Why Should I Update My Firewall? | Edge Threat Management - Arista (2024)

FAQs

Why Should I Update My Firewall? | Edge Threat Management - Arista? ›

Security Updates

Improper firewall configuration can result in attackers gaining unauthorized access to protected internal networks and resources. As a result, cyber criminals are constantly on the lookout for networks that have outdated software or servers and are not protected.

NGFWs provide greater protection against new and emerging cybersecurity threats due to advanced features such as intrusion prevention, application control and deep packet inspection.

The main functions of a software firewall include: Applying security rules to screen incoming and outgoing traffic. Blocking malicious programs and traffic that seek to gain access to network resources. Allowing authorized users to connect quickly and easily.

It is important for administrators and IT security staff to carry out regular security audits to ensure no unauthorized changes have taken place. This will also keep you updated on the necessary changes made to the firewall and warn you against any potential risks created by these changes.

Updated firewalls support the latest security protocols and access permissions (IAM), which are essential for safeguarding your network against modern threats. Moreover, regular updates optimize network performance, providing improved visibility and control over network traffic.

Implementing a change management strategy for firewall rule changes requires a structured process to enable secure and fast modifications. This strategy reduces the danger of illegal or disruptive changes, improves overall firewall performance, and simplifies post-incident analysis and compliance adherence.

The cyber threat landscape is always changing. Therefore, you must regularly review the firewall rules to ensure they provide optimal security against threats.

With a UTM solution, you get what may be an adequate, comprehensive solution out of the box. If it covers many different kinds of threats, it may suffice. With an NGFW, you get the best performance only after making some adjustments, tuning your solution to suit the needs of your organization.

When a firewall is working, it's the last thing on your mind. But, did you know that most firewalls have a lifespan of three to five years? There are many signs that it's time for a new firewall. Your current product may lag or be reaching the end of its support life.

What are the pros and cons of firewalls? ›

The advantage of software firewalls is their ability to control the specific network behavior of individual applications on a system. A significant disadvantage of a software firewall is that it is typically located on the same system that is being protected.

Prevents hacking

With the rise of data theft and criminals holding systems hostage, firewalls have become even more important, as they prevent hackers from gaining unauthorized access to your data, emails, systems, and more. A firewall can stop a hacker completely or deter them to choose an easier target.

The primary use of a firewall in networking is to secure the network from cyberattacks. For example, a firewall prevents malicious and unwanted content from entering your environment. As well, a firewall protects vulnerable systems and private data in the network from unauthorized access–such as hackers or insiders.

Firewall management helps organisations meet data protection, privacy, and security standards by controlling access to sensitive information, monitoring data traffic, and maintaining audit logs.

The first rule in a firewall, often considered the most fundamental rule, is the "default deny" or "implicit deny" rule. This rule blocks all traffic by default and only allows traffic that is explicitly permitted by subsequent rules.

For example, a firewall cannot prevent someone from utilizing an authenticated Telnet connection to infiltrate your internal computers, or from tunneling an unauthorized protocol via another, approved protocol. A firewall can only limit connections that pass through it.

What do firewalls do? Firewalls provide protection against outside cyber attackers by shielding your computer or network from malicious or unnecessary network traffic. Firewalls can also prevent malicious software from accessing a computer or network via the internet.

Drawbacks of a firewall system are as follows: A firewall cannot defend a network from internal threats such as backdoors. For example, a disgruntled employee colludes with an external attacker. If all connections flow through the firewall, a bottleneck may arise.