P J Networks: An Introductory Guide to the Value of Next-Gen Firewalls

Next-Generation Firewalls: Explained

Firewalls have always held a unique place in the cyber security landscape as your first (and often last) line of defense. A standard firewall does the job of supervising and manipulating all incoming as well as outgoing network traffic according to established security rules. But as cyber threats have grown more sophisticated, so too has the technology to respond. And we get to the Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW). Now traditional firewalls focused on packet filtering and stateful inspection unlike NGFWs which approach a more comprehensive means of network security.

Advanced features include application awareness and control, integrated intrusion prevention, along with cloud-delivered threat intelligence as part of the offering delivered by a next-generation firewall. This improves an organization to appreciate more high-level information about threats, which it normally would not be able to see hence better identifies and responds to sophisticated exploits by merely managing the network stronger.

Key Features and Benefits

Enhanced Threat Protection

Next-generation firewalls are more adept at protecting organizations from new threats and emerging trends than legacy solutions. NGFWs go further than other firewalls by using deep packet inspection to analyze the data moving across your network in order to detect and block pronouncements of malicious activities. Moreover, intranet intrusion prevention systems (IPS) — which allow you to detect and prevent intrusions as they occur in real-time can raise the level of security.

Application Awareness and Control

A highly visible trait of NGFWs is their deep application-level visibility and control that could be utilized to identify millennia-generational security rule, based on applications utilizing all over your network. NGFWs also have the ability to enforce policies by application, rather than traffic type – they can block or rate limit risky applications; therefore keeping your network policy and app use in check.

User Identity Awareness

This include the information about user identity and not only IP. With these, you can have greater detail in the policy enforcement with respect to user roles into different environments and having better segmentation on how an environment is being used for each persona. The auditing is easier and more precise as you can tie down the records to each user, when needed.

Simplified Management

Centralized management NGFWs often come with centralized management consoles that simplify the deployment,configuration and maintenance of security policies across different parts of your network. This automation saves time as well and the chance of error in human configurations (which is always common when it comes to manually operate things).

Integrated Security Capabilities

The NGFWs also get rid of the requirement for numerous security devices by integrating features like VPN, antivirus or data loss prevention. This helps create a more holistic security and decrease the logistical headache (and cost savings) of managing several devices.

Cost-Effectiveness

While NGFWs generally cost more initially than traditional firewalls, money can be saved in the long run by implementing an appliance that includes a multitude of security features. Businesses can be relieved of exorbitant costs and siloed security solutions with this subscription.

P J Networks Implementation Process

Deploying a Next-Generation Firewall is not an easy task, but P J Networks makes it very smooth. Here’s how we do it:

Initial Consultation

The first step is to map your business requirements and current network environment. Our team will refer to your IT group to define objectives and understand how you want security fulfillmentpagewebsite configured.

Customized Security Plan

After the initial discussion, we create a security solution that is designed for you. This includes what type of NGFW you choose and what security policies are configured.

Procurement and Configuration

This is pretty basic. P J Networks manage the procurement process, whether you purchase or rent NGFW. Next, our team will set it up as per the predefined security plan thereby making sure that firewall is properly tuned to your network environment.

Implementation

The NGFW is deployed in your network with little-to-no interference to current operations. Our team ensure every security policies are rightly implemented, and the firewall is alive as well!

Training and Support

After it is operational, P J Networks will offer an extensive training to your IT staffs so that they can handle and maximize the NGFW. We can also take care of the ongoing support and maintenance to keep your firewall running smoothly.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Small Retail Shop

One small retail business, for example, was being impacted by network security problem over and over because of their insufficient protective measures which resulted in data theft as well as financial problems. Solution — P J Networks suggested to get an NGFW for better threat protection and application control. Following implementation the business witnessed a significant decrease in security related incidents and NGFW’s centralised management features simplified day-to-day network administration.

Case Study 2: Mid-Sized Financial Institution

A mid-sized financial organization needed to beef up the security surrounding its customers’ sensitive personal data. Their compliance requirements were much higher than what traditional firewalls could handle. To tighten security, P J Networks installed an NGFW that included intrusion prevention and user identity-awareness. This allowed them greater security as well to be regulatory compliant.

Case Study 3: Manufacturing Co

The manufacturing company needed a flexible, scalable security solution to ensure the ongoing safety of its growing network infrastructure. P J Networks got a rented NGFW in order to ramp up security without taking on heavy CAPEX spend upfront. They gained an advanced threat protection, application awareness and management simplify which is all synonymous with renting thus reduced the rental cost.

Conclusion

Traditional firewalls are not enough in today’s ever-changing cybersecurity environment. A Next-Generation Firewall provides a full combination that rests on 4 pillars: advanced threat security, application awareness of usage behavior policies and rules in action per user identity, simple configuration, maintenance even if the time spent by you up updating or checking for updates is minimal. NGFWs are essential to providing the security and operational capabilities required for modern networks, regardless of whether you represent a small business or a large enterprise.

We at P J Networks, excel in providing businesses with the implementation of these high end security. Starting with consultation, moving to implementation and finishing up afterwards, we make certain your network remains protected! We also provide rentals of firewalls, servers and routers offering you with flexible cost effective solutions that meet your needs.

Upgrade to a Next-Generation Firewall today with P J Networks and bring your network security up a notches!