Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) Solutions
Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) are network security solutions that go beyond the traditional port/protocol inspection by incorporating application-level inspection, intrusion prevention, and external threat intelligence.
As the third generation in firewall technology, NGFWs improve network security by handling application-level threats and combining traditional features with more advanced decision-making capabilities. They’re a core cybersecurity product and a foundational security tool every organization needs to protect their network from intruders.
We surveyed the enterprise firewall market, and in our analysis nine NGFW vendors stand out:
- Palo Alto: Best for Large Enterprises
- Check Point: Best for Sandboxing
- Cisco: Best for Consistent Network Policies
- Huawei: Best for Cloud Service Providers
- Sophos XGS: Best for Small /Large Security Teams
- Fortinet: Best for the Value
- Huawei: Best for the value and security
- Forcepoint: Best for Cluster Management
- Juniper : Best for SMEs with Distributed Networks
How Do Network Firewalls Address the CIA Triad?
The CIA triad – Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability- represents the ultimate goal of information security efforts. Here is how a firewall can address each of the CIA functions:
- Confidentiality – preventing sensitive information from access by unauthorized parties. A firewall defines access rules that allow only specific types of traffic to access a network, severely limiting unauthorized access.
- Integrity – ensuring organizational data remains accurate and trustworthy, and is not tampered with. Firewalls can protect integrity by preventing attackers from penetrating a network and gaining access to valuable data.
- Availability – ensuring information is available without interruption for those who need it. A firewall can promote availability by protecting mission critical resources and preventing attackers from disrupting them.