In any context of network security, firewall solutions are always a part of the conversation. Although there are many layers to securing your business’s internal network, network security appliances like firewalls are a must.
At its core, firewall tech was designed to help filter network traffic based on a set of predetermined rules. Considering how cyber threats have evolved over the years, the same can be said about firewall technology as well.
It’s more than just network security for this topic, as firewalls help businesses maintain compliance and simplify network management. As you read through this article, you’ll learn about evolving firewall solutions and why they’re important for your growing business.
A Look at Firewall Technology Over Time
Starting with the 1980s, the beginning generations of firewall tech seem pretty simple compared to today’s world. This era worked at the network layer to filter packets. In comparison to future advancements, the features from firewall brands were pretty limited.
Once the 1990s rolled around, you started seeing more dynamic packet filtering as well as state tracking. This also came with context-aware filtering, which was solely based on session information.
Application layer firewall tech didn’t really start to rise until the 2000s. This is when firewall solutions started to move past network traffic alone. At this point, firewalls could inspect application-level data and promise more granular control. It’s also a time when proxy-based firewalls started to become more common.
The 2010s saw even more advancements, with the likes of intrusion prevention and unified threat management (UTM) being notable examples. In recent years, firewall tech leaders like Sophos and Fortinet have focused on AI, cloud-native solutions, and zero-trust architecture. As cyber security threats keep evolving, the same will be seen with firewall solutions as time goes on.
Innovations in Software and Hardware Firewall Solutions
Over the years, software and hardware firewall solutions have seen some impressive advancements. When it comes to the hardware, many of the improvements can be seen in the following upgrades.
- Better processing power
- Dynamic network inspection
- More long-term scalability
- Cost savings
- Intrusion prevention
Although software comes with many of the same features, firewall providers work hard to discern the unique benefits on both sides. Software solutions are known for their relatively low cost and easy deployment in comparison. It’s a great option for smaller teams or those working with a tighter budget. Overall, you can still find next-generation firewall tech in both software and hardware varieties.
Final Thoughts
With each passing year, you’re bound to come across advancements in the realm of firewall solutions. This includes many different layers of security and tech applications, but efficacy and scalability are at the forefront.
Whether you’re a new, growing business or simply looking for a transition, there’s enough to go around between the leading firewall vendors. You can learn more about firewall solutions by getting in touch with us any time you feel like you need an expert’s point of view.
