Next-generation firewalls are critical in defending businesses from growing threats. On the network periphery and in the data centre, these sophisticated network security guardians monitor inbound and outbound traffic for evidence of intrusions and malicious behaviour.
Many organisations are viewing NGFWs as a vital component of their cybersecurity operations because they block potentially hazardous material before it reaches its destination.
Agencies are fine-tuning their cloud strategy at the same time. Whether they’re going all-in on cloud-first or employing cloud services judiciously as part of a hybrid offering, sensitive data is now stored in both on-premises data centres and those hosted by cloud partners.
Attackers will seek out the weak places in an organization’s cybersecurity architecture unless cybersecurity and networking teams can protect that information from an assault wherever it sits.
To properly safeguard corporate assets, federal IT directors should combine their NGFW and cloud computing initiatives. Consolidating on a single NGFW platform and using it across cloud and on-premises network systems is the ideal approach to achieve this.
Anticipating this strategy, NGFW providers offer virtual appliances and software subscription models that enable for simple cloud deployment.
Agencies’ Security Position is Improved by Next-Generation Firewalls
One of four reasons to consider consolidation is centralised NGFW management. Engineers have a uniform set of tools throughout the business when the same firewall engine is deployed across the network. This allows them to operate with standard operating procedures and deploy new systems using templated deployment models.
It also makes making modifications, updating rules, and installing software updates, as well as hardware and firmware upgrades, more easier.
Firewall misconfigurations account for the overwhelming majority of network security breaches. Fewer items may fall through the cracks when a business utilises a standardised firewall toolset with central administration throughout the firm.
The next step is for agencies to combine event tracking, analytics, and reporting. Using diverse security solutions results in isolated pools of security data, making it difficult for security analysts to see patterns and suspicious activities, as well as react swiftly to crucial warnings.
When a company deploys a single NGFW platform, event logs and threat data analytics are consolidated, enabling security professionals to take a unified approach to incident response and event management.
A single-vendor solution implemented in a hybrid cloud architecture minimises complexity and boosts productivity, resulting in a more efficient NGFW solution.
How does DNS security improve federal cybersecurity?
Management is made easier with a single security platform.
The benefits of having a single security platform must also be considered by agencies. Most businesses cannot afford to educate their employees to handle various vendor platforms. Consolidating throughout the agency on a single NGFW platform eliminates the requirement for vendor training and the number of people needed to administer and monitor the firewalls.
Furthermore, if an agency has two or three firewalls from various vendors, each with its own technique of defining rules and upgrading firmware, the chances of making a mistake are greater than if there is just one solution, centrally controlled and maintained by a professional security team.
Finally, combining on-premises and cloud NGFW requirements into a single vendor solution and negotiating a contract helps lower total cost of ownership. Consolidation helps an agency’s IT management to save money on subscription and support contracts by reducing both upfront and continuing operating expenses.
The expense of the effort may be justified solely on the basis of these immediate savings. Instead of dealing with numerous firewall brands in a hybrid cloud environment, agencies may save money and effort by using alternative network or security technologies to secure the enterprise, such as web application firewalls and cloud access security brokers.
Vendor-trained solution architects can help IT leaders develop a consolidated NGFW strategy that meets their agencies’ security and business requirements. They may also help with the platform’s installation, setup, and continuous administration.
