Interscale Content Hub – Firewall in network security are like watchdogs, keeping watch over and controlling what goes in and out of the network based on rules they’ve been given.
As cyber threats keep changing, it’s clear that having solid firewall solutions in place is more important than ever.
The 2023 IBM annual Cost of a Data Breach Report says that the global average data breach cost reached $4.45 million in 2023—an all-time high for the report and a 15% increase over the last three years.
So, in this article, we’ll be talking a lot about firewalls as a key part of your cybersecurity.
What is a Firewall?
A firewall is a crucial network security device that regulates and monitors both incoming and outgoing network traffic according to established security rules.
It serves as a protective barrier between a trusted network, such as an internal corporate network, and an untrusted network, such as the internet.
Firewalls come in various forms, including hardware-based, software-based, or a combination of both, and their primary function is to block unauthorized access, ensuring the network remains secure from potential threats.
These devices can be categorized based on processing mode, generation, and structure. There are five primary processing modes:
- Packet filtering: Examines packet headers and decides to allow or deny packets based on source and destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols.
- Application gateways: Also known as proxy firewalls, these control applications and filter traffic at the application layer.
- Circuit gateways: These operate at the session layer and monitor TCP handshaking to ensure that session requests are legitimate.
- MAC layer firewalls: Operate at the media access control layer and make filtering decisions based on MAC addresses.
- Hybrids: Combine two or more filtering methods to provide enhanced security.
For reference, you can read “Your Go-To-Guide for Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan to Avoid Panic.”
Importance of Firewalls in Network Security
Firewalls are vital for keeping networks secure and intact. They act as gatekeepers, blocking unauthorized access and malicious traffic, so the network stays safe from potential threats.
Firewalls constantly monitor network traffic and can spot anything suspicious right away, which is crucial for keeping the network safe.
Firewalls can also filter out harmful content. They can block access to malicious websites so that only safe content reaches users.
This capability helps prevent data breaches and the leakage of sensitive information by controlling what data moves where across the network.
Peihong Wang’s research in “Research on firewall technology and its application in computer network security strategy“ shows how firewalls are important for preventing data leaks and keeping the cyber environment clean by blocking malicious access and filtering network traffic effectively.
Firewalls are a must in any modern network security strategy because they do two things really well: they protect and purify.
Firewall Deployment Strategies
Deploying a firewall is a must when trying to secure a network. It’s important to plan ahead and consider the network’s architecture and specific security needs.
So, there are a few common ways to deploy a firewall to get the best protection.
FIrst, a dual-homed firewall configuration has two network interfaces: one connected to the internal network and the other to the external network.
This setup makes sure that all traffic between these networks goes through the firewall.
The firewall keeps your data safe by enforcing security policies and continuously monitoring data flow. It acts as a robust barrier against unauthorized access.
This method is great for small to medium-sized networks where controlling direct access between internal and external networks is key.
Another good option is the screened-subnet firewall, also known as a demilitarized zone (DMZ).
This setup creates a buffer zone between the internal and external networks. You’ll want to put your public-facing servers, like your web and email servers, in the DMZ.
This zone is protected by firewalls on both sides, so the internal network is isolated from direct external access while still allowing public access to necessary services.
Wang’s research says that putting in a DMZ can cut the risk of direct attacks on internal network resources by a lot.
The single or dual DMZ architecture provides even more specific security. In a single DMZ setup, the DMZ is between the internal network and an external firewall.
With a dual DMZ architecture, you’ve got two DMZ zones: an outer DMZ for public-facing services and an inner DMZ for more sensitive internal services.
This layered security approach makes it more difficult for attackers to get in, as they have to get past multiple firewalls and security measures.
Wang’s studies have shown that having a dual DMZ architecture can help to make your network more secure overall because it adds another layer of protection against hackers.
Best Practices for Firewall Configuration
To make sure a firewall is doing its job right, it’s important to follow a few simple best practices.
We’ve pulled together some detailed recommendations based on the great insights in Peihong Wang’s research and IDC technical references in “Firewalls in Network Security.“
Define Clear Security Policies
First and foremost, make sure you have clear security policies in place that outline what traffic is permitted and what is denied.
These policies should follow the principle of least privilege, which means that users and apps are given just the right amount of access to do their jobs.
By limiting access, you reduce the chance of someone trying to hack into your system, which makes it safer.
Regularly Update Firewall Rules
Always regularly review and update firewall rules to keep up with changes in the network environment and emerging threats.
Static filtering firewalls, which rely on pre-established rules, need to be updated often to stay effective.
By removing outdated or unnecessary rules, you can reduce security risks and make sure the firewall responds correctly to new vulnerabilities and attack methods.
Implement Stateful Inspection
Stateful inspection firewalls, also known as dynamic packet filtering firewalls, keep track of what’s going on with active connections and make decisions based on what’s going on with the traffic.
Wang points out that this approach offers more robust security than static filtering because it considers the state and sequence of packets.
Stateful inspection can block any unsolicited inbound traffic, so that only responses to legitimate requests are allowed through.
If you want to learn more about IRPs, you can read “How to Make a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan for Stay Protected.”
Enable Intrusion Detection and Prevention
Adding an Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDPS) to your firewall is a great way to add another layer of security.
IDPS can look at how traffic flows to spot and deal with anything suspicious as it happens.
This proactive defense mechanism helps catch potential threats before they can cause any harm, which makes it a really important part of a complete security strategy.
Conduct Regular Audits
It’s good practice to have regular security audits to ensure the firewall is doing its job and that you’re sticking to the security policies you’ve set up.
Use the logs and monitoring tools to spot anything unusual and take the right action.
The Wang research shows that logs are really useful for understanding what’s going on with network traffic and spotting potential security issues.
This helps administrators make adjustments to firewall settings and improve the overall security of the network.
Segregate Networks
Setting up firewalls to create different network segments can help keep sensitive data and critical systems safe from less secure areas.
This approach stops attacks from spreading and makes it less likely that a security breach will have a big impact.
For instance, if you set up a firewall to separate your internal corporate network from your public-facing web server, you can be sure that if the web server is compromised, it won’t directly expose your internal systems.
How to Manage Firewall in Network Security With Ease?
As you can see, there are many things to consider when choosing a good firewall for network security.
That’s why we at Interscale offer comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that are tailored to meet your organization’s needs.
Focusing on proactive threat management and robust security measures, Interscale can help you navigate the complexities of firewall management and network security.
Davey Water Products is a great example of how Interscale can deliver effective cybersecurity solutions.
By teaming up with Interscale, Davey Water Products was able to beef up their cybersecurity and keep their most important assets safe from potential threats.
If you require further information on how Interscale can assist you in managing cybersecurity, please refer to our Interscale Cybersecurity Service page.
Alternatively, should you require immediate assistance, please schedule a one-on-one consultation with us. Our team is available to assist you.
Conclusion
Please be advised that a firewall is only one component of a comprehensive security strategy.
With careful planning, implementation, and ongoing management, firewalls can significantly enhance your organization’s security and reduce the risk of cyberattacks.
As threats evolve, it is essential that our approach to firewalls in network security deployment and configuration also adapts.
