2021-10-13 16:32:54
Next-Generation Firewalls(NGFW): As the threats increase, most of the bigger companies are going in for the next-generation Firewalls which provide far greater benefits of a Firewall. These NGFW types come with many high-end capabilities to provide top-end Firewall advantages to large organizations with a higher risk profile.
Software Firewalls: A software Firewall definition is that it is a software installed on a device without any additional hardware. This answers the question of what is a Firewall software as well. Is Windows Firewall enough might be a legitimate doubt regarding stand-alone or individual computers? While windows give some basic protection, the need for firewalls in the form of an anti-virus plus application is always there.
Hardware Firewalls: Hardware Firewalls comprise devices that act as the first line of defense to filter data packets before they arrive at the servers. The major disadvantages of Firewalls of the hardware type are that they are easy for insider attacks to bypass them and the hardware capabilities vary with each supplier.
These are some of the firewalls and their types. The type suitable for an organization has to be chosen after careful consideration of all factors including vulnerabilities.
3) Uses of a Firewall
The uses of a Firewall are numerous. Questions like what is the use of a forewall or what does a Firewall do or what is a Firewall and what is its function are only natural when some big investment is required.
A Firewall and its uses are given below for a better understanding.
The useful thing about a Firewall is that it prevents unauthorized remote access and remote control of your computer by a hacker for evil purposes.
Data security is ensured based on IP address and protocol.
It ensures continuity of operations and availability of information.
It blocks destructive or unsuitable or pornographic content.
It prevents ransomware, malware, and phishing attacks.
It shields older PCs with earlier versions of OS.
It is safer for online gamers.
The above points explain a Firewall adequately.
Components of a Firewall are packet filtering, application gateways, and logging, and detection of suspicious activities.
4) Advantages and Disadvantages of a Firewall
There are both advantages and disadvantages of a Firewall as is to be expected.
Advantages of Firewall
A Firewall prevents hackers and remote access.
It protects data.
It ensures better privacy and security.
It protects from Trojans.
A network-based Firewall, like a router, can offer protection to multiple systems, while an OS-based Firewall can protect individual systems.
Disadvantages of Firewall
Cost: Installation of a Firewall can be costly depending on the sophistication required.
Performance: This is affected as each packet has to be verified for authenticity before it is allowed into the network.
Virus and Malware: There are a few limitations in a Firewall like its inability to prevent virus and malware attacks for which separate applications would be required, at the individual system level.
A network-level Firewall might bring in a false sense of security in employees and make them slacken on securing individual systems. Companies need to make all employees understand the concept of a Firewall and the importance of a Firewall for information security and their responsibility.
Firewall maintenance and up-gradation require extra manpower and resources.
5) Functions of a Firewall
The main function of a Firewall is packet filtering. The other function is to act as an application proxy, commonly referred to as an application-level gateway.
Some other functions are Stateful Firewalls which are dynamic, stateless Firewalls, deep packet inspection Firewalls, management functions, and more depending on the role of Firewalls and what is the Firewall security level that is required for a company.
6) Features of a Firewall
A list given below answers the common query What are the features of a Firewall.
454 viewsRudra Jangra, 13:32
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