What is a firewall? – type, how it works, advantages

In today’s connected world, where the internet plays an important role in our lives and business, keeping our digital assets safe is of the utmost importance. An important part of a strong network security strategy is a firewall. This article provides an overview of firewalls, their types, how they work, and the benefits they provide in securing your network.

Definition of Firewall

A firewall is a security device in the network that acts as a barrier between the internal network and other networks such as the Internet.
Its main purpose is to monitor and control the incoming and outgoing network according to the security rules. By enforcing these rules, the firewall helps prevent unauthorized access and protect the network from threats such as malware, hackers, and unauthorized information.

Firewall Types

There are many types of  firewalls, each designed to provide a specific security function:

1) Packet Filtering Firewall:

This type of firewall inspects data packets as they pass through the network. It filters packets based on predefined parameters such as destination and IP address, port and protocol.
Packet filtering firewall is usually the first line of defense and effectively blocks certain types of network connections.

2) Stateful Firewall:

Stateful firewall operates at the network layer and monitors the status of network connections. They not only examine individual packages, they also examine the entire link and its contents. By maintaining visibility into connection status, firewalls can make more informed decisions about allowing or blocking traffic.

3) Proxy Firewall:

A proxy firewall that acts between internal and external networks.
They receive network requests from internal users and forward requests to other networks on their behalf. Proxy firewalls can provide additional security by inspecting and filtering network traffic at the application layer. They also provide features such as caching, content filtering, and authentication.

4) Next-Gen Firewall:

Next-generation firewalls combine firewall functionality with advanced features such as intrusion prevention, deep packet inspection, application awareness, and user authentication. These firewalls provide greater control over network connections and better protection against threats.

How Firewalls Work

Firewalls work by analyzing network traffic and using predefined rules to decide whether certain packets should be allowed. The process usually includes the following steps:

Packet inspection: The rocket inspects the packet by analyzing its head and payload. They analyze information such as location and IP address, port and protocol type.

Policy Analysis: Rocket compares the properties of the package with a predefined protocol.
These rules define which packets can pass and which should be blocked.

Access Control: Depending on the analysis of the rules, the firewall is allowed to continue or block the packet. If the packet is allowed, it will be sent to the requested destination.

Benefits of Firewalls

Using firewalls in network infrastructure has several advantages:

Network Security: Firewalls play an important role in protecting networks from illegal, external threats, and violent acts.
They act as a barrier and filter out dangerous vehicles, reducing the risk of crime.

Traffic Control: Firewalls allow organizations to control and monitor network traffic. They can define rules that restrict access to specific websites, processes, or specific IP addresses, ensure compliance with security regulations, and prevent abuse of network use.

Application Protection: Some firewalls provide application layer scanning and filtering to prevent certain application attacks and vulnerabilities. These features help mitigate the risks associated with emerging threats targeting specific software applications.

Remote Security: Firewalls can be used to create secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections. This allows remote workers to securely access network services while maintaining privacy and integrity.

Conclusion

Firewalls are an important part of network security strategy. Firewalls provide an effective way to protect networks from unauthorized access and potential threats by monitoring and controlling network connections.

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