In 2023, more than 48% of small and mid-sized enterprises will face a cybersecurity breach. Around 23% of businesses claim that they have experienced more than one breach incident in 2023. These are just some of the massive cyberattacks that happen every single minute. All this leads to is having a robust cybersecurity ecosystem in place to protect your digital assets. This blog will discuss two major defense mechanisms you must deploy intelligently to manage all potential cyber risks. Remember that the goal of any cybersecurity measure is not to eliminate all risks but to manage risks rationally at an acceptable level. What is a Firewall?A firewall is a computer network security system or a gateway that regulates and controls the entry and exit of internet traffic. These are crucial security architecture components that prevent malicious activities or application-layer attacks. The term ‘firewall’ stems from physical walls constructed to slow down or prevent fire spread until the emergency fire extinguishers are rescued. So, it’s a wall constructed for web traffic management intended to slow down the spread of online threats. Firewalls act as checkpoints that guide web traffic through specific paths, checking the traffic based on preset rules. Some firewalls also keep logs that record which connections were allowed or blocked for future reference.Firewalls are generally gateways or borders to a private network or its host devices. These barriers are usually placed in two spots: on special network computers or directly on user devices (hosts).Types of FirewallsLet’s learn about the different types of firewalls:Hardware-Based FirewallsHardware firewalls are installed on specialized devices in your network rack. These devices use firmware to create a barrier between the internet and on-premises systems, filtering inbound traffic to block malicious attacks.They inspect traffic entering and leaving the network, blocking IP addresses and unauthorized traffic.Some solutions are more advanced, such as blocking unused ports to prevent data exfiltration. Hardware firewalls range in size from desktop units to server-room models. Stateful models offer extra features, like deeper analysis of data packets.Software-Based FirewallsSoftware firewalls offer the same protection as hardware firewalls but don't need extra equipment, as they run on network devices. For example, Microsoft Windows and macOS have built-in firewalls for internet security.Users can install software firewalls on individual workstations or servers for network-wide protection. They provide detailed security for each device, not just the network edge. They are easy to install and don't require specialized technical skills.Cloud-Based FirewallsSoftware and hardware firewalls protect on-premises devices from external threats. Cloud firewalls, or Firewall-as-a-Service, work differently as they exist in the cloud without requiring extra hardware or software.Cloud firewalls mainly protect cloud assets like SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS while extending protection to on-premises servers and remote devices by monitoring traffic and blocking attacks through cloud-based applications.How do Firewalls Work?Firewalls filter traffic using pre-set or dynamically learned rules to allow or deny connections. They regulate web traffic through your private network and devices based on the following factors:Source: Where the connection is coming from.Destination: Where the connection is going.Contents: What is the connection trying to send?Packet Protocols: The communication language used, primarily TCP/IP, for internet and intranet communication.Application Protocols: Common types include HTTP, Telnet, FTP, DNS, and SSH.IP addresses and ports identify the source and destination. IP addresses uniquely identify devices, while ports indicate specific purposes for connections. Uncommon or disabled ports can raise security concerns.Using these identifiers, firewalls can discard or forward a data packet.Types of Network Protection TechniquesNetwork protection techniques maintain the security, stability, and performance of personal and organizational networks. Let’s learn some of the types of these protection techniques below!Intrusion Detection System (IDS)An intrusion detection system (IDS) monitors network traffic for malicious activity and sends alerts when detected. It checks for policy violations or unauthorized access and records incidents via a central SIEM system or notifies an administrator.Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) log observed events, notify security administrators, and generate reports. IPS can also actively prevent threats by using various techniques, such as blocking attacks, adjusting the security environment, or modifying the attack's content.Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)A VPN hides your IP by redirecting it through a remote server run by the VPN host. This makes the VPN server the source of your data, preventing your ISP and third parties from seeing your online activity. It also encrypts your data, making it unreadable to anyone who intercepts it.EncryptionEncryption scrambles data so only authorized parties can read it. It converts readable plaintext into unreadable ciphertext using a cryptographic key, a set of agreed-upon mathematical values between the sender and recipient.What are firewalls and network protection in Windows?In Windows Security, the "Firewall & Network Protection" section is a built-in feature of Windows that provides a user-friendly interface for managing firewall settings on your device. It allows you to monitor and configure how Windows Defender Firewall works with different network connections (Public, Private, and Domain networks).This tool provides:Real-time monitoring of network traffic.Control over firewall settings for Public, Private, and Domain networks.Options to allow or block specific apps from accessing the network.Information on current network connections and alerts about potential security issues.ConclusionFirewall architecture is a key security concern for businesses looking to protect their network perimeter and sensitive data. Choosing the right firewall depends on your infrastructure.Cloud-based firewalls are ideal for companies using SaaS and off-premises resources, while hardware and software firewalls suit those with on-premises assets. Hybrid solutions offer a mix of both.Next-generation firewalls provide enhanced security for organizations handling sensitive health or financial data. Lighter options, like packet filtering, work for less regulated environments.Assess your needs and integrate firewalls into networks using dual-homed, screened host, or subnet architectures for strong perimeter protection.Read Morehttps://devopsden.io/article/does-aws-certification-help-get-a-jobFollow us onhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/devopsden/
