Firewalls are stalwarts in network security. They serve as a protective barrier between trusted internal networks and potentially hazardous external ones, such as the vast expanse of the Internet. Essentially, they act as vigilant gatekeepers, scrutinizing each packet of data attempting to traverse their domain. Let’s briefly discuss the diverse types of firewalls and their pivotal roles.
Types of Firewalls
Let’s go through a couple of the types of firewalls you can encounter:
- Packet Filtering Firewalls - These fundamental guardians inspect individual data packets, employing predetermined criteria like IP addresses, port numbers, and protocols.
- Stateful Inspection Firewalls - Unlike their packet-filtering counterparts, these firewalls keep tabs on active connections, analyzing packet context within ongoing sessions to bolster security.
- Proxy Firewalls - Acting as intermediaries, these firewalls relay requests between internal and external systems, concealing internal network details for added security.
- Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) - Integrating traditional firewall functions with advanced features like intrusion detection, application awareness, and deep packet inspection, NGFWs offer heightened control and efficacy against sophisticated threats.
Key Functions of a Firewall
Here are some of the most important functions a firewall performs.
- Access Control - Enforcing access policies, firewalls dictate which network traffic is permitted and which is blocked, thwarting unauthorized access to sensitive resources.
- Traffic Filtering - By scrutinizing network packets, firewalls sift out malicious or dubious content, including malware, viruses, and phishing attempts, while also thwarting unauthorized access endeavors like port scans and DoS attacks.
- Network Address Translation (NAT) - Many firewalls execute NAT, translating a local network’s private IP addresses into public ones visible on the internet, conserving IPv4 addresses and adding a veil of secrecy to internal devices.
- Logging and Monitoring - Firewalls diligently maintain logs of network activities, encompassing allowed and blocked traffic, security events, and policy breaches. Monitoring these logs empowers administrators to identify security breaches and proficiently manage network security.
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