A network-based firewall is a security device or software that acts as a defense tool, filtering the flow of network traffic from the internal network toward the external internet. It's like the security guard at the entrance of a building, carefully screening all those who try to get in. The firewall works exactly like a security guard, ensuring no unauthorized people get into the building freely. Therefore, it stops all unauthorized traffic from being transmitted through the network.How Network-Based Firewalls WorkA network-based firewall, by nature, is a virtual tool that protects your network against hackers' unauthorized access or other malicious attacks. In simpler terms, such firewalls monitor all incoming and outgoing network traffic and filter the suspected activity. Here is the process by which network-based firewalls function:Packet filtering: The firewall inspects the individual data packets of different transactions, checking source and destination addresses, protocols, and port numbers. It matches this information with predefined rules to determine whether to allow or block the packet. This is the most basic technique implemented in most firewalls, but it has weaknesses in detecting more complex attacks.Stateful Inspection: They keep a record of connection states by tracking all of the different pieces of network traffic using memory, remembering the context of each communication session. This enhances their ability to detect suspicious activity and may even find certain types of anomalies that simple packet filtering may miss. For example, a firewall is likely to sense a denial-of-service attack if it finds that many connection requests come from the same address.Deep Packet Inspection: Firewalls can read the payload of data packets, including headers. This makes identifying bad content like viruses, malware, or other application traffic possible. This may be considered very resource-intensive and is often applied together with other techniques.Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): Many network-based firewalls have IPS capabilities. IPSs can intercept and block attacks in real time even when they are not detected by other firewall features. This adds another layer of protection against advanced threats. Types Of Network-Based FirewallsFirewalls in a network are available in different types, each having a specific functionality and some positive effects on a network. Knowing the differences between the following types of network-based firewalls will help you find the best firewall suited for your network's special needs: Stateful Inspection Firewalls: They keep records of the status concerning connections inside a network, thus being able to trace and deny suspected activities. Stateful inspection firewalls are effective for denial of unauthorized access as well as different attacks.Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs): These represent advanced firewalls since they contain traditional firewall capabilities along with other features, such as deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention, and application control.Strong Safeguard against Most Threat Application Firewalls: These firewalls focus on protection for specific applications and services. It can examine traffic at the application layer to recognize and prevent attacks exploiting application vulnerabilities.Web Application Firewalls: WAFs are designed to guard web applications against known and unknown attacks such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, or any kind of malware. They can inspect web traffic and block malicious requests. Features And Benefits Of Network-Based FirewallsNetwork-based firewalls, also commonly referred to as perimeter firewalls, are one of the critical aspects of network security. Here are the key advantages that make them very important in protecting sensitive data and resources:Better security: All network-based firewalls are an excellent layer of security because they prevent illegitimate access attempts and attacks by other people. They also filter incoming and outgoing traffic by inspecting packets containing malicious data, which may have the opportunity to sneak unauthorized access to the network's resources.Flexibility: Depending on specific needs, various types and configurations of network-based firewalls are available. They are also easy to configure to accommodate security policies, such as blocking certain IP addresses, filtering traffic based on protocols, or applying an intrusion prevention system.Performance: The choice of a network-based firewall can impact a network's general performance. Different firewalls may incur more overhead compared to others, which again has implications for network speed and responsiveness. A firewall with adequate capacity to handle expected traffic loads must be selected without arresting the network from its full performance.Cost: The cost of a network-based firewall depends upon the features, capabilities, and size of the network for which it is used to protect. The long-term cost of owning should not be discounted; maintenance, support, and possible upgrades must be factored into the choice of purchase.Ease of Management: Network-based firewalls can be simple to administer or complicated and administrative. Hence, it is essential to select a firewall that will fit with the organization's resources. Challenges Of Network-Based FirewallsNetwork-based firewalls are effective security systems against external threats but pose several challenges. The biggest challenge, perhaps, is the possibility of performance bottlenecks. As network traffic builds up, firewalls will likely be flooded by this traffic, and delays and reduced performance are inevitable. The second challenge is that they cannot protect against internal threats, which comprise malicious insiders or compromised devices within the network. Third, the design and management of network-based firewalls tend to be complex, time-consuming and require highly technical knowledge and expertise.ConclusionNetwork-based firewalls play the most significant role in ensuring network security. As a vigilant watchdog that prevents unauthorized access and other malicious threats, they save networks from many cyberattacks like malware, viruses, or DDoS attacks. Strong network-based firewalls will, therefore, help enhance the organization's security posture, facilitate conformity with industry requirements, and protect valuable assets against potential breaches. Deployment and management of network-based firewalls require significant thought and care; however, building a layer of security within the network is paramount.Read Morehttps://devopsden.io/article/what-is-firewall-and-network-protection-in-azureFollow us onhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/devopsden/
