A computer firewall is a network security program that protects your network by blocking unauthorized outside access and monitoring network traffic. It functions as a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks.
A network firewall will block untrusted networks, but it will also disengage attempts from malicious softwares trying to infect your computer while securely allowing legitimate traffic.
It is one of the cybersecurity tools that serve as the first line of defense in-home or work network security.
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To know more about the importance and use of firewalls in network security, let us briefly discuss the types of firewalls and then the top 6 practices on how to secure your network firewall configuration properly.
Types of Firewall
These different types of firewalls are categorized as either a network-based system or a host-based system. Here are some of the common types of firewall.
Next-Generation Firewalls are new releases of firewalls that feature TCP handshake inspection, surface-level inspection packet, and deep packet inspection.
Software Firewalls are firewalls installed in the Operating System. It is beneficial when establishing an in-depth defense by separating the distinct networks from one another.
Hardware Firewalls is a type of firewall that needs an external or physical device that will act as a traffic router to check data packets and requests before allowing it to connect to the network server.
Cloud Firewalls are amazingly easy to scale through your organization. It is also known as the firewall as a service or FaaS. Same functions with all other firewalls for cloud servers.
6 Practices and Management in Securing Network Firewall
Guarantee your firewall security
To properly ensure your firewall, you must disable the SNMP or simple network management protocol, rename your account, modify the default password, and create additional admin accounts if needed.
Establishing firewall zones and IP addresses
Establishing multiple zones can improve the security of your network. You have to identify all your program assets to plot your network structure correctly. By doing this, you can position the system based on its sensitivity and function.
Implement ACL
ACLs are configured ‘Access Control List.’ This is the next step to determine which network flows in and out of the created zones. By using both inbound and outbound ACLs to your interface, you will be able to manage the traffic by approval.
Other firewall services
Depending on the firewall software or application used, other services are included. It is essential to configure different services to the required security standard.
You can always check with the production or development company for the ‘how to’ on the different services.
Test your configured network firewall
After you have configured, test your new firewall settings to ensure that it works properly.
To check your firewall, do vulnerability, and penetration testing.
Do not forget to back up your firewall setup before testing.
Firewall Management
Once the testing is completed, ensure a secure firewall through management. To do this, you must perform a vulnerability scan, oversee logs, check on firewall rules, update your firmware, and document your progress.
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