Nowadays, cybersecurity, network, and data protection have been the top priority of every company, business, and organization. One of the basic and yet essential components of every device and computer security is the use of firewalls.
Firewalls are very well known and easy to acquire, you can see a lot of references in the market, but the challenge lies in which would be the best firewall software or application would be ideal for your company’s protection against potential threats.
In this article, we will be sharing with you our professional guide on the different types of firewalls. Understanding how it works will help you select the best solutions.
Firewall
A firewall is a network security device or software that manages network traffic. It secures your internal network through the process of screening incoming and outgoing traffic, based on the established set of instructions.
Integrating a firewall within your computer system can be the simplest way of placing additional security barriers between your system and malicious elements.
How Firewall Works
A firewall can be in the form of hardware or software that is placed on your device to protect it from malicious traffic. Its extent or security coverage will depend on the company or user setting, it can protect a single network device or a group of interconnected computers using a single or shared network. The device installed will filter all incoming and outgoing data traffic from the network, based on predefined rules.
This includes communication data that is transmitted on the internet and since some of the files can not be sent as a whole, they are broken down into small pieces called data packets. Firewalls will check this data packet for any malicious elements that can potentially harm your computer.
Types of Firewall
Firewalls are similar when it comes to their purpose in preventing unauthorized access, however, when it comes to the overall features and structure, they can be very diverse. There are three known categories, hardware firewalls, software firewalls, or both. Here are some different types that can be configured as software or hardware.
Hardware Firewall
The hardware firewall is a physical device that is placed between the internal and external network connection cable via a router-type device. Another term for this is ‘Appliance Firewall’.
Its unique feature is that it is an external device, it will not consume your computer’s RAM or CPU.
Software Firewall
Software firewalls are applications that are installed in the device software. This type of firewall is also called the ‘Host Firewall’. Since it needs to be installed it will require you to use your device specifications and resources.
Packet Filter Firewall
This type of firewall is based on its technical method of process. It is an in-line checkpoint for network security that is attached to the network router just like a switch. It focuses its security monitoring on the data packets that are coming in and out of your network.
Circuit Level Gateways
A Circuit Level Gateway firewall is based on a security layer from the OSI model, monitoring TCP sessions and connections. Its main function is to ensure that all established networks are safe.
Proxy Firewall
Proxy firewalls are devices that intermediate the internal and external systems of communications within the internet. From the name itself, it acts as a substitute in sending and receiving information from clients.
Next-Gen Firewall
The Next-Gen Firewall is a security device that can operate several functions than those of your normal firewall.
It is capable of protecting your system from malware, viruses, intrusions, and other threats. It is made to be flexible and functional.
Career Opportunity
Learning the different types of firewalls will help you understand their best and unique features. Selecting an ideal firewall will depend on the specific tasks, data, or software you run or want to protect. Choose carefully what best fits your company’s needs.
If you are interested to know more about networks and cybersecurity, you can take up a professional course here at RCyberSolutions. We offer a cybersecurity course program and certifications.
