IT Security
The What, Why And How Of Firewall Security Software
By Cicy Mathew
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Overview
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Did you know that on average a security breach can cost a company up to $2.71 million? Despite knowing this, believe it or not, businesses are still facing breaches. Don't believe us? Open a new tab and search ' Security Breach ' in the news section, we'll wait. Surprised? Shocked? So were we at the sheer number of results!
It's no surprise that sound network security is the need of the hour, with Firewall Security Solution being a major player in the cybersecurity game. Firewall, while not being a joint venture between John Snow and Khaleesi to keep White Walkers (read zombies) out of Westeros, is actually primarily needed to secure a computer or network device from malicious incoming traffic. Digging a little deeper, in this article, you will learn what a Firewall is, the different types that exist, why it's needed and where it's going.
What Is Firewall Security Software (FSS)?
To understand what a Firewall security solution is, imagine a big bouncer at a nightclub who lets the cool people in and shows his game face to the creeps who want to slide in without an invitation. As a part of your company's network security plan, an FFS monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic on your network. While monitoring and auditing, it accepts, rejects or drops traffic based on a predefined set of security rules (read VIP guest list).
The Journey From Access Control Lists To Firewall Security
The Internet boom gave birth to a lot of opportunities and many problems as well. Between the 1980s and 90s, companies and universities realized the need to obstruct unwanted IP traffic with a barrier. The geniuses of that time came together and created the system of Access Control Lists (ACLs) residing on routers. ACLs are the more primitive versions of a Firewall that controls users' access to a specific list of IP addresses within the company network. For a while, things were good until intentionally unethical individuals found a way to work the system and break the ACL barrier. The inherent flaw of ACLs (ascertaining the websites | applications) gave birth to the more evolved Firewall security solutions!
How Does A Firewall Security Software Work?
To understand how a Firewall works, imagine that your company network is a hotel you run. The connected devices are the different rooms. General security protocols at a hotel allow guests with valid booking and documentation to stay at the hotel. To further strengthen your security, you make sure that even your staff can only access certain rooms, even within the hotel. For instance, F&B ((Food and Beverage) would have access to all dining and kitchen areas only, room service and support staff to certain hotel floors. In contrast, your guests will have access to only their rooms and certain common public spaces. This, in a nutshell, is the fundamental inner workings of a Firewall.
What Are The Different Types Of Firewall Security Software?
There are several major types of FSS that organizations can choose from:
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Proxy Server: Also known as an Application Firewall or Gateway Firewall, a Proxy Firewall Software is used as a check point to remove spam information at the application layer and protect the private network. It's essentially the security you encounter when you enter the office. The proxy server determines who and what can pass from the six-pack beefy professionals standing guard to the biometric swipe for entry.
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Packet Filtering: Packet Filtering Firewall, also known as Stateless Firewall, monitors individual packets that are out of the ordinary. Similar to a traffic cop pulling you over when you've gone over the speed limit
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Stateful Inspection: Stateful Inspection Firewall Security Software is like a silent spy. It monitors everything that is going in and out of the network and sends out instant alerts if it identifies anything fishy. This is similar to the entire traffic monitoring system set up on every road and junction. It sees all and flags violations in the system in real-time.
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Unified Threat Management (UTM): Because united we stand, a UTM Firewall Security Software combines the best features of several network security elements, including gateway antivirus, intrusion detection and prevention.
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Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs): As modern problems need modern solutions, the NGFW is programmed to defend the network against modern-day cyber threats like ransomware and malware.
Why Do Companies Need A Firewall Protection System?
Can you imagine a high-functioning organization running without any Internet and automation? Neither can we. #SayNoToTheDarkAges. As successful businesses and global internet connectivity go hand in hand, so does the genuine possibility of cyber threats and data theft. That is why organizations need an Internet Firewall security system to secure the internal network from unauthorized traffic. Good software Firewalls can do more than just put the brakes on hackers trying to go where they should not. To elaborate further,
- The anti-spam features of an FSS can thwart spammy messages that might contain viruses, threats and even the infamous emails from the Nigerian Prince (disclaimer - in no way do we at TechDogs believe that the country or its amazingly respectful People were involved).
- The content filtering feature ensures that employees follow the company's rules for Internet security and its usage by blocking websites that hinder productivity. Sorry, no Insta from 9 to 5!
Benefits Of Implementing FSS
We have already mentioned quite a lot of benefits of installing a Firewall Security Software. Here are some more:
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FSS can save your organization a lot of time and money by preventing cyberattacks on your private network and safeguarding your data.
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It filters authorized users and only allows information to pass freely between privileged users.
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In case of a security breach (both internally and externally), a software Firewall system will alert your IT team based on the security protocols defined (immediately or flagged to be reviewed later based on the level or type of breach).
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Using different protocols and predefined security rules you can monitor and record all activities within your network firewalls.
What’s In Store For Firewall Security Software?
ACLs led the way to First-Generation Firewall security and from there to the Next-Gen Firewalls that have redefined network traffic security as we see it today. Today's FSS are smarter, offering higher granular security support levels and are more application-aware, which makes them quite reliable against the modern app-centric cyberthreats. Integrating the current functionalities on the Next-Gen Firewall device to the ever-evolving complexities of networking will be a primary focus area in the immediate future and continuously redefine the identification of newer threats and risks to businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Firewall Security Software (FSS)?
Firewall Security Software (FSS) acts as a protective barrier for your company's network, akin to a vigilant bouncer at a nightclub. It monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic, deciding whether to allow, reject, or drop traffic based on predefined security rules. Essentially, it functions as your network's gatekeeper, ensuring that only authorized traffic passes through while blocking malicious attempts to breach your network's security.
How Does Firewall Security Software Work?
Understanding how Firewall Security Software works is akin to managing a hotel, with your network as the premises and connected devices as individual rooms. Just as guests require valid documentation to access certain areas within the hotel, devices on your network must comply with security protocols to access specific resources. The Firewall monitors and controls access, ensuring that each device can only interact with authorized resources, similar to how hotel staff access designated areas. This surveillance and regulation of network traffic form the fundamental workings of a Firewall.
Why Do Companies Need a Firewall Protection System?
In today's interconnected world, businesses heavily rely on internet connectivity for operations, making them vulnerable to cyber threats and data breaches. A Firewall Protection System is indispensable for securing internal networks from unauthorized access and malicious activities. Besides preventing hackers from infiltrating sensitive data, Firewall software offers additional benefits like anti-spam features to thwart malicious emails and content filtering to ensure compliance with company policies. Implementing Firewall Security Software not only safeguards data but also saves time and resources by mitigating cyber threats and enforcing network security protocols effectively.
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