What is a Firewall?
Firewalls are the devices that define network borders and protect organizations from cyber threats. A firewall is deployed at network boundaries and inspects and evaluates all traffic passing through it.
A firewall works by applying predefined rules that specify the types of traffic that are permitted to enter and leave the protected network and what should be stopped at the border. For example, most firewalls are configured to deny all inbound connections by default while allowing most outbound connections to go through. These general policies can then be supported by more specific rules that block traffic to/from certain IP ranges, prevent certain network protocols from entering or leaving the network, or identify and block attempted malware infections or data exfiltration.
Firewalls are a vital part of an organization’s security infrastructure because they help to prevent a number of threats from entering an organization’s network. Firewalls also come in a variety of forms, ranging from stateless firewalls — which evaluate the IP address and port in each packets header — to next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) — which perform deep packet inspection and integrate other security functionality beyond that of a firewall, such as an intrusion prevention system (IPS).
What is a Proxy?
A proxy server is a system that acts as an intermediary for connections between clients and servers. Proxies can be deployed to protect either the client or the server and can protect the privacy and security of the devices behind them. When an organization sets up a proxy, all of the systems that sit behind the proxy are configured to send all of their traffic to the proxy. The proxy then sends the request on to the other party on its users’ behalf.
One of the primary purposes of a proxy is to protect the privacy of its users. All traffic to and from the proxy uses its IP address rather than that of the systems behind it, providing a level of anonymity. Proxies can be used for various purposes, including the following:
- Private Browsing: The proxy substitutes its IP address for that of the client, making it more difficult to identify the person behind a browsing session.
- Connection Logging: All traffic through a proxy can be logged, which may be useful to an organization for compliance or security.
- Web Filtering: Proxies can be configured to block users from visiting certain sites, including those that are potentially dangerous or inappropriate for work.
- Content Caching: Proxies have the ability to cache content from commonly-visited static pages. This can reduce latency for their clients because the data can be served directly from the proxy server rather than making the trip all the way to the webserver and back again.
- Evading Geoblocking: If a proxy server is located elsewhere, it can be used to evade geoblocking since the IP address of the proxy server will be used to make access decisions, not that of the client hidden behind it.
The Difference Between Firewalls and Proxies
Firewalls and proxies can both be used to protect an organization and its users against cyber threats. However, they have different functions and areas of focus.
A firewall is primarily focused on blocking unwanted and malicious traffic from entering the private network. It will be deployed at the network boundary and inspect most or all traffic regardless of source, destination, or protocol. Its purpose is to define and guard the network boundary.
While a proxy can be used to block malicious content, its primary focus is to protect the privacy of the systems behind it. Some types of traffic may not pass through the proxy, and a proxy won’t be able to identify and block the same range of potential cyber threats as a firewall would.
NGFW with Check Point
Proxies and firewalls both serve valuable purposes in an organization’s security infrastructure. A firewall is used to define the perimeter of the network and to identify and block potentially suspicious and malicious traffic. On the other hand, a proxy helps to protect privacy and can help to enforce corporate policies regarding internet browsing.
Check Point NGFWs incorporate the functionality of both firewalls and proxies as well as other useful security functions such as an IPS to identify and block advanced threats. By incorporating multiple security functions in a single solution, a NGFW increases efficiency and ease of use. To learn more about what to look for in a NGFW, check out this buyer’s guide. Then, to see Check Point NGFWs’ capabilities for yourself, sign up for a free demo.
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