFW's are well equipped to tackle APTs (Advanced Persistent Threats).
3. Next-Generation Firewalls can be an economical option for organizations looking to improve their general security. They can incorporate the benefits of firewalls, antiviruses, and other security applications into a single solution.
Its features include application awareness, inspection services, and a protection system and awareness tool that benefit the offering at all odds.

THE IMPORTANCE OF NEXT GENERATION FIREWALLS

Installing a firewall is a must for any business. However, in today's world, having a firewall for the next generation is so important. Threats to personal devices and large networks are changing daily. NGFW flexibility protects devices and companies from a wide range of access. While these firewalls are not the right solution for all businesses, security experts should carefully consider the benefits that NGFWs can offer, as they have the most significant potential.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN THE NGFW's?

The best next-generation firewalls bring five significant benefits to organizations, from SMBs to businesses. Make sure your NGFW delivers:

Infringement prevention and improved security
The number 1 function of a firewall should be to prevent breaches and keep your organization safe. But since blocking methods will not work 100 percent, your firewall should also have advanced capabilities to detect advanced malware if it escapes your previous protections. Invest in a firewall with the following skills:
Preventing to stop an attack before they get inside
The next generation of IPS is better designed to detect hidden threats and stop them quickly
URL filtering is forcing policies on millions of URLs that are built-in sandboxing and advanced malware protection that continuously analyzes file performance to detect and remove threats quickly
A world-class intelligence agency that provides a firewall with the latest intelligence to deter emerging threats

Complete network visibility
You can't protect yourself from what is not visible to the naked eye. You need to be constantly aware of what is going on in your network so that you can detect misconduct and stop it immediately. Your firewall should provide a complete overview of the activity and complete content information to see:
Threat activity for all users, strangers, networks, and devices
Where and when the threat started, where it is and on your extended network, and what it is doing now
Operating programs and websites
Communication between virtual machines, file transfers, and more

Flexible management and shipping options
Whether you are a small to medium or large business, your firewall should meet your unique needs:
Management of all usage cases - select from the box manager or the central control of all equipment.
Serve locally or in the cloud with a visible firewall
Customize with features that meet your needs open subscriptions for advanced skills
Choose from a variety of travel options

Quick time to find out
The current level of risk detection is between 100 and 200 days, which is very long. The next-generation firewall should be able to:
Get threats in seconds.
Detect the presence of a successful violation within hours or minutes
Prioritize warnings so that you can take immediate and accurate action to eliminate threats
Simplify your life by submitting an easy-to-maintain and straightforward policy by enforcing the default to your organization's different components.

Automation and product integration
Your next-generation firewall should not be a sent tool. It must interact with and work in conjunction with all other security building methods. Seamlessly integrate with other devices from the same vendor.
Automatically share threat information, event data, policy, and contextual information via email, the web, endpoint, and network security tools.
It uses security functions such as impact assessment, policy management and tuning, and user identification.

Posted in IT Infrastructure Transformation