Firewall: A Network Security System

Introduction

A firewall can be described as a network security system whose function is to control and monitor incoming and outgoing networks. A firewall is based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier securing an inner network from an outer network, for instance, internet. Network firewall is a software appliance running on hardware based firewall used to filter traffic on more than two networks. A layer of software protection is provided by a host based firewall on one of the hosts that is responsible for network traffic.  Routers are used to separate different broadcast domains and pass data between networks, these networks contain firewall components and also performs basic routing functions.

Types of Firewalls

Application-Layer Firewalls

Application layer firewalls are responsible for metadata as well as actual data transportation. They work on certain protocols such as HTTP and FTP, and look after the data for validation.

Packet filtering

Packets can be defined as small pieces of data traveling along the internet. Metadata is attached to each packet for the identification of the respective data inlet and outlet. According to the rules, some packets are rejected or dropped. All the firewalls have the ability to perform this activity known as network layering.

Stateful Packet inspection

It performs the track of connections in addition to simple packet filtering. A packet performs two functions, either it’s part of a new or existing connection or else it can be dropped.

Use of Next-generation firewalls (NGFW)

Next Generation Firewalls came into the picture due to some limitations in Stateful Packet Inspection as it does not inspect network packets containing data payload and also due to high network traffic, it uses web protocols, including business and non-business applications. New approaches have been added by security vendors, including deep packet and inspection intrusion prevention, for the detection of malware in network traffic. 

This can be a drawback too as these approaches add more and more devices that add latency, as these packets are passed from one appliance to the other. These devices should be configured in some unified threat management systems so that multiple functions can be handled in a single platform. NGFW helps address application awareness drawbacks and traffic inspection, without hampering performance.

Conclusion

There are several firewalls designed according to Internet-centric systems to meet performance and security requirements. It should be kept in mind that deploying a series of firewalls increases the difficulty of obtaining unauthorised access to sensitive resources on the Internet. At the same time, it increases the complexity and maintenance of infrastructure. Designing of networks depends on the nature of applications and risks being mitigated via security parameters around your servers.

Given the facts in this blog, it can be concluded that firewalls, being an important part of security, cannot be expected to perform all security function requirements in isolation.

Secure Your Enterprise with a NGFW for Best Results

With the internet being accessed by an increasing number of users, it has become imperative for a business to secure their IT network with more than just traditional firewalls. As an organization grows and the employees frequently use a varied number of tools and software, data health, security and compliance become a challenge.

The way people interact and conduct their official business is changing fast; the workplaces are no longer restricted to four walls or even a building. People need to access official IT resources as they work on-the-go. This often leads to applications (not designed for the enterprise) bypassing the traditional firewalls and entering a business network in spite of all measures being taken by the IT security professionals. This opens up the entire IT network to various cyber-attacks, posing risks as high as closure of business or legal suits. Hence, it is essential that business owners invest in efforts and technology that can safeguard their IT assets as per today's changing environment. A Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) is the apt solution to this concern.

An NGFW is a high-performance gateway security appliance that promises state-of-the-art fire walling, application controls and the prevention of unauthorized intrusion. Having a NGFW in place is the need of the hour to ensure best-in-class information security Irrespective of the industry type, or the size of the organization; a dynamic network security system is of utmost significance.

What A NGFW offers?

• Secures corporate internet traffic from hackers, network attacks, malware, unsafe intrusion attempts, data theft and other internet based crimes.
• A secure connection between offices at different locations, remote as well as virtual workforce.
• Transparency, visibility and control at the application level.
• Real time as well as historical visibility into the network, user events for security.

With a trusted Next Generation Firewall, businesses can rest assured that they have safeguarded their IT assets well, resulting in enhanced employee productivity. At the same time, they can ensure that there is least risk to their intellectual wealth and customer data. Businesses must safeguard their IT wealth by consulting and hiring a professional IT security services provider.

How Firewall Make Your Network Secure

Today the need for internet security has increased, thanks to the humongous amount of data being generated and stored online on a day-to-day basis. Organizations have even started using a modern web application firewall for protecting confidential data stored like client information, financial data, bank account details, medical histories, investment details and other significant data. As such most small and big companies today employ the latest unified threat management system to protect their confidential information.

A typical firewall is expected to do 3 things:

• It stores all data with multiple backups so that it can be recovered as and when the need for the same arises.
• It also encrypts the data in a safe and secure manner so that later can be safely stored, transferred or archived for further reference.
• It protects the data from being tampered or modified and unauthorized access with the help of passwords and other state-of-the-art security measures.

In addition to the above, companies also need to prevent from intruders, hackers and other unauthorized web access. This is done with the help of application control software that restrict entry to the systems for services which are not directly authorized.

To read more visit: http://daydaily.com/2013/01/29/firewall-network-security/

Difference Between Hardware Firewalls And Software Firewalls

There are basically two types of firewalls:- 1.hardware firewalls, 2.software firewalls.

1. It is a physical device that is located between networks connections and the computers that are    operating on the network.
2. It is also known as personal firewall as it can be installed in the personal computers as well for domestic use.

Some use both of these firewalls uniquely for both of them covers a blanket of protection.

A hardware firewall is used only if there is a use of more than three computers that shares a particular Internet connection for home or for business transactions. It acts as a barrier between the Internet and all computers that have an internet connection within them. Though it vary in prices then also they are very cheap than the software firewalls.

A software firewall can also be referred as a ”personal” firewall as it is very unique for protecting individual computers not depending upon whose network it is based on. One thing must be kept in mind that if there is use of a dangle in a personal computer or laptop then the use of firewalls is a must. It must be a first process of safety measures for computer security. What is most essential is that with the introduction of firewalls also the computer is not fully secured, the use of anti viruses and anti-spy work products must be installed for total protection.

Basic Difference:-

1. Hardware firewalls is basically used for large scale industries whereas Software firewalls is used mainly for small scale retail industries.
2. Hardware firewalls is basically a physical device located between the networks and the computers having internet connection. A Software firewalls is mainly installed in personal computers.
3. Hardware firewalls is most cost-effective and therefore they are easy to purchase whereas Software firewalls are relatively costlier.
4. Hardware firewalls is mainly designed to prevent the outside intruders for blocking and getting access in your network, Software firewalls is designed to prevent intruders also but its scope is limited as it is only for a personal computer.
5. Hardware firewalls use various techniques whereas Software firewalls have a limited technique.
6. Hardware firewalls can be bought individually irrespective of that the Software firewalls have to be bought with a computer or with a system.
7. A Hardware firewalls can separate a computer from its process and A Software firewalls helps to separate only a personal computer system.
8. Hardware firewalls is not as hard as the out-going traffic whereas Software firewalls is comparatively far harder.
9. Hardware firewalls  is good at blocking direct intrusions or any deactivating codes, and Software firewalls is used basically for detecting Trojans and email viruses.
10. Hardware firewalls  is much more protective than the Software firewalls.

Both these two types of firewall is used for protecting computers in a big scale industries or for personal computer process. It is used basically in computers but it is not so protective as use of antivirus is still required.