Network Firewall
Network Firewall
FIREWALL
WHAT IS A NETWORK
FIREWALL?
A network firewall is hardware or software
that restricts and permits the flow of
traffic between networks. Network
firewalls help prevent cyberattacks by
enforcing policies that block unauthorized
traffic from accessing a secure network.
HOW DOES A
NETWORK FIREWALL
WORK?
Firewalls examine data packets
traveling across the network and make
decisions based on predefined rules.
These rules dictate which packets are
allowed to pass through and which are
blocked.
TYPES OF FIREWALLS
Packet Filtering Firewalls:
Examines packets and filters them based on predefined
criteria.
Stateful Inspection Firewalls:
Keeps track of the state of active connections and
makes decisions based on the context of the traffic.
Proxy Firewalls:
Acts as an intermediary between internal and external
networks, inspecting and filtering traffic at the application
layer.
Next-Generation Firewalls:
Incorporate additional features such as intrusion
detection and prevention, deep packet inspection, and
application awareness.
IMPORTANCE OF
NETWORK FIREWALLS
Protecting Against Unauthorized Access: By filtering incoming traffic, firewalls prevent
unauthorized users from gaining access to the network.
Preventing Malware Infections: Firewalls can block malicious traffic, including malware,
viruses, and other threats, from entering the network.
Enforcing Security Policies: Firewalls help enforce security policies by controlling the
flow of traffic according to predefined rules.
Monitoring and Logging: Firewalls provide visibility into network traffic, allowing
administrators to monitor for suspicious activity and maintain audit trails.
BEST PRACTICES FOR
FIREWALL CONFIGURATION
Regular Updates: Keep firewall software up to date to protect against newly
discovered vulnerabilities.
Strong Rule Configuration: Define clear and concise firewall rules that align with
security policies and business requirements.
Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to isolate sensitive systems and
reduce the impact of a potential breach.
Monitoring and Analysis: Continuously monitor firewall logs and analyze network
traffic for signs of suspicious activity.
Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits to assess the effectiveness of firewall
configurations and identify areas for improvement.