What does a Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) analyze to block unwanted content?

A Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) analyzes applications' session activities to block unwanted content, which represents an advanced method of security beyond traditional firewalls. Unlike earlier firewall models that primarily focused on IP addresses and port numbers, NGFWs use deep packet inspection (DPI) to scrutinize the actual data being transmitted. This means they look at the context of the traffic, including the types of applications that are being used, rather than simply classifying traffic based on where it originates or which ports are being accessed.

By evaluating application session activities, an NGFW can identify potentially harmful behavior, such as intrusion attempts or the use of unauthorized applications. This capability allows for more granular control over which types of traffic are permitted and which should be blocked, consequently enhancing overall network security. Additionally, this analysis can help in recognizing evasive techniques that malware might use to bypass security measures, making NGFWs essential in protecting modern networks where applications and their traffic patterns can change rapidly.