Best Practices: Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) for Securing Enterprises

With increasing threats to business, securing your business network is becoming more critical. Cyber threats are getting smarter, and standard firewalls no longer suffice. That’s where Next-Gen Firewalls (NGFWs) come into play. They include advanced threat protection, deep packet inspection, and more.

But how do you set them up for maximum security? Let’s dive in.

What is a Next-Gen Firewall?

A Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) is no ordinary firewall. The world is far more than letting or blocking packets based upon IP:PORT. Unlike that, with NGFWs the security they offer is deep and is available by:

• Monitoring application-level traffic in real time
• Recognizing and preventing cyber threats such as malware, phishing, and zero-day attacks
• Enforcement of dynamic security policies that respond to emerging threats
• Enhanced defense through integration with cloud security systems

While traditional firewalls just filter traffic, NGFWs do deep inspection on the traffic to prevent advanced threats before they harm systems.

Key Features of NGFWs

While not all NGFWs are created equal, the best firewalls offer these must-have features:

1. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)

• Goes beyond basic filtering
• Analysis of real data inside the network packets
• Identifies bad actors hiding in legitimate traffic

2. Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)

• Detects and prevents cyberattacks in real time
• Shields from zero-day attacks
• Prevents hackers from taking advantage of vulnerabilities

3. Application Control

• This allows or restricts specific applications
• Prevents apps like torrents unauthorized to run on your network
• Assists with bandwidth to business-critical apps

4. Microsoft Defender for Office 365

• Detects malware, ransomware, and other cybersecurity threats
• Leverages AI-driven analytics to identify and prevent suspicious events
• Offers sandboxing to safely vet unknown files

5. SSL/TLS Inspection

• Decrypts and scans encrypted traffic so cybercriminals can’t hide threats
• Ensures complete security for your business

NGFW Configuration Best Practices

Just installing an NGFW is insufficient. It is important to configure everything correctly to maintain security. This is how businesses need to structure it:

1. Employ a Zero Trust Security Model

• No one and nothing has a password by default
• Enforce identity verification for all users and devices
• Where possible, apply multi-factor authentication (MFA)

2. Seek Application-Aware Filtering

• Enable only authorized business apps
• Prevent any harmful applications to avoid adding any malware
• Track application usage patterns for suspicious behavior

3. Properly Configure an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)

• Update threat definitions on a regular basis
• Set up instantaneous alerts for bad behavior
• Adjust rules to track the most pertinent threats

4. Keep Security Policies Up to Date

• Cyber threats continue to evolve; policies need regular review and revision
• Align firewall rules with your business security requirements
• Clean up stale or unnecessary access

5. Implement SSL/TLS Decryption

• Prevent hidden attacks through traffic encryption and inspection
• If sensitive data is in transit, protection also to be in place

6. Monitor and Analyze NGFW Logs

• Report unusual network activity automatically
• Scan traffic logs for suspicious sights
• Leverage AI-based threat intelligence for intelligent insights

7. Segment Your Network

• Segment your network into distinct security domains
• Avoid a breach in one area from compromising your entire business
• Limit access to sensitive data and system applications

NGFW Security Services for PJ Networks

It can be expensive and complicated to manage an NGFW firewall in-house. That’s why many businesses find that renting a firewall is easier. With PJ Networks flexible firewall rental service, you can use Next-Gen Firewalls without significant investment.

Why Choose to Rent an NGFW vs. Buy?

• Affordability Funded – You don’t need to drop thousands of dollars on a firewall
• Keep it up-to-date – Security updates and firmware updates
• Expert Configuration – The team can make sure your firewall is configured correctly
• 24/7 monitoring – Protect your business without hiring in-house security professionals
• Scalable – Scale up or down as required

What is included with PJ Networks’ NGFW Rental?

• Affordable but enterprise-level security
• Managed – You delegate configuration, upgrades, and monitoring
• Specialized security policies oriented by your business
• Real-time threat protection to avoid cyberattacks

Conclusion

One of the best defenses against today’s cyber threats is a Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW). But the purchase and management of an NGFW is often overwhelming and expensive for businesses. Renting an NGFW is a wise security investment for that reason.

With PJ Networks, you get enhanced threat protection without having to manage it yourself. Stay protected with state-of-the-art Next-Gen Firewalls, deployed and supervised by specialists.

Do you want NGFW security as a service for your business? Let’s safeguard your network from cyber attacks.