A firewall is a network security device that monitors traffic going in and out of your network. They essentially act as the first line of defence in your network security by establishing a barrier between your internal networks and external sources such as the Internet.
A strong firewall is essential for any business, no matter how big or small your organisation is. By monitoring and managing your network traffic, a firewall is able to detect and prevent hackers and malware from entering and damaging your company’s network. It is undeniable that a firewall security solution is important for every organisation. So, the question lies, how do you determine the best firewall for your company? In this article, we explore the different types of firewalls available so you can make an informed decision when looking for network security solutions.
1. Proxy firewalls
Proxy firewalls serve as the gateway from one network to another. They are implemented at the application layer via a proxy device. Here is a quick run-down of how proxy firewalls work:
- The connection is formed through the proxy firewall rather than an outsider directly accessing your internal network.
- The proxy firewall receives a request from the external client.
- After verifying the request’s authenticity, it will be forwarded to one of the internal devices or servers on behalf of the client.
- An internal device can also request access to a webpage, and the proxy device will send the request while concealing the identity and location of the internal devices and network.
Proxy firewalls protect the identity and location of your company’s sensitive information and resources by preventing a direct connection between your internal systems and external networks. However, a downside to proxy firewalls is their speed since the transfer process requires extra steps.
2. Stateful inspection firewalls
Stateful inspection firewalls are commonly referred to as the “traditional” firewall. Stateful inspection firewalls create a state table comprising of the IP source, IP destination as well as the source and destination port once a connection is established. Rather than relying on a set of hardcoded rules, this type of firewall develops its own set of rules dynamically to allow predicted incoming network traffic. Data packets that do not belong to a verified active connection are conveniently dropped.
In simpler terms, stateful inspection firewalls monitor all activity from the opening of a connection until it is closed.
3. Next-generation firewalls
Especially in recent years, firewalls have evolved beyond simple packet filtering and stateful inspection. To combat modern threats such as complex malware and application-layer attacks, many businesses are now implementing next-generation firewalls. These types of firewalls are deep-packet inspection firewalls that combine the features of traditional firewalls with other critical security functions such as integrated intrusion prevention, techniques to address evolving security threats, anti-malware, upgrade paths to include future information feeds and more.
Next-generation firewalls, in comparison to traditional firewalls, offer extensive application visibility and control, are able to discern between safe and dangerous apps, and prevent malware from accessing your network.
The best firewall for your business
So, what is the best firewall for companies in Singapore? There is certainly no one-size-fits-all solution to meet every business’s specific network security needs. Each type of firewall has its own set of pros and cons. However, with that being said, among the 3 types of firewalls mentioned above, next-generation firewalls are definitely an excellent choice, since stateful inspection and proxy firewalls may compromise your network’s performance.
As cyber-attacks evolve to become more complex, it is vital that your organisation is equipped with the appropriate security defences to protect your internal network from external threats. Next-generation firewalls are designed to overcome the limitations of traditional firewalls by combining the features of other types of firewalls into a single solution, without compromising on network performance. They are much more robust and offer a deeper level of protection than any other type of firewall.
Conclusion
If you are looking for firewall solutions in Singapore for your business, look no further.
TYPENT is a Fortinet distributor in Singapore offering the best next-generation firewall solutions. Fortinet’s Fortigate mid-range next-generation firewalls will be able to deliver improved visibility, multi-layered enhanced protection and high performance to guard against cyber-attacks.
What’s more, while a firewall is essential to another business, it is often a part of a larger cyber security approach. Here at TYPENT, we can create a cyber security strategy that is customised specifically to your business’s needs.
Safeguard your company’s network from cyber-attacks by contacting us today!
