What Is a Next-Generation Firewall?

A study conducted in 2021 on the future of the market estimates that the global NGFW market will grow by almost 4.69 billion dollars by 2023. The only reason why people prefer the next generation firewalls over the traditional firewalls is because of the complex cyber-attacks and hacking methods that are many times more secure than the earlier firewalls. The unmatched security offered by next-generation firewalls makes them popular among users.

What is a next-generation firewall?

In the manufacture of firewalls, both the earlier techniques of packet filtering and the techniques of the subsequent firewalls for status detection as well as the UTM devices in 2004 and the next generation are still used today.

The next generation firewall (NGFW) is a security device used between different digital networks. The networks can have different levels of trust that allow them to detect deep traffic and block attacks. The NGFW helps its users conduct business with high security as its application-level security is very effective.

How does the NGFW work in a network?

The Next Generation Firewall has a two-sided connection. On one side it is connected to the switch via patch cables and optical modules, while on the other side it is connected to the Internet to inspect the data transactions between the switches. NGFW, adjusts its deep packet inspection during the inspection to detect the noise on the seventh floor. It also checks the message load and monitors any malicious activity on the network with its Intrusion Prevention System (IPS). It also has a final checkmate position which is its perpetual threat intelligence that blocks malicious behavior and implements control.

What are the next generation firewall features?

NGFW is an amalgamation of a plethora of features that include the functions of traditional firewalls, such as packet filtering, NAT, VPN, state detection, etc. In addition, it also offers some advanced features such as Deep Packet Inspection, Application Awareness, Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) and External Threat Intelligence.

but also offers additional advanced features such as Application Awareness, Deep Packet Inspection, Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) and External Threat Intelligence.

- Application awareness:
Refers to a firewall's ability to examine information about connected applications to better utilize them.
- Deep Packet Inspection:
It offers an updated version compared to traditional firewalls. It analyzes the format of the data and checks whether it is in packet form or not.
- Intrusion Prevention System (IPS):
It checks the network for malicious activities and prevents them from spreading further.
- External threat detection:
It detects and blocks malicious behavior.

In addition to these functions, the Next Generation Firewall also offers some additional functions such as anti-virus/anti-malware protection. Sandbox integration can also copy an entire computer system to analyze the behavior of programs. It also examines their intended use. It uses web proxy and URL for detection.

Next generation firewall vs. traditional firewall, who wins?

Conventional firewalls control incoming and outgoing data traffic within the network. The NGFW, on the other hand, goes one step further and provides protocol inspection, intrusion prevention, application-level inspection and intelligence outside the firewall.

Here's a look at why people are choosing a Next Generation Firewall over a traditional firewall;

Advantages of using a next-generation firewall

First of all, the NGFW offers the highest level of network security compared to other conventional firewalls. Its application monitoring and management detects traffic on layers 2-7 and inspects the transmission for malicious activity. It also tracks the identity of the end user, keeping the network protected from evolving advanced threats.

Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) inspects the data in the packets and then compares it to other predetermined criteria. At the end, the packet data is reassembled to achieve a higher level of inspection.

NGFW offers a wealth of solutions that make security infrastructure, maintenance and updating easy to control, simple to use and more effective. This reduces the digital burden on the IT department.

Why do I need a next-generation firewall?

With each passing day, network security is becoming more complex, making traditional firewalls unable to cope with new network threats. Next generation firewalls provide a visualized display of external threats, making users more aware of their network defense and management. By recognizing the threat, the firewall becomes a fighter that protects the network environment. The NGFW is like a soul for the security of the current network environment.