What is unified threat management (UTM)?
Unified threat management (UTM) is a security system that combines multiple security functions to shield your network. UTM operates as an information security system with a single protection point from cyberattacks.
UTM systems make it easier for administrators to oversee network security. They combine performance, cybersecurity, and management using a single console. Features protecting network users may include antivirus, email and web filtering, content filtering, and anti-spam tools.
How does UTM work?
UTM security systems combine various security features into a singular device or software program with a primary management console. The system then protects against cyber threats, including viruses, phishing, social engineering, malware, ransomware, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
To identify security threats and weaknesses, a UTM system uses inspection methods, including:
- Proxy-based inspection. As a network security technique, proxy-based inspection inspects data packets entering and exiting a network security device, like an IPS, firewall, or virtual private network (VPN) server. With the use of a proxy server to intercept and inspect data packets, the network security can be a proxy to reconstruct the traffic.
- Flow-based inspection. Flow-based inspections can stop or prevent cyberattacks by sampling data as it flows through a network security device. Also called stream-based inspection, it uses security solutions, such as firewalls or intrusion prevention systems (IPS). The security checks the data for suspicious or malicious activity, which may include intrusions, viruses, or other types of hacking.
What features does UTM have?
While not every UTM device has the same features that offer protection against threats, they often include:
Firewall
As one of the most common types of security, UTM firewalls scan incoming and outgoing traffic for phishing attacks, viruses, malware, and other attempts by hackers. Since UTM firewalls also monitor outgoing data, they can prevent devices in your network from spreading malware. Firewalls typically fall into three main types: application-level gateway, packet filtering, and circuit-level gateway.
VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) establishes a secure, private connection between a device and a remote server. It allows network users to deliver and receive data via networks with increased privacy and security. VPNs encrypt online traffic to protect its users from outside entities accessing and potentially viewing it. Many consider VPNs to be an essential part of a UTM as they require little effort and a high reward for increased network safety. For added protection, services like NordVPN offer a built-in malware scanner, further safeguarding users from malicious threats.
Antivirus
UTM systems should be built with antivirus software to inspect your network and stop viruses from harming your system/network. Using databases with profiles of specific viruses or malware, antivirus software can perform checks within the system to identify threats.
Antivirus software in a UTM can potentially stop cyber threats such as spyware, Trojan horses, and worms. While antivirus and anti-malware software have similarities, some differences make it essential to utilize both in UTM systems.
Anti-malware
A UTM system utilizes anti-malware software to identify and respond to perceived threats and offer comprehensive protection. You can program a UTM to detect different types of malware, pull it out of data packets, and prevent it from entering your system.
Other types of UTM configurations can protect your network. For example, heuristic analysis can inspect file behaviors and characteristics, blocking issues such as a program that stops a computer camera from performing its normal functions.
Other anti-malware features, like sandboxing, use a cell inside a device such as a computer. The cell is then restricted to a sandbox that can capture suspicious files. While the malware is allowed to run, the sandbox blocks it from harming other programs on the computer.
Intrusion prevention and detection
Many UTM systems offer intrusion prevention measures to search for and stop attacks. This function is called an intrusion prevention system (IPS). The security measure locates threats, and IPS analyzes data packets to look for known patterns that signal a threat. When it locates one of these threats, the IPS blocks the attack.
An intrusion detection system (IDS) is also commonly used alongside an IPS. However, IDS differs from IPS in that it regularly inspects network traffic to identify suspicious activity and alerts network users when it is flagged. IDS cannot prevent suspicious activity like IPS but can bring malicious activity to your attention.
Data loss prevention
UTM systems often have data loss prevention, which targets and detects data breaches and other types of exfiltration events and then prevents them. A data loss prevention system monitors sensitive data and blocks cyber threats or suspicious behavior.
Benefits of UTM
A unified threat management solution has many benefits. It protects your network while allowing IT professionals to easily access it to keep it secure and free from cyberattacks.
Benefits of UTM include:
Versatility and adaptability. UTM systems combine multiple security features and network protections into a single solution. While some security components are built-in to ensure strong protection, many UTMs also let you customize certain features to fit your network’s specific needs.
Affordability. With UTM, you can reduce the number of devices and software programs your business needs for high-quality network protection. A lower cost for a cybersecurity system, alongside needing fewer professionals to monitor your system, means you can save on business expenses.
Central security management. Traditional security functions typically require managing multiple security elements simultaneously, which may include separate entities such as a firewall, VPN, application control, and more. Running these separately requires more time, effort, and manpower. With a UTM, security teams can manage the entire network security in one place.
The best UTM products and devices
Several UTM products and devices are recognized as industry leaders for network protection. The most notable UTM systems typically feature high-quality security services, including intrusion prevention, sandboxing, and deep packet inspection.
SonicWall TZ Series Gen 7
Generally lauded as the best UTM for anyone looking to protect their network with one management system, the SonicWall TZ Series Gen 7 ticks many of the boxes. Its biggest selling point is its core features, including a cloud-based sandboxing solution, firewalls, IPS, and deep packet inspection.
The UTM focuses on quick deployment and is an easy-to-use management system ideal for small organizations and teams. However, many report that the pricing can be confusing, and add-ons can quickly rack up the bill.
WatchGuard Firebox M590/M690
Small to medium-sized organizations appreciate WatchGuard Firebox products. The M590 and M690 offer UTM network security with advanced features to protect your network. These include network discovery, IPS, EDR Core functionality, sandboxing, and deep packet inspection.
With a central management tool, you can easily control your security in one place. WatchGuard Firebox is often rated as the best value. However, some users have complained about the interface's ease of use.
Fortigate 900G
Enterprise organizations trust Fortinet FortiGate NGFW, which provides zero trust network access (ZTNA) enforcement, SD-WAN, and security processing units. These security tools enable clients to create hybrid IT architectures and deliver zero-trust strategies that protect network users, applications, and edge environments while maintaining the best user experience.
Fortinet offers multiple NGFWs that run FortiOS for the network and security system. It’s typically recommended for organizations interested in zero trust.
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