What is a Hardware Firewall?

What does “firewall” mean?

A firewall serves as a guardian for your network, defending it against potential attackers. It operates as a continuous filter, meticulously examining incoming data, and blocking anything that appears suspicious from gaining access.

How about a “hardware firewall”?

A hardware firewall operates autonomously from the computer it safeguards, functioning as a gatekeeper for incoming information from the internet into the system.

And a “firewall”?

A software firewall is a program used by a computer to inspect the data entering and leaving the device. Users can personalize it to align with their specific requirements.

What does a hardware firewall entail? Comparing hardware and software firewalls.

At its most fundamental level, a hardware firewall constitutes a physical device, whereas software firewalls operate within your computer as applications. Although they share a common mission, their approaches differ slightly, resulting in distinct advantages:

1. Lower Initial Cost: Initially, a software firewall is relatively inexpensive. Some even offer free trials, followed by a modest monthly fee. However, over time, the cumulative subscription costs may exceed those of a hardware solution.
2. Minimal Space Requirement: If space is a concern, opting for a software firewall could be more suitable, as it functions as an application with no physical footprint.
3. Easy Installation: Many software firewalls can be set up with just a few clicks, while hardware firewalls involve wiring, power connections, and proper positioning.

However, it’s essential to note that software firewalls also have limitations. They need to be installed on each computer within the network. When updates are necessary, any units not ready for automatic updates must be manually updated. Since they lack independent operating systems, software firewalls can consume significant computing resources and memory, potentially impacting the user experience and network security.

What is a Hardware Firewall?

A hardware firewall functions as a physical apparatus, akin to a server, responsible for filtering incoming traffic destined for a computer. In contrast to the conventional method of directly connecting a network cable to a computer or server, a hardware firewall requires the cable to first be connected to the firewall. This positioning places the firewall as an intermediary layer between the external network and the server, serving as an antivirus solution and forming a robust barrier against intrusion attempts.

The hardware firewall assumes the role of a vigilant gatekeeper, effectively acting as an antivirus solution dedicated to safeguarding your server. Its placement is immediately behind the router, allowing for precise configuration to scrutinize incoming traffic, identifying and mitigating specific threats as they traverse the device.

Three primary benefits stem from employing a hardware firewall:

1. Intelligent Traffic Control: The hardware firewall facilitates sophisticated control over the traffic permitted to access your server, enabling the implementation of finely tuned rules.
2. Customized Traffic Rules: Configuration options empower the establishment of precise rules governing all incoming traffic, enhancing security measures.
3. Offloading Server Resources: By leveraging a hardware firewall, the strain on other server resources can be alleviated. This includes the option to deactivate software firewalls, leading to the liberation of valuable memory and processor capacity, which can be utilized more effectively.

How Hardware Firewalls Operate

While the precise configuration varies based on your network setup, all firewalls function in a comparable manner. Situated between your network and the internet, they play a crucial role in safeguarding your network from potential threats and preventing malicious actors from using your network to disseminate harmful data to other destinations.

A fundamental type of firewall is known as a packet filter, which directly examines the data itself. As data arrives with source and destination information, the firewall leverages this data to assess whether it poses a risk to the system. It then subjects the data to a predefined set of permissions. If the data fails to meet the requirements outlined in the permissions checklist, it is denied entry. Conversely, if the data aligns with the specified permissions and is deemed safe, it is permitted to pass through.

Modern hardware firewalls have the capability to scrutinize data in both incoming and outgoing directions. Similar to the process used for incoming traffic, the firewall applies a set of permissions to outgoing data. This proactive approach allows the firewall to identify data hidden within the code, which may be designed to exploit your computer, spreading malicious code to other computers across the internet.

Advantages of Hardware Firewalls

1. Unified Network Control: A single hardware firewall extends protection to all computers connected to your server, significantly reducing the time and resources needed for individual software installations on each computer.
2. Simultaneous Updates and Upgrades: Configure protection settings once, and all networked computers receive updates simultaneously. This approach ensures comprehensive security across all devices, eliminating the need for manual updates by IT teams. It removes the uncertainty of whether every computer will be promptly updated or if users will follow the required steps for implementation.
3. Uninterrupted Protection: Hardware firewalls remain operational unless intentionally turned off. Without monthly payment plans or risks of fluctuations in computer resources, continuous protection is maintained, eliminating the potential for exposing your server to threats.
4. Enhanced Security: Hardware firewalls have a separate operating system, making them less susceptible to certain attacks faced by software firewalls.
5. Prevention of Internal Drive Threats: Safeguard every aspect of your computer from potential invasive and costly attacks. The physical barrier established by the hardware firewall between your computer’s internal drives and incoming malicious code halts threats before they can breach your system.

Using Routers for Firewall Functions

Many individuals inquire about the viability of utilizing their routers as replacements for dedicated firewalls. This stems from routers’ protective capabilities, leading some to believe they provide sufficient security solutions. In certain scenarios, a router may indeed provide the necessary protection:

1. Protection against Undesignated Data: Routers, unless aware of the intended destination within your network, reject incoming data. If malicious data lacks a specific request from a computer on the network, the router will discard it.
2. Data Type Blocking: Some routers can be configured to block specific types of outgoing data from your computer. This feature safeguards your computer, preventing it from being exploited as a launching point for attacks on other devices.

When used in tandem with another firewall, a router can add an extra layer of protection. If programmed well, it can prevent your computer from being taken over or turned into a “zombie” by malicious software.

However, routers are not equipped to offer a comprehensive security solution. A router might allow malicious incoming traffic if triggered inadvertently by a user clicking a link or visiting a site. This limitation arises because the router might interpret the user’s click or action as a request for malicious data. In contrast, a firewall would block suspicious data, even if it appears to be “requested” by a user.

Is a physical firewall suitable for small businesses?

Absolutely! Physical firewalls provide robust protection, conserving memory and processing power. This makes them suitable for both small businesses and larger enterprises. A single physical firewall efficiently secures multiple devices accessing data from a central server, lessening the workload on IT teams.

These hardware firewalls aren’t limited to businesses; they can safeguard home networks as well. Placed between your modem and wireless router, they act as a barrier, preventing attacks from reaching your family’s devices. This is especially valuable for devices where you can’t install your preferred trusted software firewall. Using a single physical firewall simplifies the process, removing the necessity of managing multiple software firewalls for each network device.

Fortinet firewalls go a step beyond the advantages of standard hardware firewalls. Their advanced inspection capabilities enable them to effectively identify attacks, malware, and various threats. Furthermore, they offer pathways for future updates, ensuring they can adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of internet security threats.