What are Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) ? A look at NGFW in 2024 !
What is a Next Generation Firewall?
NGFW (Next-Generation Firewall) was first launched by Check Point Software Technologies in 1994. As for many companies, a firewall is a tool for security and nowadays NGFW is the only firewall that can deliver important security. It may also include some extra characteristics like( IPS) integrated intrusion prevention, application and user control and have additional deterrence powers as sandboxing.
NGFW can be organized deployed on the public as well as private cloud and on-premises at the branch offices as well as an interior portion barrier. The example of public cloud is Microsoft Azure, Amazon (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform whereas the example of private cloud is Cisco ACI and VMware.
Image Credit: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Next-generation-Firewall-NGFW_fig1_351637754
Next -Generation Firewall Definition as per Wikipedia: A next-generation firewall (NGFW) is a part of the third generation of firewall technology, combining a conventional firewall with other network device filtering functions, such as an application firewall using in-line deep packet inspection (DPI), an intrusion prevention system (IPS).
Some important others feature that Next-Generation Firewall include is as below mention:
- It has the (DPI) that means Deep Packet Inspection.
- One of the important characteristics is (IPS) Integrated Intrusion Protection System.
- Does not affect a protection schedule promoted on the performance.
- Have web Filtering.
- Antimalware, Antivirus and Antispam are also important features of NGFW.
- Has the very developed risk safety.
- Sandbox Integration.
- Has to focus on the attention on the application and control.
The benefit of Next-Generation Firewall
NGFW is very important and to know more of its benefits let’s understand the below point.
- DPI (Deep Packet Inspection): This features is most important for NGFW because it glances at the overall context of every individual packet as well it has many benefits such as it control the application, detect and prevent the threat etc. DPI also allow NGFWs to organize and regulate network traffic that is depends on user identity, application type or other norms, that permit the organization to distribute bandwidth resources more effectively and secure optimal performance for critical application.
- Have expanded policy control: It provides several benefits through which it is most beneficial technology in the entire cybersecurity.
- Low cost: Those companies want to enhance the essential security because they can integrate the job of firewalls, security applications into one solution, antivirus. NGFW can help the organizations meet regulatory compliance requirements by providing the necessary controls and visibility into network traffic. This can help avoid non-compliance penalties and the associated costs of audits, fines and remediation efforts. NGFW provide the many cost benefits and a strong return on investment for the organizations of all sizes.
- Have many functions: It consists of (IDS) and (IPS) which means integrated intrusion detection systems and intrusion protection systems that help to conduct the observation as well helps to enhance good data or content up to the application layer.
- Have improved the policy control: If in a market any application is launched and that is utilized by some companies that do not have a good experience doesn’t mean this application is not good for other companies. Herewith NGFW permits you to take the good side of the application and to be accessed by the employee and delete the bad side of the application.
- Application Awareness: As traditional firewalls filter traffic that is depends on IP addresses and ports, NGFWs can identify and control applications traversing the network, regardless to the port or protocol used. This regular visibility helps for better control over the use of particular applications and support to prevent unauthorized or malicious activities.
Difference Between Traditional Firewalls and Next Generation Firewalls
| S.NO. | Traditional Firewalls | Next Generation Firewalls |
| 01 | Across the network, it is eligible to regulate the traffic that permits it to arrive or escape a level. | It can regulate what a user is authorized to deliver and to obtain and as well it searches the identity of the particular business. |
| 02 | It is beneficial for IP Address, Port etc. all these traffic filtering’s. | It also supported all the traffic filtering like protocol-based, IP Address. |
| 03 | It does not endorse identity services and reputation. | NGFW helps to identify the services and the reputation. |
| 04 | Both the terms IDS and IPS that means Intrusion Protection System or Intrusion Detection System are Individually deployed. | Here both IPS and IDS has completely integrated that permits you to enhance the accomplishment to notify from all layers of the traffic. |
| 05 | It examines the application that is operating and the categories of attacks to regulate. | It provides the security policy and the attention for the application. |
Conclusion: It represents a significant evolution in the realm of network security, offering advanced features and capabilities beyond traditional firewalls. One of the main advantages of next generation firewalls consists of improved visibility into network traffic, better control over applications, and improved protection against a wide range of cyber threats
