A firewall is a must-have for keeping your network secure. It monitors traffic and controls data flow based on set security rules.
It can be a software or hardware firewall and usually sits between trusted and untrusted networks.
Next-gen firewalls kick things up a notch with advanced features that go beyond what traditional firewalls can do.
What is a Next Generation Firewall?
Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) take network security to the next level.
It combines conventional firewall technology with other network device filtering functions, such as integrated intrusion prevention system, application control, and deep packet inspection (DPI).
These tools make it much better at keeping up with today’s cybersecurity threats.
What is NGFW used for?
NGFWs are a great tool for keeping your network secure and preventing advanced threats.
They protect against all kinds of attacks, like malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats, by identifying and blocking suspicious traffic before it gets in.
Plus, they give you more control over how applications are used on your network perimeter. You can allow or block certain apps, monitor their usage, and even set specific rules for how they’re accessed.
On top of that, many NGFWs come with built-in intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) that catch malicious activity in real-time and stop it on the spot.
It’s an extra layer of protection to keep your network safe and secure.
Differences of NGFW From Other Security Solutions
Next-generation firewalls do a lot more than just basic network packet filtering. Let’s take a look at how NGFWs stand out from other security solutions.
NGFW vs Traditional Firewall
NGFWs do everything traditional firewalls can, but they take it up a notch with features like application awareness, real-time threat detection, and advanced security tools.
They give you more protection and better control over your network traffic than traditional firewalls ever could.
NGFW vs UTM
Unified Threat Management (UTM) solutions pack multiple security features into one handy device—think antivirus, spam filtering, and web filtering all in one place.
They’re super convenient, but they don’t always offer the same detailed control over apps and threats that NGFWs do.
WAF vs NGFW
Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) are built to protect web apps from attacks by filtering and monitoring HTTP traffic between the app and the internet.
They’re great for safeguarding specific web apps, but they don’t provide the all-around protection that NGFWs offer for your entire network.
NGFW vs IPS
Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and NGFWs both help keep your network safe by monitoring and blocking malicious activity.
The difference? IPS works at the packet level, while NGFWs go a step further with deeper visibility into applications, making it easier to catch threats.
Proxy vs NGFW
Proxies work as go-betweens for clients and the internet, filtering requests and responses to add a layer of security.
They can be useful in some cases, but they usually don’t have the advanced features you’d find in NGFWs, like deep packet inspection or application control.
Things to Consider in an NGFW
Choosing the right NGFW for your organization comes down to your specific needs and network setup. Here’s what to think about when picking the best option for you.
Comprehensive Network Visibility
A next-gen firewall should give you a clear, full picture of what’s happening.
It helps you see threat activity across networks and devices, understand where a threat came from, and track active apps and websites in real time.
Quick Detection Time
It currently takes the industry around 100 to 200 days to detect a threat—way too long.
Luckily, a next-gen firewall can tackle evolving security threats in seconds, spot breaches within minutes or hours, and help you prioritize alerts so you can act fast to eliminate them.
Seamless Integration
A next-gen firewall should work smoothly with your other tools, share threat info automatically, and handle security tasks like impact assessment, policy management, tuning, and user identification.
Advanced Security and Breach Prevention
The main job of an NGFW is to keep your network and organization safe by preventing breaches.
It should have advanced features like fast malware protection, built-in IPS to catch sneaky threats, top-notch threat intelligence, and URL filtering to enforce your policies.
Flexible Management Options
Your next-gen firewall should fit your unique needs, offering customizable features, simplify security operations, and give you plenty of options for different throughput speeds.
Best Next-Generation Firewall: Fortinet FortiGate
If you’re looking for a top-notch Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW), Fortinet’s FortiGate series is hard to beat.
They’ve even been named a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Network Firewalls.
FortiGate combines strong performance, advanced security features, and user-friendly design, making it a great pick for businesses that want to level up their network security.
It has all the basics you’d expect from an NGFW, like application control, IDPS, and deep packet inspection. But what really makes it stand out is its AI-powered threat detection.
The FortiGate security fabric uses artificial intelligence to continuously analyze data across your network, spotting and responding to threats in real-time.
FortiGate also offers secure SD-WAN functionality, perfect for businesses managing multiple branches. It’s a solid choice for keeping your network safe and connected!
Firm up Your Business Network Security with FortiGate
Looking for reliable cybersecurity solutions with enterprise firewall capabilities? Partner with Spectrum Edge and get the best protection powered by Fortinet’s FortiGate series.
We’re a trusted distributor for Fortinet in Malaysia, offering security solutions that are built around your business needs. Let’s keep your business safe and connected—contact us today!