Any business leader needs to understand that network firewall security is critical for the safety and productivity of their company. Your business’ private network is protected from unauthorized access while allowing legitimate traffic to flow freely.
What is a network firewall?
A network firewall is a software and hardware technology that creates a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external one. This barrier controls network traffic flow and helps prevent harmful code and malware from infecting trusted systems.
How does it work?
When it comes to network firewall security, there are three key components:
- The network firewall is the hardware or software between your internal network and the internet (or other untrusted networks). It filters traffic based on defined rules and blocks or allows traffic as needed.
- The rule set is the instructions that tell the firewall what to do with traffic it receives. Rule sets can be very simple or complex, depending on your organization’s needs.
- The management interface is how you (or your IT staff) interact with the firewall to create and edit rules, view logs, etc. Most firewalls today come with a web-based interface that can be accessed anywhere.
The firewall inspects each incoming and outgoing data packet and compares it to the rule set. If the box matches a rule that allows it, the firewall forwards it. If the package doesn’t check any permitted rules, the firewall drops it.
Why do businesses need network firewall security?
There are many reasons why businesses need network firewall security, but here are just a few of the most important ones:
1. To protect your network from external threats
One of the most important reasons for implementing a network firewall is to protect your internal network from external threats. By filtering traffic at the perimeter of your network, you can keep out harmful code and malware that could otherwise cause serious damage.
2. To control access to your network
Another important reason for using a firewall is to control who has access to your internal network. With a properly configured firewall, you can allow only authorized users to connect to your network and keep out anyone who should not be there.
3. To improve network performance
In addition to security, another important benefit of using a firewall is that it can help improve your network’s performance. A firewall can help reduce congestion and improve overall throughput by carefully controlling traffic flow.
4. To comply with regulatory requirements
In some industries, compliance with regulatory requirements is a key driver for using a network firewall. For example, many banks and other financial institutions are required by law to implement firewalls as part of their overall security posture.
5. To save money
Finally, it’s worth noting that properly implemented network security can save you money in the long run. By preventing attacks and data breaches, you can avoid the costly cleanup and recovery process that would otherwise be necessary. A firewall is a critical component of a business’s network security strategy, and there are many good reasons to implement one. If you’re not already using a firewall, it’s important to understand how they work and why you need one. Now that you know the basics of a network firewall and why you need it, see below the different features and factors to consider when buying it:
1. Hardware or software
A firewall can come from either a hardware appliance or a software program. The two can also be combined as one single unit. But each has its advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before making a decision:
Advantages of hardware firewall:
- They can provide a high level of security as they work independently from the rest of the network. They are easy to manage as they come with their management interface.
- They can be more effective at blocking traffic by inspecting traffic at a lower level.
Advantages of software firewall:
- They are usually cheaper than hardware firewalls.
- They can be installed on any device, including laptops and smartphones.
- They are often easier to configure than hardware firewalls.
2. Layer 2 or Layer 3
When shopping for a firewall, you’ll also need to decide whether you want a layer of two or three devices. Again, each has its advantages and disadvantages:
Benefits of layer two firewalls:
- They can protect against denial of service (DoS) attacks.
- They can be used to segment a network into different zones.
- They can be used to create a DMZ (demilitarized zone).
Advantages of layer three firewalls:
- They can provide better protection against certain attacks, such as spoofing.
- They can be used to route traffic between different network segments.
- They can be used to implement Quality of Service (QoS) policies.
3. Application-level or network-level
When choosing a firewall, you must decide whether you want an application-level or network-level device. Each has its advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of application-level firewall:
- They can protect against a wider range of attacks.
- They can be used to control access to specific applications.
- They can be used to implement content filtering and other types of traffic shaping.
Advantages of network-level firewall:
- They are usually more efficient at handling large volumes of traffic.
- They can be used to segment a network into different zones.
4. Static or dynamic
Finally, it would help if you decided whether you want a static or dynamic firewall.
Advantages of static firewall:
- They are usually more secure as they are less susceptible to configuration errors.
- They can be easier to manage as they require less frequent updates.
Advantages of dynamic firewall:
- They can provide more flexibility as they can be easily reconfigured.
- They can be more effective at blocking traffic as they adapt to changing conditions.
Wrapping Up
A network firewall is critical to any business’s network security strategy. Many different types of firewalls are available, each with advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a firewall, you must consider your specific needs and requirements. Consult Sangfor Technologies for more information. It is the leading global provider of network security and cloud security solutions. We provide a complete range of products and services to help businesses keep their networks safe from external threats. Our products include a firewall, a virtual private network (VPN), and more.