Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)

Prerequisite: Introduction of  Firewall in Computer Network

A firewall in a computer network functions as a barrier that prevents illegal entry to your computer’s connection. But, FWaaS is a cloud-based firewall method that enables businesses to simplify their IT architecture. It includes web filtering, enhanced threat protection, an intrusion prevention system, and DNS Server security as next-generation firewall features.

The discussion will be based on “Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)”

Firewall as a Service (FWaaS):

FWaaS is a cloud-based security system that also provides a hyper-scale, next-generation firewall. Firewall service is a premium account offering that uses a firewall to secure a company’s network from attacks. This is sometimes better to build your own actual security infrastructure.

FWaaS sits in between your device and the internet. The FWaaS system examines traffic as it seeks to enter your system in order to detect and handle risks. The inspection examines the data contained in each packet header, gaining insight into where the packet originated, as well as other behaviors that may indicate it is malicious. 

 

Working of Firewall as a service (FWaaS):

• A firewall as a Solution filters network activity to protect businesses from both internal and external threats. 
• In addition to stateful firewall features, it includes packet filtering, network security, Transmission Control protocol/internet encryption, security socket layers secure VPN compatibility and IP Protocol mapping. 
• FWaaS also includes more in-depth content analysis capabilities, such as the capacity to detect malware attacks, cyber-attacks, and other viruses.
• Some FWaaS options include an NGFW (Next Generation Firewall) to power the system. You can also receive machine-learning technologies with an NGFW that can discover innovative, zero-day attacks that have not been seen before. 
• This is accomplished by evaluating the behavior of digital data and checking for abnormal and potentially harmful activity.

Benefits:

For businesses searching for a flexible security solution, FWaaS offers numerous significant advantages. To preserve flexibility, many enterprises are moving away from the traditional in-house choices and entrusting network security to an FWaaS supplier.

Here’s the list of FWaas advantages:  

1. Easier Deployment and Upkeep: Implementing a new on-premises anti-malware, or simply a single security product, might require significant effort and resources. All that you have to do with FWaaS is inform your service of what you require. They already have the resources, and their team can handle all configuration concerns.
2. Increased Scalability: Extending your FWaaS system is straightforward. You only need to clarify your new requirements with your provider. They can however advise you to depend on your company’s objectives. Furthermore, when scaling with an FWaaS, it is rather simple to revert to your previous setup if the new solution proves to be superfluous or excessive.
3. Increased adaptability: You may determine when and where to deploy security with an FWaaS depending on the procedures and resources you wish to protect. You can also choose where your safeguards should be placed in a cloud-based information chain. FWaaS can also be used to safeguard cloud-native databases, software, or CRM systems. You can also change the settings of each option as you see appropriate.

Drawbacks:

1. Firewalls require considerable expenditure depending on what type. Hardware firewalls are considerably more expensive as software firewalls. Furthermore, hardware firewalls necessitate installation and management, which could be expensive.
2. A firewall, though, has several limitations, such as its incapacity to stop virus and malware attacks, for which additional applications would’ve been needed at the individual machine level. Firewall servicing and upgrades necessitate additional manpower and resources.

Examples of Firewall as a service:

The following are five types of firewalls:

• Firewalls with packet filtering
• Gateway at the circuit-level
• Gateway for software (aka proxy firewall)
• Firewall with deep packet inspection.
• The firewall of the future (NGFW)

Conclusion:

Customers can use FWaaS to transfer security inspections to the web in part or entirely. Your system is maintained by the hosting company, which will also maintain the hardware resources that drives your solution.

Based on the membership you choose, your service contract will include specifics defining the types of things you will still have access to. Many businesses require a service-based design because it allows them to expand on requests without needing to worry about providing new hardware.