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A firewall can either restrict or throttle network traffic or block requests completely. Many large companies install physical hardware firewalls. However, these devices are expensive, so small businesses often choose software-based solutions which are not physically installed. Both types have their benefits, but small businesses typically choose software over hardware because of the higher risk associated with installing hardware. 

Traditional firewalls are capable of going as deep as NGFWs.

Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) are the latest standard for network security. These devices combine intrusion prevention systems, deep packet inspection, and Layer-7 application control technologies. Organizations expect to protect themselves against attacks with the latest tools, so look for NGFW capabilities and a standard license. 

An NGFW is a complete security solution, combining endpoint security and a nearly impenetrable defense mechanism. An NGFW is also equipped with intelligent features that help manage new cybersecurity threats. For example, these devices can identify specific users according to their roles, allowing system administrators to set different functions for individual users. This way, NGFWs can protect sensitive data before it reaches the network.

A traditional firewall operates at the transport and network layers, so it can only monitor IP addresses and TCP/UDP protocols. It can’t perform deep packet inspection. It can’t determine what applications are sent or received. NGFWs can identify network traffic in layers 3 and 4, which traditional firewalls can’t do. It also blocks packets on specific ports. By contrast, an NGFW can go down to the application layer to detect new threats that were previously undetected.

They are not slow

Why using a firewall for your network is so crucial for your business? You should use a firewall for your network. First, a firewall protects your business from hackers and other intruders. A well-designed firewall blocks request entirely or throttle their performance. Large companies typically install physical hardware firewalls. Small businesses usually invest in less expensive software-based solutions but come with a slight risk. Small companies can’t afford the expense of hacking an employee’s account.

Firewall

Another benefit of a firewall is that it limits bandwidth for Internet users that isn’t work-related. It doesn’t cut off the internet entirely, limiting an employee’s bandwidth for non-work activities. By blocking non-work-related actions, this bandwidth is reserved for work-related use. Because of this, businesses are increasingly dependent on remote employees who work away from the central office. Having an employee working from another location makes protecting the network more complex.

They provide detailed reports about network traffic.

Using a firewall is a crucial security step for small businesses. The firewall prevents hackers from exploiting your network to steal data and perform illicit activities. It can prevent attacks from malicious websites by detecting suspicious activity before reaching your internal network. A firewall is ineffective if it does not allow you to view detailed reports about network traffic. A firewall is not as effective as a good antivirus program. If you want to secure your network and prevent a variety of cyberattacks from attacking your system, you must configure it to be able to monitor traffic on your network.

Some firewalls do not provide detailed reports about network traffic. As a result, these reports are not always accurate. In addition to their lack of helpful information, they may also prevent you from identifying the source of an attack. The simplest firewalls only look at the current packet, while stateful firewalls match data packet elements with a trusted database. If you don’t want your network to be vulnerable to attacks, you should install a stateful firewall.