Network security can pertain to a device used to scan a system or monitor network traffic. Common examples include hardware firewalls and proxy servers. Less common examples include hardware security modules that provision cryptographic keys for critical functions such as encryption, decryption and authentication for various systems. Hardware systems can provide stronger security than software and can also include an additional layer of security for mission-critical systems.
Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) : A network security device that provides capabilities beyond a traditional firewall. with enhanced protection to work more comprehensively more efficient to deal with complex threats and the use of more diverse users includes additional features like application awareness and control, integrated intrusion prevention, and cloud-delivered threat intelligence.
Next generation firewalls offer several benefits, including:
Enhanced protection against cyber threats — Next gen firewalls can inspect and analyze traffic more comprehensively than traditional firewalls, which helps them detect and prevent a greater variety of cyber attacks than a traditional firewall. For example, next gen firewalls can detect traffic maliciously targeting the network and prevent the intrusion by quarantining or blocking the traffic.
Support for regulatory compliance mandates — Next gen firewalls prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive resources within the network—an important requirement for data privacy and protection regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act in the U.S., and the General Data Protection Regulation in the EU.
Streamlined network architecture — Next gen firewalls provide advanced threat protection as well as basic firewall capabilities. Combining the capabilities of multiple devices and appliances within a single platform helps reduce network infrastructure complexity.