What is Firewall? 2025

A firewall acts as a security mechanism for your computer. It monitors and regulates all incoming and outgoing network traffic based on pre-determined guidelines. It operates at both the network layer and the application layer. At the network layer, it examines IP addresses, ports, and protocols to ensure the entire network is secure.

At the application level, it scrutinizes the traffic directed to and from specific applications, examining the content and context of the data packets to guard against application-targeted threats. This integrated approach allows a firewall to offer comprehensive protection, securing a network from a wide range of external and internal threats.

Types of Firewall

1. Web Application Firewall WAF

Provides specialized protection for web applications by filtering and monitoring HTTP traffic, safeguarding against application-layer attacks like SQL injection and XSS.

2. Next-Generation Firewall NGFW

Offers advanced security features such as application awareness, integrated intrusion prevention, and threat intelligence, beyond traditional firewall capabilities.

3. Endpoint Firewall(Desktop Firewall)

Installed on individual devices to monitor and control network traffic, protecting against attacks targeting specific endpoints within a network.

Reasons You Need a Firewall

1. Network Segmentation and Access Control

Using firewalls, you are able to divide your network into zones, such as rooms. There is a restricted access point to each area. Those prevent the unauthorized users from slipping into the inconspicuous places and make them spread.

2. Protection Against Cyber Threats

In the modern world, cyber threats never end. A firewall is like a shield, and it is used to look through all the data coming in and going out to identify and stop malicious data, malware, and attacks. It examines every data packet and ensures that only legitimate and safe information passes.

3. Prevention of Data Breaches

The loss of data may destroy the finances and the image of a company. Firewalls play an important role in preventing unauthorized entry to your valuable information. They keep customer information, trade secrets, financial records, and other valuable materials secure with tight security.

4. Application Security

Application-layer firewalls are useful in detecting and preventing attempts of unauthorized access and attacks on application vulnerabilities. They comply with OWASP guidelines, and in many cases, they carry bot guard to combat automated attacks.

5. Regulatory Compliance

Various industries have legislations that require stringent protection of data. Firewalls assist in achieving such requirements by regulating access, audit trail, and ensuring that security policies are in line with industry standards.

Benefits of Firewall

Network Firewall

• Enhanced Network Security: Efficiently monitors & manages incoming & outgoing network traffic based on predefined security policies
• Virtual Private Network Support: Integrates VPN capabilities for secure & encrypted remote access, facilitating safe & flexible connectivity for remote users.
• Network Segmentation : Helps in segmenting the network, allowing for more controlled access and reduced risk of internal attacks.

Application Firewall

• Web Application Security: Specializes in filtering & monitoring HTTP traffic to protect web applications from application-layer attacks like SQL injection & cross-site scripting XSS.
• Customised Protection: Offers tailored defenses that can be adjusted to suit the specific requirements of different web applications.
• Compliance & OWASP: Alignment Aids in adhering to security standards and follows the Open Web Application Security Project OWASP guidelines, ensuring robust application security.
• Bot Protection : Application firewalls effectively block malicious bots involved in credential stuffing, scraping, and DDoS attacks, safeguarding web applications from automated threats that threaten security and user experience.

Factors to consider before buying NGFW

• Security Controls: Ensure the firewall offers customizable security controls to match specific network requirements.
• Advanced Security: Look for advanced threat protection features to defend against sophisticated cyber attacks.
• Virtual or Cloud Environments: Check compatibility with virtualized or cloud-based infrastructures for seamless integration
• Network Size and Performance: Consider the firewall’s capacity to handle your network’s size and performance needs efficiently
• Support Options: Evaluate the availability and quality of technical support and customer service
• DLP (Data Loss Prevention): Verify the firewall’s ability to prevent sensitive data from leaving the network.
• URL Protection: Ensure it can effectively block access to malicious or inappropriate websites
• Application Control: Look for capabilities to control application use within your network
• Deep-Packet Filtering: Confirm the firewall’s proficiency in examining detailed packet content for security threats.
• Multi-Factor Authentication: Check if it supports MFA Multi-Factor Authentication) for enhanced security verification.
• Sandboxing: Determine if it can isolate and analyze suspicious files in a safe environment.
• Geo-Blocking: Assess its ability to block or allow traffic based on geographic locations.