Firewalls are computer security devices that act as a protective barrier between a private computer network and the Internet. Their main role is to control and filter incoming and outgoing network traffic, in order to stop external attacks and unauthorized intrusions.
To put it simply, a firewall is a security gateway that monitors all data packets passing between a private network and the Internet. But how? It applies predefined security rules to authorize or block access to network resources such as file servers, applications and services. In other words, the firewall defines a security policy for the network, determining which types of traffic are authorized and which are blocked. For example, it can be configured to allow only HTTP and HTTPS traffic to authorized websites, while blocking all other types of unauthorized network traffic. However, there are many different types of firewall available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, we'll look at the different types of firewall and how to choose the best one for your business.
Firewall types can vary in terms of operation, location and functionality. Here is a brief description of some of the most commonly used firewall types:
Packet firewalls, also known as network layer firewalls, are the oldest type of firewall. They analyze every data packet that crosses the network and determine whether it should be accepted or blocked according to defined security rules. Packet firewalls are fast and efficient, but they offer no protection against more sophisticated attacks, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
Circuit firewalls, also known as transport-layer firewalls, offer more advanced protection than packet firewalls. They create temporary connections between remote computers, enabling data exchanges between them to be monitored and controlled. Circuit firewalls offer better protection against DDoS attacks, but can be slower than packet firewalls.
Proxy firewalls, also known as application-layer firewalls, are the most advanced and sophisticated type of firewall. They act as intermediaries between users and remote servers, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic to detect and block potential threats. Proxy firewalls are extremely effective, but they can also slow down Internet connections due to the time required to inspect each data packet.
Firewalls have evolved beyond simple packet filtering and dynamic inspection. Most of our suppliers, includingPalo Alto Networks, Juniper Networks and Fortinet, are now deploying next-generation firewalls to block modern threats such as advanced malware and application-layer attacks. These include intelligence-led access control with dynamic inspection, techniques to counter evolving security threats, geolocation-based URL filtering and more...
Choosing the best firewall for your business will depend on a number of factors, such as the level of security you need, the number of users, your budget and the complexity of your network infrastructure. Here are a few things to consider when selecting the best firewall for your business:
EVOK can help you choose the firewall that's right for you. In fact, we partner with a number of leading security vendors, including Palo Alto Networks, Juniper Networks and Fortinet. Our certified staff can put in place a security strategy that reflects the needs and constraints of your profession. Our equipment secures your applications, protects your identities, and detects and prevents advanced threats, even in encrypted traffic. They use cutting-edge technologies such as Machine Learning, which enables us to detect variations in threats, predict the next stages of an attack and implement protection in near-real time.
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