Identifying the types of firewalls to secure sensitive data is currently one of the most difficult tasks that businesses confront. In many circumstances, it is nearly impossible to make an affirmative option capable of addressing all of the corporation’s needs and demands.

After all, there are various sorts of protection that may be given to a business, each with its own set of requirements. To avoid having to deal with this type of uncertainty again, go over all of the information in this article and figure out the major solution.

What are and what types of firewalls?

Before learning about the various of firewalls, it is important to understand that they are security systems that serve a critical role in protecting computer networks and systems from attacks and illegal access. 

They serve as a firewall between a trusted network (such as a corporate LAN) and an untrusted network (such as the Internet). A firewall’s primary role is to manage network traffic by allowing or denying data packets based on established security criteria.

There are numerous types of firewalls available today, since they are always being developed to provide virtual security. Furthermore, each of them serves a distinct purpose, emphasizing the need of data security. Check out the highlights below.

1. Packet-filtering firewalls

Packet-filtering firewalls are security systems that analyze data packets entering and departing a network in accordance with specified rules such as source and destination IP addresses, communication ports, and protocols. 

They serve as a protective barrier, allowing or blocking traffic based on certain rules, so protecting the network from threats and unwanted access. These firewalls are effective in controlling network traffic, but they do not inspect packet contents, instead concentrating on data headers.

2. Circuit-level gateways

Circuit-level gateways, also known as level-4 gateways, are network devices that operate at the OSI model’s transport layer (layer 4). They act as intermediates between multiple protocols or networks, converting level 4 information such as source and destination ports between different communication protocols. 

These gateways are frequently used to allow communication across networks that use various protocols or to translate network addresses. They serve a crucial role in heterogeneous network system connection and interoperability.

3. Stateful inspection firewalls

Among the types of firewalls, we have stateful inspection firewalls, also known as stateful firewalls, are network security systems that operate at the transport layer (layer 4) of the OSI model. They actively monitor the state of network connections, which means they maintain track of established connections and can make decisions based on the communication context. 

This enables these firewalls to determine if a data packet is part of an existing connection or a new connection request. The capacity to discern between genuine connections and fraudulent access attempts makes firewalls better at filtering traffic. Because it can detect and block aberrant traffic based on connection history, this functionality is notably valuable in preventing denial of service (DDoS) attacks and session state attacks.

4. Application-level gateways

Application-level gateways are network devices or systems that operate at the OSI model’s application layer. They play an important role in bridging various application protocols, allowing effective communication across diverse systems.

These gateways are in charge of translating application-level data between protocols, ensuring that apps on various networks can connect without issue. They can conduct protocol conversion, data format adaptation, and command translation, allowing for interoperability.

5. Next-gen firewalls

Finally, next-generation firewalls, abbreviated as NGFW, are advanced network security systems that provide capabilities beyond those provided by classic packet filtering firewalls and stateful firewalls. They operate at higher layers of the OSI model, often at the application layer, allowing for more granular network traffic analysis.

Rather than focusing solely on ports and protocols, these firewalls may recognize and regulate specific programs operating on the network. They are capable of enforcing application-based security policies, monitoring network activity, and providing advanced capabilities like as intrusion detection, threat prevention, content filtering, VPN (Virtual Private Network), and virus protection.

Pros and cons of each type of firewall 

Although firewalls function admirably in terms of user and company security, they may offer both advantages and problems. See what they are down below.

Packet-filtering firewall

It is worth noting some of its primary advantages: 

• It is possible to filter traffic throughout the entire network with just one device;
• Its efficiency and speed contribute to the processing of packages.
• Filters protocol headers to enable complicated security policies.
• Low purchase price;
• Other resources, network performance, and end-user experience are unaffected.

Its shortcomings are as follows:

• Unable to filter the application layer;
• Other firewall options’ context is limited;
• It can be tough to configure securely.
• It lacks functionality such as user authentication and registration.
• It is vulnerable to spoofing attacks.
• Access control lists can be challenging to set up and manage.

