What “Firewall as a Service” or FWaaS is about?
Unlike computer-installed firewall software which quite a lot of people are familiar with, Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) is used to protect several client IT infrastructures simultaneously. Yet it is not the only feature that distinguishes it from traditional hardware and software solutions.
Traditional firewall like Windows Defender protects only the device on which it is installed from threats posed by the local network or the Internet. Such a firewall provides basic traffic filtering and, if danger arises, it warns the user about possible threats.
Firewall as a Service or FWaaS operates on the provider’s side. It is a failover cluster of hardware firewalls; their resources are provided based on a service model. FWaaS conducts security checks as well and serves as a barrier between all components of the customer’s IT infrastructure and the systems and networks connected to it.
How does the FWaaS Operate?
Firewall as a Service (FaaS) works like a digital armor for your computer systems. It’s like having a shared bodyguard for everyone’s digital space, whether it’s in the cloud, on physical devices, or a mix of both.
FWaaS can be broadly divided into two categories:
- Software Firewalls: Your Digital Guardians
Software firewalls, such as Windows Firewall and iptables on Linux, act as digital guardians on your devices. They intercept potential threats, monitor traffic, and can be installed on computers or servers, functioning as software routers.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective compared to hardware.
- Protects individual network segments and internal networks.
- Can be deployed on existing servers and user computers.
Disadvantages:
- Limited bandwidth compared to hardware.
- Setup may be complex in some cases.
2. Hardware Firewalls: Robust Defenders
Hardware firewalls like Cisco ASA, FortiGate, Checkpoint, SonicWALL, and WatchGuard are controlled by specialized software. They efficiently process traffic, ensuring protection for physical or virtual IT infrastructure connected to the firewall.
Advantages:
- High performance and reliability.
- User-friendly in terms of connection and use.
Drawback:
- Higher cost, making them less practical for personal use.
Firewall as a Service (FaaS): Affordable Protection
Firewall as a Service (FaaS) brings affordability to high-performance hardware solutions. It offers a reliable defense for any IT infrastructure — be it cloud-based, physical, or a hybrid model. It utilizes one high-performance device to protect multiple client IT infrastructures. It also implements a sharing model, making expensive hardware firewalls more accessible.
Virtual Domains: Tailored Client Protection
Firewalls based on a service model, including Firewall as a Service, operate like hardware but with virtual domains. Each domain serves a specific client, ensuring maximum isolation of client loads from each other. This concept aligns with virtualization principles.
In essence, Firewall as a Service provides a cost-effective and efficient hardware solution, making high-performance firewalls accessible for multiple client IT infrastructures simultaneously. This sharing model aligns with the broader social and economic perspective of maximizing resource utility through shared access.
Defense Mechanism of Next-Gen Firewalls
In the ongoing battle against cyber threats, the frontline defense is often fortified by Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW). These powerful guardians, also known as NGFWs, are singular devices with the dual responsibility of routing traffic and serving as a shield against network threats.
- Virtualization for Versatility
Through the magic of virtualization, NGFWs transform into versatile protectors, capable of handling multiple client loads within distinct virtual domains. This adaptive approach enhances their efficacy in addressing diverse cybersecurity challenges.
2. Tailored Configurations for Client Needs
The flexibility of NGFWs is evident in their ability to adapt to the specific needs of clients. Providers configure these devices by dividing them into virtual instances, tailoring the protection based on performance and the number of network ports required.
3. Client Empowerment: Customizing Defense Strategies
The client, in turn, can customize their defense strategy by ordering the ideal number of instances to safeguard their IT infrastructure from unwanted traffic. This client-centric approach empowers organizations to align their cybersecurity measures with their specific requirements.
4.Fortinet FortiGate: Pinnacle of NGFW Devices
Fortinet FortiGate firewalls stand out in the realm of NGFW devices, serving as the bedrock for the Colobridge platform's Firewall as a Service. These hardware-software hybrids boast numerous network ports and support clustering.
5. Dual Processing Power: Network and Content Processors
Each complex is equipped with a cadre of network processors for efficient traffic handling and additional content processors dedicated to processing security features. This dual-processing power ensures a comprehensive defense against a spectrum of cyber threats.
6. Proprietary Software Arsenal
Fortinet FortiGate devices operate on proprietary FortiOS and include exclusive software features, including antivirus functionality with regularly updated databases. This proprietary software arsenal reinforces the NGFW's ability to stay ahead of emerging threats.
7. NGFWs in Cybersecurity: A Proactive Approach
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the reliance on NGFWs, particularly exemplified by Fortinet FortiGate, underscores a proactive approach to network protection, combining hardware robustness with cutting-edge software solutions.
By choosing Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), users unlock secure access to their IT infrastructure and gain the flexibility to implement various resource access scenarios.
FWaaS emerges as an operational and cost-effective tool, providing comprehensive protection against diverse threats, including malware, targeted cyberattacks, and advanced persistent threats, thanks to regularly updated antivirus databases on the Next-Gen Firewall (NGFW) device.
FWaaS offers a range of features to fortify your security posture:
Firewall Traffic Filtering:Ensures stringent control over incoming and outgoing network traffic.
Detecting and Preventing Attacks:
Utilizes advanced threat detection mechanisms to prevent cyberattacks.
Controlling Applications Use:
Manages and controls the usage of applications within the IT infrastructure.
Web Content Filtering:
Filters and monitors web content to enhance cybersecurity.
Secure Remote Access:
Facilitates secure access to the IT infrastructure remotely.
Traffic Pioritization:
Allows prioritization of network traffic for optimized performance.
Blocking Illegitimate Traffic Sources:
Identifies and blocks sources of unauthorized and illegitimate traffic.
Protecting Web Applications:
Ensures the security of web applications against potential threats.
Smart Real-Time Network Traffic Protection:
Customers opting for FWaaS as an add-on service to their cloud or physical IT infrastructure hosting gain smart, real-time network traffic protection. The system provides guarantees of being entirely failure-proof, enabling users to predict the cost of repelling network threats with confidence.
How to Choose the Right Solution?
Colobridge assists users in selecting the most suitable FWaaS solution based on four main criteria: efficiency, productivity, safety, and cost. The emphasis is on tailoring the solution to meet individual business needs and cybersecurity objectives.
Conclusion
Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) redefines cybersecurity, safeguarding multiple client IT infrastructures simultaneously through a provider-operated failover cluster of hardware firewalls. This approach prioritizes operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, ensuring shared digital protection across diverse environments, including the cloud.
Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs), exemplified by Fortinet FortiGate, enhance cybersecurity with their dual role in routing traffic and shielding against network threats. Offering adaptability through virtualization, flexible configurations, and client empowerment for customized defense, NGFWs, especially Fortinet FortiGate, represent a proactive cybersecurity strategy. This fusion of hardware robustness with advanced software solutions establishes resilient defenses against emerging threats.
