Next Generation Firewall Training - Fortray Network Limited

1. Network Security Products - Legacy Firewall VS Next-Generation Firewall There is no doubt that the NG firewall is designed to replace the Legacy firewall. The reason behind this is increased cybercrime such as crackers, hackers, advance computer viruses, and other malicious intents; can cultivate your computer files, hijack your computer, gain personal information about your business, destroy important files, and much more. So, it should go without saying, you need a firewall on your PC or private computer network. What is a Legacy Firewall? A traditional or legacy firewall includes a device that controls traffic on the network. It decides, which traffic should be allowed to enter or exit a point within the network. Depending upon the type of protocol in which it is running, the firewall can filter the traffic using either the stateful method or stateless method. What is a Next Generation Firewall (NGFW)?

2. A Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) is designed on the bedrock of the third generation of firewall technology. It combines a traditional firewall with other network device having the filtering functionalities, such as an intrusion prevention system (IPS), an application firewall using in-line deep packet inspection (DPI). NGFW is having some more features like Application Awareness, Identity Awareness, Stateful Inspection, ability to utilize external intelligence sources, and much more. On the basis of various parameters the comparison between two network security firewalls are outlined below:  Traffic filtering: Both the Legacy, as well as the NG firewall, supports the traffic filtration process. Depending upon the set of instruction over which they run, both firewall filter unauthentic traffic from the authentic traffic.  Application control and application visibility: Traditional Firewall partially supports this parameter whereas the next generation firewall completely supports it.  Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): It is a system that is based on the threat prevention technology. It monitors a network for malicious activities and then blocks that activity. The traditional firewall does not support the Intrusion Prevention System whereas NG firewalls support it.  Virtual Private Network (VPN): It extends your organization private network over a public network. This network is a tunnel to protect your internet connection on wifi and also protect your organization data. Both the firewalls support VPN.  Throughput and performance: It is the rate at which data is transferred over the communication channel. The performance and throughput both are low in the legacy firewall as compared to NGFW and also decreases drastically if any additional service is incorporated. So, both traditional or legacy firewalls and NGFWs are designed to protect your company’s network and data assets. But, from the comparison, it is clear that NGFW is versed with more advanced technology features than the Legacy firewall. So, it is recommended to buy the NG firewall to secure your organization from all kind of cybercrime.

3. Palo Alto Vs. Check Point Software: Comparison Between Top NGFWs In today’s modern landscape, business houses stores all their information in computers and even keep backup data to cloud servers. This leaves the business sensitive information extremely vulnerable to theft and attack. Therefore, businesses, government, and educational institutions need software that protects their data and keeps information safe and secure. The popular Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) softwares are Palo Alto and checkpoint. Both are highly rated by the users in the competitive market and depending upon their critical strengths and weaknesses they are differentiated from one another. Checkpoint software highlights The software is designed on the bedrock of protocols enabling safe internet usage against malware and threats. Check Point's NGFWs can identify, block or limit usage of web-based applications. Recently, checkpoint software has updated its NGFW product lines and has launched checkpoint infinity security architecture that is designed to shield organization entire IT infrastructure. The features of Check Point software are firewall protection, flexible networking configuration, secure remote access capabilities, and more. Palo Alto Software Highlights This software monitors application, content, and threat, and knot them to the user regardless of device type and location. The recently released version Palo Alto is 8.1 of its PAN-OS operating system that is updated with 60 new features such as expanded SSL decryption capabilities and better control of SaaS applications. Palo Alto Firewall is also a Unified Threat Management gateway device that bundles various features in a single box. These features include Antivirus, Vulnerability Protection, Anti Spyware, Data Protection, File blocking, and Denial of service protection.

4. Here are few key points that will compare the two network security software and they are:  Security performance: Network security software lab tests the e-security software and as per the NNS lab test Palo Alto received 98.7% security effectiveness whereas checkpoint received 99.6% security effectiveness.  Performance: Palo Alto is better than the checkpoint. This is because when both the software was tested on the basis of performance Palo Alto secured top position on NSS lab test with 7,888 Mbps, while Check Point clocked in at a solid 6,034 Mbps.  Cloud features: Both are best for cloud needs, offering a wide range of cloud functionality and virtual appliances. The implementation and set up process requires more planning and knowledge, if you are seeking a complete solution for your business network security, walk into Fortray Networks Limited. We provide the best network and security solutions. Contact us today.