Circuit-level gateways

This firewall’s benefits include: 

• Providing anonymity for data entering and departing a private network;
• More efficient traffic processing than application-level gateways;
• Low purchase price;
• Simpler to set up and administer;
• End-user experience has little impact.

Its shortcomings include: 

• Protecting network arrays rather than individual packets;
• A change to the network protocol stack is required.
• It lacks the capacity to filter content.
• It must be used alongside other firewall technologies.
• Application layer monitoring is not included.

Application-level gateways

The benefits of this firewall include:

• The ability to detect and block attacks that are not evident in the OSI model network or transport levels.
• Hides private network data; 
• Protects user anonymity; 
• Enables more precise security measures.

In terms of drawbacks, we have:

• Configurations that are complex and tough to maintain;
• High processing overhead; 
• The requirement for a proxy for each application on the network; 
• It may have an impact on network performance.

Stateful inspection firewalls

We have the following benefits for this form of firewall:

• Capability to prevent numerous forms of attacks that exploit protocol flaws;
• The ability to operate with fewer open doors, hence lowering the attack surface;
• Capability to defend against many sorts of denial of service attacks.

We can discuss the following disadvantages:

• It is possible that your security configuration will necessitate a high level of experience.
• There is no support for authenticated connections.
• Ineffectiveness against stateless protocol exploitation; 
• High processing overhead.

Next-gen firewalls

We have the following advantages: 

• Providing typical firewall capabilities mixed with other security-oriented tasks such as intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), advanced threat intelligence, malware scanning, and so on;
• Monitoring network protocols from the data connection layer to the application layer is possible;
• Provision of significant registration resources;
• It is possible to process network traffic more efficiently than when a firewall is combined with IDS/IPS and virus scanning.

Concerning its drawbacks:

• Because security functions have been consolidated, NGFW now has a single point of failure;
• A significant initial investment in resources is required for its acquisition, configuration, and execution;
• Depending on the architecture, it may necessitate more intensive processing;
• Not all organizations will require the features provided by an NGFW;
• It has the potential to degrade network performance;
• Costs more than other firewall choices. 

How can knowing what types of firewalls help with security?

Knowing what types of firewalls exist can greatly improve security since you will be able to select the solution that best meets the needs of your network and systems. Firewalls serve an important role in defending networks and systems from security threats, and different types of firewalls have varying capabilities and usefulness.

The sort of firewall you choose will be determined by the specific needs of your network and the degrees of protection you desire. To increase multilayer security, a combination of multiple types of firewalls is frequently utilized. Additionally, to guarantee your network is properly protected, keep your firewalls up to date, establish suitable rules, and regularly monitor traffic.

Learn about firewall delivery methods

In addition to firewall kinds, the firewall delivery mechanisms should be mentioned. They are in charge of outlining how this form of security will be delivered. They are classified as follows:

• Software firewalls
• Hardware firewalls
• Cloud firewalls

Software firewalls are any sort that is installed on a local device and does not rely on a separate component, such as a cloud server, to function. To intercept data packets, hardware firewalls require a physical device to act as a traffic router. Finally, cloud firewalls are those that have a virtual anchorage with cloud programs rather than a physical one.

In doubt about the firewalls? Tracenet can help

Without a question, determining the best types of firewalls for your company is a critical mission. As a result, Tracenet may be able to provide the solution you seek. It is feasible to supply more protection for your company’s data and systems by utilizing a specialist and high-quality solution.

Tracenet can protect intrusion prevention systems, application awareness, error tolerance, WAN failover, SD-WAN, and support anytime it is required. Customers will be more satisfied and your brand’s credibility will be maintained if your corporation’s sensitive data is protected.

Firewalls defend privacy, confidentiality, and data integrity while also blocking cyber threats such as denial of service attacks, malware, hacking attempts, and vulnerability exploitation. So, begin investing in this vital resource.