Firewall utm

Types of Firewall UTM

There are two key types of firewall UTM systems that are commonly used, and these are software-based UTMs and hardware-based UTMs.

• Software-based Universal Thread Manipulation (UTM) systems:

  Firewall UTM systems that are software-based are often installed on ordinary operating system devices. They give users the ability to access and manage many security features and services through a single console. Software-based UTM systems are typically more scalable and flexible, making them ideal for organizations with changing security needs. They are also easy to integrate with existing IT infrastructure. However, sets of adequate hardware are needed to run them efficiently. Also, infinite upgrading options are available for software-based UTMs. In a nutshell, software-based UTMs provide organizations with a manageable and effective approach to centralized security.

• Hardware-based Universal Thread Manipulation (UTM) systems:

  On the other hand, typically dedicated appliance devices are what hardware-based UTM systems are referred to. They integrate many security functions into a single hardware device. Thus, hardware-based UTM systems are preferable for organizations needing a strong and concentrated security solution. They tend to work more effectively and benefit from being physically installed on the network perimeter. For organizations looking for a dependable and high-performance security system, hardware-based UTM systems are ideal. Nevertheless, they have fixed functionality and do not offer much flexibility when it comes to upgrades.

Functions & Features of Firewall UTM

A unified threat management (UTM) system combines multiple security features and services into a single, bundled solution. The following features of UTM firewalls make them more favorable compared to conventional firewalls:

• Their ability to integrate several security functions into one solution helps organizations to address various security needs and minimize risk coherently.
• Streamlined Management: Their simplified centralized attack surface makes it easier to manage cybersecurity.
• Complementary Functions: The different complementary functions of UTM operate cohesively, reinforcing each other to improve organizational security altogether.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Integrating multiple services into one package promotes reduced overall cost of implementing these measures. In contrast, procuring each service independently could be much more costly.
• Reduced response time in cases of incidents and attacks is prioritized through the integration of different services into one.
• Decreased Complexity: Their integrated approach helps reduce the overall complexity of the solution.
• Scalability: UTM solutions can easily be scaled up or down to help organizations meet their specific requirements/needs.
• Increased Effectiveness: Their ability to provide a more cohesive and coordinated response to security threats enhances their effectiveness.
• Customization: The various features can be customized according to specific needs/requirements of an organization.

This ensures that only required features are implemented, and resources are optimally utilized.

Different firewall types have their respective feature sets that must be understood in order to properly compare functions:

• Next-Generation Firewall Features: Application awareness, control and visibility, including deep packet inspection and encrypted traffic inspection, built-in intrusion prevention system, automated response, sandboxing, advanced malware protection, and contextual threat intelligence are some essential features of next-gen firewalls.
• Cloud Firewall Features: Scalability, automated response time management, flexibility, contextual threat intelligence, deep packet inspection, encrypted traffic management and control, intrusion detection and prevention, threat prevention, and strict compliance are essential features of cloud firewalls.
• Virtual Firewall Features: Virtual firewalls provide visibility and control, intrusion prevention and detection, threat intelligence, malware protection, encryption, compliance, and automated response capabilities equivalent to those of physical firewalls.
• Web Application Firewall Features: Web application firewalls seek to protect web applications from attacks and use capabilities such as filtering and monitoring HTTP traffic, a centralized management system, flexibility and scalability, threat intelligence contextual awareness, intrusion prevention and detection, and compliance management.

Scenarios of firewall utm

Unified Threat Management firewalls (UTM firewalls) are widely used across many industries. Some key UTM usage scenarios include;

• Remote Workforce and Employee Mobility

  Organizations can use firewall UTM to secure remote connections established by remote employees and mobile workforce. UTM firewalls provide VPN capabilities which enable secure and encrypted tunnels which remote employees can use to access corporate network. Also, multi-factor authentication is implemented to ensure only authorized personnel access the network. Additionally, UTM firewalls provide features such as clientless VPN and SSL VPN which allow seamless remote access to critical business application.

