The digital environment is full of threats. Hackers and cyber attackers keep on trying to breach the security of your device. With ransomware and malware, they not only steal and corrupt your data but also take away your money.  Here a firewall plays a vital role because it acts as a layer of security for your system. A firewall is a network device that blocks certain sorts of network traffic by creating a boundary between trusted and an un-trusted network. Firewall security tries to prevent the computer attacks from spreading. For example, if you want to protect something which is expensive, then you lock it away in a safe place. Similarly, a firewall is a lock which provides you security and saves your system from being an easy mark for attackers.

A well-maintained firewall system will assist you in stopping the intruders from entering your laptop or computer. With the help of it, you will be able to keep a link through the internet to the outside world, and it will also give you the power of blocking everyone from viewing your details. Below I have discussed some benefits as well as the types of firewall which you can install to save your system.

What are the benefits of using a firewall?- Firewall Security fantastic benefits

• Keeps a watch on traffic

A firewall helps in monitoring all the traffic which enter your system network. If you have installed a two-way firewall, then it will control the traffic which is leaving your network as well. It analyses the data present in packets which are sent through the internet to check if it poses any potential threat which can be dangerous to the network’s security. Sometimes it is possible that you may transmit something wrong without even knowing it. Here a firewall plays a vital role in securing your system

• Blocks Viruses

Viruses such as trojans and malware etc. can attach with your files and when you send it to other destination, then it rides along with it in the network. Trojans are the one which is most dangerous. If you instate a firewall then it will block all the malicious threats from the outset.

• Provides security from hackers

A hacker can make your system a part of a botnet which is known as the group responsible for conducting illegal activities. A firewall can save you from such situation as it prevents such intrusions.

• Restricts keyloggers

Firewall security resists monitoring keyloggers. It is a spyware software which is used by cyber-criminals to analyse your keystrokes. With this, they can also steal vital information such as pin codes for bank accounts, account numbers etc.

Types of different firewalls 

• Deep packet inspection (DPI) firewall

It is one of the advanced methods of examining and managing network traffic. With the help of packet filtering, it locates, classifies, identifies, reroutes or blocks packets with particular code payload or data. Deep packet inspection checks the data in each packet which passes through a set of checkpoints and takes real-time decisions depending upon the rules assigned to it by a user or an internet service provider etc.

In comparison with a conventional packet filtering method which only detects a packet header, Deep packet inspection is a better option. It usually functions at the application layer in the open systems interconnection (OSI) reference model.

• Packet filtering firewall

Packet filtering which is also known as static filtering is a firewall technique which helps in controlling network access by monitoring incoming and outgoing packets. During the process of network communication, a node sends a packet which is matched and filtered by already established rules and policies. Once it gets a match, then it is allowed, but if the source and destination IP address do not resemble, then it rejects the packet. The sender might use different programs and applications in which packet filtering then also checks destination protocols and the source like user datagram protocol (UDP) and transmission control protocol (TCP). It also verifies destination port addresses.

Packet filtering can act as quality and adequate defense mechanism against attacks from systems outside a local area network (LAN). Today almost all gadgets have an integrated filtering capability which is why packet filtering is recognized as a cost-effective and standard method of security.

Stateful inspection firewall

The stateful inspection which is also known as dynamic packet filtering is a firewall technology that monitors the state of active connections. It utilizes this data to conclude which network packets must be allowed through the firewall.

Stateful inspection firewall has proved itself better than other previously used technology. It analyses the packets till the application layer, and by recording session information it can implement a much stronger security posture. It is a more secure alternative as compared to packet filtering firewall and also has logging and tracking facilities.

• Application-aware firewall

Such type of a firewall is capable of adopting the latest innovations in hardware and software to provide unique network security for today’s IT infrastructures.

It can view as well as identify all network traffic and offers granular control on application usage. With the help of an AAF, you can control which data enter or exit the network. It also allows you to apply security policies to applications and users rather than by older methods of port and protocol. Traditional firewalls may give a false sense of security because ultimately they are not capable of serving needs of today’s users.

• Application proxy firewall

A proxy firewall secures network resources by filtration of messages at the application layer level. It is also known as application firewall or gateway firewall. A proxy server acts as a mediator between servers on the Internet and in-house clients. It is different from other firewalls because along with intercepting Internet requests and responses, it can also monitor and control incoming traffic for layer seven protocols like HTTP and FTP. For deciding that which traffic should be allowed and which must be dismissed, it uses stateful inspection technology and deep packet inspection to analyze incoming traffic for any chances of an attack.

Proxy firewalls till now are the most secure version of a firewall as they do not allow direct network contact with other systems. It can examine the whole network packet instead of just the port number and network address. It also has extended logging capabilities.

In case if you want to have more insights into this and is planning to install a firewall on your system then give us a call. Our experts will take care of all your concerns by providing you useful advice along with answers to all questions.