Next-generation firewall definition
A next-generation firewall (NGFW) is a modern security system that checks the data type, the sender, and what the data contains to decide if it’s safe or not. This thorough check helps it catch and stop cyber threats (like viruses or hackers) better than older firewalls. Essentially, it works behind the scenes to boost the security of your network.
See also: Application firewall
How a next-generation firewall works
- When data tries to enter your network, the NGFW checks it thoroughly.
- It looks at what kind of data it is (like emails or web browsing), who's sending it, and what it contains.
- Based on what it finds, the NGFW decides if the data is safe or not.
- If it's safe, the data gets through. If not, the NGFW blocks it, keeping your network safe from things like viruses or hackers.
- The NGFW keeps watching all the traffic to make sure nothing potentially dangerous gets past its defenses.
Benefits of next-generation firewalls
- NGFWs detect and stop advanced threats like malware and ransomware.
- They manage which applications can access the network, improving security and performance.
- NGFWs track user activities, helping to enforce security policies and detect unauthorized access.
- They combine multiple security features like antivirus and intrusion prevention for better protection.
- These firewalls handle large amounts of traffic without slowing down the network.
