What are firewalls & how does it work to provide internet security?
Firewalls are key to network security, like the dedicated bouncers of our external networks (untrusted)/our internal networks/unknowable(we trust?). Think of a firewall as one such security checkpoint at the border that checks, filters and decides what kind if data packets are allowed to pass through it based on some defined set of rules. Firewalls are a lot like having your personal security guard attending the door to your network, making sure he doesn't let any weird folks inside but allows everyone you know and trust in.
What is a Firewall?
A firewall, at its most basic level, is a software or hardware device that sorts the information coming through Internet connections into groups and blocks different types of essential data. This keeps an eye on the data packets (data being transferred between a service and device is divided into smaller units called as data packet) over the network while scanning for any kind of threats. The criteria firewalls use to determine if traffic should be allowed, can differ based on the configuration such as IP addresses, domain names or protocols like port numbers and they also have different types servicing separate roles.
Types of Firewall
Packet-Filtering Firewalls; The most basic; makes decisions based on small packets (the protocol and port in source header) from predefined rules.
Stateful Inspection Firewalls; which monitor active connections and make decisions in real time on what is allowed with high degree of security.
Layer 7 Firewalls (NGFWs) – With more advanced capabilities like deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention and application-level control, these include the type features we need in order to start tackling the complex modern threats that are a mix of them all.
What purpose do firewalls serve in a network?
In the absence of firewalls, your network is open to attacks such as malware or phishing and unauthorized access. Traffic scans through this filter and all potential threats are blocked to protect businesses for safe operations. In other words, a firewall protects sensitive data in corporate environment as well as it does not allow malware traffic to pass through important resources.
Key Functions of a Firewall
Firewalls screen data packets for traffic, allowing or not on the basis of source address, destination address and type etc.
- Access Control: An access control device enforces policies that only allow parts of the network to be reached, gives permission based on user role.
- Monitoring and Logging: As mentioned, firewalls keep logs of network activities which can be used for User behavior analysis or search suspicious activity patterns.
- App Management: With an app-aware NGFW, these devices can control applications on the network using deep application-layer inspection and only permit specific apps to access the networks.
Snapshot of Cisco Firewalls and its Models
If you are exploring firewall solutions, Cisco provides many trustworthy and versatile options. Some of the Cisco firewalls popular for enterprise and small business setups include:
The entry-level model that chases smaller business (up to 50 employees) is the Cisco ASA5506-X, a new offering combined with security features built-in. This is part number ASA5506-K9, which provides lightweight intrusion prevention for low-bandwidth environments.
Cisco Firepower 1000 Series the example model is FPR1010-NGFW-K9: It gives superior risk protection approaching, app control what more URL flitering decomposition. This platform is an all-rounder for small to medium enterprises securing and management of data with ease.
Cisco Firepower 2100 Series (e.g., FPR-2130): This series is meant for larger networks that need higher throughput and advanced threat protection, such as what you'd find in a data center or corporate environment. It does so without sacrificing Security fast throughput of up to 9 Gbps ensures it is well equipped for demands from high traffic volumes.
All series of models can scale, with the more advanced features being available on higher series models. Now, these firewalls are not just about blocking — it is also intelligent filtering done by proactively managing threats.
Interesting Firewall Facts Beyond Cisco
When it comes to firewalls, they are not just limited to Cisco products and protocol signatures. Other brands have their own offering with unique features such as fall into the following categories:
Palo Alto PA-220: A known firewall which takes major steps in the department of enterprise security for small businesses where there is URL filtering, VPN, Malware protection etc.
Figure 1: Palo Alto PA-220
Fortinet FortiGate 40F: This device is known for being super fast and easy to use, yet packs an impressive array of security functions while scaling well with SD-WAN architecture; it's a great solution that can be used in multiple locations.
From managing a startup to a data center, there is always the right firewall. Now, as these models advance to become more sophisticated and efficient, organizations can dedicate their time into safe growthítitanmen.wpengine.com.
How to Select the Best Firewall for Your Company?
As you make a choice of firewall, keep in mind such things as size network to protect from the intrusion, budget and types DDOS known exploits. It has a simple, yet powerful feature set and is priced affordably for small businesses that want basic protection while still providing the functionality needed to keep larger organizations safe with advanced threat protection included. Also, the type of firewall — stateful inspection or next-gen should be according to your security requirement.
If you are a new small business, Cisco ASA 5506-X and FortiGate 40F could be great for you However, for organizations with sensitive data and intricate enterprise networking routes, Cisco Firepower 2100 or even some of the larger Palo Alto models may provide necessary firepower.
Figure 2: Cisco ASA 5506-X
Figure 3: FortiGate 40F
Figure 4: Cisco Firepower 2100 Series
In Conclusion… The Future of Firewalls.
You can expect firewalls to work in a different way as cyber threats morph. As they are now set to be more intelligent through AI and machine learning trickle down, firewalls retained their trademark complexity with the ability of responding immediately as threat emerges. Picture a stateful firewall that grows smarter with every new type of incoming threat and adjusts its own rules in contravention to those who seek harm—this is not too idealistic.
Firewalls are as important to any modern network, whether it be at a small business or corporate scale. You buy peace of mind — with models such as the Cisco Firepower 1010 or ASA 5506-X, you are not just buying security. So, are you eager to know best firewall for your use? Discover best-in-class firewalls prepared to serve your network across our product lineup.
