Since the late 1980s, firewalls have been offering networks the first line of cyber defense. They have developed in response to application vulnerabilities, diversified malware, compliance obligations, risks linked with data breaches and loss, and a growing desire for optimized network performance. Today’s “next-generation firewalls” are advanced network security systems often known as Unified Threat Management (UTM).
4 Reasons Your Business Requires a Next-Generation Firewall
Definition of Unified Threat Management
At a basic level, firewalls curb unauthorized access to or from a private computer network. Often compared to the postal service, a traditional firewall looks at the address on the envelope and uses easy rules to determine what’s permitted and where it works. A unified threat management firewall implementation can view inside the envelope to check if it has destructive content. These firewalls are competent of:
Classifying Malicious Behavior
Offer visibility into dicey users and behavior, rejected applications, unusual payloads, and persistent threats.
Securing Network and Endpoint Correlation
Classification, unified detection, and reply to evasive or suspicious activity and threats
Using Dynamic Application Control Techniques
Correctly figure out and manage remote applications, fixes policies, and arms defenses dynamically.
Integrating a Full Suite of Threat Protection
Unified policies defend the whole attack continuum while easing administrative complexity.
UTMs defend against known and new dangers, render comprehensive network visibility and threat/traffic reporting. UTMs generally include a firewall, Virtual Private Network (VPN), anti-virus and intrusion detection/prevention, web filtering (to block problematic sites), SPAM blocking, and spyware protection. They also offer a more centralized approach to security management, decrease the costs linked with multi-system installation and maintenance, and render deep visibility and superior security.
Do You Know How to Maintain Your Firewall?
Firewalls often fall prey to a “set it and forget it” perception. Many users assume that after a firewall is fixed, their network will be safe indefinitely. Not only is this misleading, mismanaged, or misconfigured firewalls endanger both the web and end-user. According to Sophos’ next-gen firewall report:
1.More than 40% of network traffic is going unidentified.
2.Companies are dealing with approximately 10-15 infections per month.
3.It takes an average of 3.3 hours to recognize, separate, and remediate an infected desktop.
A firewall’s effectiveness ranges considerably sans consistent monitoring, with reported detection rates varying from 25 to 90% efficiency. Mismanaged firewalls can cause:
1.Outdated firewall rules, which allow unapproved access and a loophole for cybercriminals
2.Outdated security and intimidation outlines and firm/software updates
3.Characteristics that are disabled or improperly configured, forming gaps in protection
4.Improper firewall rule changes that can disrupt business applications
5.Non-compliance with the regime and industry regulations
Accomplishing Unified Threat Management
The value of firewall defense can’t be overstated. Doubled with a unified approach to threat management, firewalls prevent threats at the perimeter, defend end-users, and lessen security liabilities and lost time. The network security solutions are created around these considerations, highlighting:
1.24/7 firewall monitoring and remediation
2.Gateway anti-virus and spyware security
3.Deep packet inspection and intrusion detection and blocking
4.Optional VPN features to assist remote users or securely connect multiple sites
5.Proactive protection against internet-based threats, Trojans, worms, and other types of malware
6.Regular reports with an overview of firewall policy review; utilization; spyware, SPAM, and blocked sites; summary of attacks
The experts also render firm and hardware updates and replacements while ensuring that firewall rules are appropriately provisioned and that backups are configured.
