All About the Basics: 4 Types of Network Firewalls

07/09/2020

If you are familiar with cybersecurity, you may already know the importance of firewalls. A firewall is a cybersecurity tool that is utilized to defend network integrity. Firewalls can protect your systems against network breaches and invaders. It is both a perimeter and an internal defense system that works to keep your data safe. If you’re aiming to install one for your business, then you need to know that it comes in various kinds and each one performs specialized functions. Start protecting your network with these different types of network firewalls.

Packet Filtering Firewall

Of all the different types of network firewalls, this one is the most basic and it’s been around the longest. A packet filtering firewall evaluates incoming information as a packet. If everything checks out, the packet is allowed through the firewall. If there’s something amiss with the information, the packet is denied entry. This kind of firewall is easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of energy. However, it may be easy to bypass.

Circuit Level Gateway

This kind of firewall is quite similar to the packet filtering firewall. The difference is, this one uses Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) to verify information. TCP approves the session where the information is originated from. Like the packet filtering firewall, the circuit level gateway is efficient and does not use a ton of energy to run. However, this firewall only checks the outside of the packet. Since it doesn’t look at the content, malware can still slip by.

Related Content: How Does A Network Security Firewall Work?

Stateful Inspection

A stateful inspection firewall is a modern option that has a place in most modern network security systems. This kind can also be called a dynamic pack filtering firewall. It’s stronger than the previous options. Along with being able to scan the packet exterior or ‘header,’ they can also look inside the packet. In fact, they can analyze the packet’s content all the way through the application layer.

This firewall type can also remember past patterns and compare them to incoming information to ensure accurate verification. Out of the two previous different types of network firewalls, this is more secure. However, it does require more memory to implement and utilize. It should be installed by an IT professional.

Next Generation Firewall

A next generation firewall combines the capacities of the previous different types of network firewalls and does even more. In fact, this option can offer deep packet inspection and also identify malicious components at any level. It’s the strongest and most comprehensive choice out of all other firewall types. It allows for the greatest level of protection and control.

No matter what your cybersecurity needs are, contact 1+1 Technology to learn more about the different types of network firewalls. We can help you find the solution best for your home or business.  

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