• Branch Office Connectivity and Integration

  UTM firewalls play a major role in securing connectivity between branch offices and headquarter. Business owners can deploy UTM solutions to establish VPN tunnels and secure gateway which connect different offices. This enables them to protect data traffic, secure communications and ensure business continuity. Moreover, UTM provides comprehensive security for organizations operating in multilocation environments. With features like centralized management, businesses can monitor their networks from a single location, configure policies and updates across all locations, and ensure consistent security posture.

• Regulatory Compliance and Data Protection

  Unified Threat Management firewalls assist organizations in safeguarding compliance with regulatory security mandates and in protecting sensitive data. By implementing robust security measures and maintaining visibility into network activities, UTM firewalls help organizations meet regulatory requirements and protect sensitive data. For instance, data encryption and access controls offered by UTM firewall can assist organizations in meeting requirements for data protection and privacy laws such as HIPAA and GDPR. Furthermore, comprehensive security measures provided by UTM firewalls help organizations satisfy industry-specific standards. These include PCI DSS with regard to credit card transaction security and safeguarding financial data, as well as GLBA, which governs financial institutions' data security provisions.

How to Choose Firewall UTM

When looking to buy a Firewall UTM in bulk, it is important to know what is needed in order to serve the end client best. The following are some important things to consider:

• Scalability: When considering UTM scalability, think about the organization's growth. Choose a UTM solution that can grow with the organization, handling more users, bandwidth, and network locations without compromising performance.
• Throughput: This is the most important thing to consider because it refers to the amount of data the firewall can process. Firewall UTMs from 1 to 100 Mbps are suitable for small businesses, while those above 100 Mbps are ideal for large organizations with a high network traffic volume.
• Simultaneous Connections: A Firewall UTM should be able to handle a large number of simultaneous connections without crashing. Anything from 10,000 to 1,000,000 simultaneous connections is good enough, depending on the size of the organization.
• Other Network Devices: If zeros (0) to five (5) are considered in a UTM firewall, then network devices should be from one (1) to ten (10). This means the number of other network devices should be less than the number assigned to the UTM. Organizations with a small number of other network devices can consider purchasing a Firewall UTM that supports 0 to 5 other network devices.
• Not Applicable Statutory Compliance: Different industries have different regulatory compliance requirements. Consider a Firewall UTM that has applicable statutory compliance certifications. For instance, if the organization works in the healthcare industry, the UTM purchased should comply with HIPAA laws. If it is in the payment system, the UTM should have PCI compliance, etc.
• Number of Licenses: When purchasing a UTM firewall, buyers must decide on the number of licenses needed to purchase. Some firewall manufacturers have different licensing options, and buyers must choose which is the best fit for their organization.
• Deployment: Consider whether the organization is on-premises, cloud, or hybrid. If the organization prefers an on-premises deployment, the UTM Firewall hardware should be purchased. For a cloud deployment, a firewall UTM software license should be acquired. If the organization is using a hybrid deployment, a firewall UTM that supports hybrid deployment should be purchased.

Q & A

Q1: Are firewalls still relevant in unified threat management?

A1: Absolutely. Firewalls form the cornerstone of UTM security. They manage inbound and outbound network traffic based on predetermined security rules. In UTM, the firewall's functionality is integrated with other security features, providing a comprehensive security solution.

Q2: What is the difference between a UTM and an NGFW?

A2: Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) are a type of UTM. While UTMs integrate multiple security functions, the NGFW focuses on advanced firewall functionalities, particularly application-based filtering and the use of external threat intelligence.

Q3: Can small businesses use UTMs easily, and are they affordable?

A3: UTMs are designed with user-friendliness in mind. A UTM can be set up and managed by a small business even without specialized IT skills. They also offer numerous security features at an affordable price, making them an attractive cybersecurity option for small businesses.

Q4: Is it possible to scale UTMs to adapt to a growing business?

A4: Yes. Businesses can select UTM models with security capabilities that can be scaled to meet future needs as their network grows.