Next-Generation Firewall Best Practices
Next-generation firewalls provide advanced security capabilities beyond traditional port and protocol filtering. This guide examines NGFW best practices for maximizing security while maintaining network performance.
NGFW Capabilities
NGFWs combine traditional firewall functionality with application awareness, intrusion prevention, SSL inspection, and threat intelligence. Understanding these capabilities enables effective policy design.
- Application-level visibility and control
- Intrusion prevention system (IPS)
- SSL/TLS inspection
- Threat intelligence integration
- User and device awareness
Policy Design
Effective NGFW policies balance security and usability. Implement application-based policies rather than port-based rules. Use identity-aware policies tying access to users and groups.
SSL Inspection
Most traffic uses encryption, hiding threats from inspection. Deploy SSL inspection carefully, considering privacy implications, certificate management, and performance impact.
Performance Optimization
NGFW features impact performance. Right-size hardware for expected throughput with security features enabled. Monitor performance and adjust policies as needed.
Conclusion
NGFWs provide powerful security when properly configured. Focus on application-aware policies, deploy SSL inspection thoughtfully, and monitor performance to maximize security value.
Need Help Implementing This?
Our security experts can provide guidance and implementation support specific to your environment.
Related Articles
Network Segmentation for Financial Services
Industry-specific network segmentation strategies meeting APRA CPS 234 requirements.
Read ArticleSD-WAN Security Architecture Design
Security considerations for SD-WAN deployments and integration strategies.
Read Article