As hackers become more skilled at circumventing traditional firewalls, next-generation firewalls have become an indispensable tool for halting them in their tracks and combating sophisticated, persistent threats such as malware. As a result, next generation Firewalls (NGFW) have become a powerful technology for safeguarding business networks against current internet threats in recent years.
In the modern-day, features offered by the best next generation firewalls include IDS/IPS, support for single-enterprise firewalls, web proxy and URL filtering, Web Application Firewalling, and virtual versions wherein companies can deploy within the cloud. But what features that Next-Gen firewalls are required to have this 2021 to keep up with the advancement of cyber threats? We listed seven unique features of modern next generation firewalls based on features offered by top cybersecurity companies this 2021.
1. Performance
Newer edge-focused technologies like zero trust, SD-WAN security, micro-segmentation, SASE, XDR, and 5G support are increasingly being augmented or integrated with standard Next-Gen firewalls feature like application and user control, intrusion prevention, deep packet inspection, sandboxing, and threat intelligence. The power of Next-Gen firewalls may be incorporated into next-generation cybersecurity frameworks, just as they have acquired features that were formerly separate devices.
2. Sophisticated application and web control
The Internet has come a long way. It currently offers apps that allow individuals to connect with Web 2.0 services such as collaborative document production, social networking, video conferencing, cloud-based storage, banking, and much more. However, organizations must manage website traffic and regulate the applications their employees use and how they use them. NGFWs give you the insight and control you need to securely manage the growing number of online applications and web traffic utilized in today’s industry.
3. Third-party security product integration capabilities
Applications, information, and user interaction are all part of today’s internet experience. Cyber-attacks have gotten increasingly complex as network access has advanced. Targeted and customized attacks are increasingly defeating established defences. Traditional routers and firewalls are no longer capable of safeguarding Enterprise networks from various external and internal attacks that put company security at risk.
To address these issues, Next-Gen firewalls need to be combined with their threat management features into a third-party security device to improve the security of corporate communications. Multiple threat detection and prevention capabilities have now been integrated into a purpose-built system that enables single-pass low-latency network traffic inspection and protection.
4.Comprehensive threat protection
The fundamental transition to sophisticated application use has resulted in an online experience from which enterprises may substantially benefit. There’s more efficiency, better cooperation, and new methods to handle client interactions today. However, this has increased security concerns. The fast development of new services has brought unknown cyber risks, and business data is potentially exposed, which is why it is required for security systems to identify and neutralize the ever-increasing spectrum of threats.
Next-Gen firewalls today use specialized multi-core CPUs tuned for single-pass low-latency performance to deliver complete threat prevention in a fully integrated security platform. In addition, they rely on security engines and threat signature databases from industry leaders, updated regularly to provide the most up-to-date protection against cyber assaults.
5. Advanced user connectivity
Modern Next-Gen firewall is a robust, fully integrated solution that inspects and protects corporate data to provide a safe online experience. They also offer extensive user connection via remote Virtual Private Network (VPN) access, complex routing capabilities for Internet gateway applications, and robust resilience features for “always-on” Internet connectivity. Thanks to these extensive feature sets, Next-Gen firewalls are a complete integrated solution for safe Internet access.
Secure remote VPN access
Modern Next-Gen firewalls enable secure remote access, allowing employees to access all of their company resources on or off the premises. As a result, employees have the opportunity to work from home in a safe environment. By encrypting communication, an SSL VPN establishes a secure tunnel over the untrustworthy and insecure Internet. Clients then need to install the OpenVPN client on the computer, tablet, or other mobile devices. In addition, SSL VPNs are compliant with virtually all network security rules, making them an excellent choice for travelling employees who may need to access the corporate network from various public networks.
Site-to-site VPN connectivity
An IPsec site-to-site VPN may securely connect one or more branch offices to a central office, saving money on leased lines and ensuring that all employees have access to the corporate network.
6. Powerful centralized management
Next-Gen firewalls offer comprehensive security and connectivity capabilities that work together to safeguard business networks and users. In addition, Next-Gen firewalls enable completely automated configuration, backup, and recovery, as well as visible dashboard monitoring and response, to guarantee Enterprise organizations never lose access to their online resources and applications.
Management and monitoring
An industry-standard Command Line Interface (CLI) and a Graphical User Interface (GUI) with a dashboard for monitoring and visual quick-start setup are provided by Next-Gen firewalls security solutions. Customizable dashboard widgets provide meaningful reporting by displaying status and traffic statistics at a glance and the top 10 apps and categories utilizing firewall bandwidth. In addition, a uniform approach to policy management is provided through the graphical setup of security zones, networks, hosts, and firewall rules to govern traffic.
7. Additional features such as application visibility and cloud protection
Next-Gen firewalls continue to react to this need by delivering Firewalls as a Service (FWaaS) and cloud support to SMBs and corporate companies creating an architecture based in the cloud. As a result, many of the same Next-Gen firewall functionalities today are available in a scalable, user-friendly environment with FWaaS.
Get Your Organization the Latest NGFW Technology Today
Malicious emails, phishing scams, and other content-based attacks can be challenging to detect. Fortunately, many Next-Generation Firewalls suppliers provide the threat prevention features that IT Security professionals of today require.
Next-Gen firewalls are today’s robust, adaptable, and careful firewalls, and an increasing number of them live and function fully in the cloud. Moreover, Next-Gen firewalls go beyond being the first security line by including application and identity awareness, DPI, IPS, sandboxing, encryption, and threat intelligence. As a result, with Sangfor Technologies, the NGFW’s to-do list is longer and more critical than ever before.
