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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.