A next generation firewall or NGFW is a network security device that filters traffic coming and going between networks. It checks if any anomalies try to slip in. With so many cyber threats waiting to launch an attack on unsuspecting users, it’s critical to prevent them before they can even start.
While firewalls have been a thing ever since the 90s, the rapid growth of technology also prompts cybersecurity firms to stay up to date and innovative. Back then, traditional firewalls were good enough for network security. For example, they had packet filtering. Meaning it inspects incoming and outgoing data based on set filters before letting it pass. It also used stateless or stateful inspection, which refers to how the firewall checks the data. And finally, VPN support, to keep a private network secure when connecting to a public network.
However, those features are simply not enough now. Organizations need stronger and more proactive security options like what a network firewall can provide.
Benefits Of a Network Firewall Security
A next generation firewall has advanced features that help elevate network security more than a traditional firewall does. In other words, it can do what a traditional firewall does and more. Here are some of its advantages.
Application Awareness and Control
One of the main differences between a traditional and next generation firewall is this feature. The former relied on common ports to identify which applications are running. It can only check specific ports, meaning it has limited coverage. However, an NGFW is not like that. It can detect the types of traffic going through. It can also identify applications without having to rely on the port number. Since it can go deeper than a traditional firewall, it can run more detailed scans.
Furthermore, it can also control the usage of these applications. It is not just limited to detecting them. The NGFW can identify the user and have controls set in place to regulate incoming and outgoing traffic. In other words, it knows who the user is, the application being used, and controls the amount of traffic going through based on the rules set.
Multi-functionality
As mentioned earlier, an NGFW can do everything a traditional one can and more. It’s an all-in-one solution. Aside from packet filtering, stateful inspection, and VPN, it also has deep packet inspection and an integrated intrusion protection system (IPS). It can also analyze the behavior of the traffic. Whereas if you only had a traditional firewall, you would need additional software or hardware installed just to have those capabilities.
Plus, an NGFW is not only limited to the Data Link Layer or the Transport Layer. It can work from layers 2 to 7 compared to a traditional firewall that can only work on layers 2 to 4.
Cost- And Resource-efficient
Because it’s multi-functional, upgrading your firewall to an NGFW is also cost-effective and resource-efficient. You can replace your firewall, IPS, and web security apps with only one product that can perform all their functions. As a result, upgrading costs far less than having to replace three different solutions.
Additionally, having a centralized network security system meant fewer maintenance costs—no need to purchase additional products. And you won’t have to worry about hiring specialists because one console can do everything.
Improved Overall Security
An NGFW’s advanced features make your private network more secure, both within and outside of it.
Application awareness makes scanning traffic much more thorough. The firewall can comb every possible checkpoint within the network to see if malicious activities are happening. Meanwhile, the IPS, a step-up from a traditional firewall’s IDS, can detect and block cyber attacks as well. It can also drop malicious traffic immediately and create event and IP logs. It can even block future traffic from suspicious sources.
Furthermore, these features are regularly updated, so the NGFW is always prepared for attacks.
Speed For the Network
Traditional firewalls can slow down the network speed because of the extra protection needed for devices within the network. The more protection services, the more it plummets once it reaches the users. But an NGFW does not impede it at all, no matter how strict the protection. It also helps identify applications that take up a lot of bandwidth. It decreases the need for more bandwidth and ups the network speed as well.
Upgrade To Sangfor Next Generation Application Firewall
You can never be too safe nowadays. According to a study, hackers attack every 39 seconds. And these attacks cost many companies millions of dollars. And ever since the pandemic, the FBI reports that the rate of cybercrimes increased by 300%, most of them being Covid-19 related phishing attacks.
Protecting your private network is a must that’s why upgrading your network security to an NGFW is crucial. And Sangfor is providing the ultimate solution: the Sangfor Next Generation Application Firewall (NGAF).
The NGAF is the world’s first AI-enabled NGFW that provides all-around protection for your network. It’s an easy-to-use security solution that will protect your organization from any kind of threat, whether they already exist or not yet. Upgrade to an NGFW now with Sangfor NGAF.