Changing the network security situation: why not find the next-generation firewall?

Changing the network security situation: why not find the next-generation firewall?

The next generation firewall provides many new features, but how to add the next generation firewall to the security product components is worth considering ......

 

In the information security field, Next-generation firewall (NGFW) is currently very popular. Manufacturers are clamoring to use new enhanced products to gain a firm foothold in the enterprise and promise that new products can bring more intelligent awareness to network security. Network experts believe that some key problems should be solved before the first next-generation firewall (NGFW) deployment project is launched. These problems include the principle of deployment technology, the deployment location that can benefit the most, and the performance suitable for specific environments.

Migrating from niche products to next-generation firewall (NFGW)

Currently, many organizations use different technologies in their security environments and focus on a specific component in their security policies. For example, network security services are often used in the form of firewalls, intrusion detection and defense systems, network access control, and data loss prevention services. How to manage and monitor these independent systems is a challenge for enterprises to select the most appropriate product in each category.

The next generation firewall can integrate many different security technologies on a single device. The network security feature integrates Desktop Security, content filtering, and other components of the security infrastructure. This provides a single management interface for network administrators to monitor multiple systems. More importantly, these functions can share threat and asset information. The real value of the Next Generation firewall (NGFW) is its unified monitoring, which provides administrators with a clearer view of enterprise network security.

Deploy the next-generation firewall to the network

Of course, the advantages of the Next Generation firewall are also costly. Compared with other technologies, the next-generation firewall has a higher price. Network experts think that the deployment location should be carefully considered before deploying the next-generation firewall, and how to maximize network security of the next-generation firewall. For example, deploying the next generation firewall on organizational boundaries may not be cost-effective. On the contrary, deploying the next generation firewall on the internal network level may produce the greatest value.

In most organizations, the first task of deploying next-generation firewalls is to protect services exposed on the Internet. Devices such as Web servers and email servers that allow public access face the greatest risk of attacks. Therefore, these devices should be the most protected by the next generation firewall. For this reason, any external network (DMZ) is the best candidate for next-generation firewall protection.

Once the external network (DMZ) is protected, you can consider switching to other high-value network segments. Are there any users of specific categories facing greater risks? Or are they facing greater security risks due to the type of data they process or their activities? For example, a network segment containing a credit card POS terminal is an excellent place for the next-generation firewall technology deployment. When threats (such as BackOff malware infected with POS) Come, it can provide quick response.

Select next-generation firewall Performance

When selecting the specific performance of the Next Generation firewall to be deployed, the network and security team should cooperate. It is appropriate to use a conservative method to select performance for two reasons. First, administrators responsible for network security must be proficient in operating and monitoring new performance. Second, many functions are independently authorized and need to be maintained by both the initial and continuous funds.

The most direct method is to select a next-generation firewall platform that provides all the services you want to deploy, but only buy the authorization of the services that you want to use immediately. Launch a set of services that closely match your current niche products, and then gradually transition to the next generation firewall. Once everything is under control, you can start to consider deploying one of the new features until you reach the desired final state.

The next generation firewall has great potential for the efficiency and benefits of providing network and security teams. The Organization should carefully select the next-generation firewall policy, deploy it in a location that can achieve maximum value, and carefully deploy a group of services that can balance security requirements and operational requirements.