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A firewall is a security system designed to prevent unauthorized access into or out of a computer network. When not properly configured, firewalls can leave your system vulnerable to attack and compromise.

The main function of a firewall is to filter and monitor the flow of data packets between network hosts (e.g., computers) inside a private or business network and the outside world like the internet. Firewall systems act as the first line of defense, scrutinizing and controlling network traffic to detect and thwart cyber threats.

Packet filtering firewalls monitor incoming packets and compare them to established criteria for safe behavior. If a packet is flagged as suspicious, it’s blocked. Circuit-level gateways monitor TCP handshakes and other network protocol session initiation messages to identify malicious activity.

Stateful multilayer inspection firewalls, also called NGFW firewalls, use a deep-dive look into every aspect of each incoming packet, including network, transport, and application layers. They check for known trusted packets at each layer and only allow the packet to pass through if it meets all of the requirements.

The key to a successful firewall configuration is applying the principle of least privilege access, which stipulates that entities should only have the ability to access what they need, limiting risk from inadvertently introducing malicious activities. Additionally, it’s important to establish a policy governing what kind of data can be accessed, where it can come from and go to, and which networks it can be accessed on. Additionally, it’s important to have a solid understanding of what the latest threats and vulnerabilities are, as well as how they’re likely to try to exploit your firewall and how your solution can protect against them.