Next-Generation Firewall Capabilities for Cloud Environments
Key capabilities that NGFWs can provide to secure cloud environments include the following:
- Flexible Network Security: Cloud-native firewalls are implemented using virtual network functions, which make them highly flexible. Additionally, a cloud NGFW has the advantage of cloud scalability, enabling it to expand to meet demand.
- SSL/TLS Inspection: NGFWs have the ability to inspect corporate network traffic encrypted by SSL/TLS. This is essential to identify malicious content or attempted data exfiltration in encrypted web traffic.
- Application Control: NGFWs have a deep understanding of various application protocols, enabling them to identify and manage application traffic. This is essential to implementing access controls and protecting these applications against attack.
- Intrusion Prevention: NGFWs integrate security solutions such as intrusion prevention systems (IPS) as well as the core capabilities of a traditional firewall. This enables them to protect cloud-based applications against distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and potential threats.
- Micro-Segmentation: Software-defined networking (SDN) enables micro-segmentation, which breaks a network into small pieces. It enables an organization to granularly apply corporate security policies, scan for malicious content, and enforce a zero-trust security strategy.
- Secure Remote Access: NGFWs can act as a terminus for a VPN or ZTNA connection, enabling secure remote access to cloud-based corporate resources.
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Cloud environments contain expanding volumes of data, making them prime targets for data breaches. DLP capabilities in an NGFW help prevent sensitive data from leaking from the cloud to unauthorized users.
- Centralized Monitoring and Management: Cloud NGFWs offer centralized monitoring and security management for cloud environments. This provides robust security visibility, especially if an integrated NGFW platform spans multi-cloud deployments.
Implementing Next-Generation Firewalls in the Cloud
While cloud NGFWs have similar capabilities as on-prem offerings, the difference in deployment environment offers some new possibilities for cloud NGFWs.
When planning and deploying cloud NGFWs in the cloud, take the following steps:
- Identify Security Requirements: A cloud NGFW should be designed to fit the organization’s security posture and business needs. When upgrading cloud security architecture, we recommend performing a security assessment and gap analysis to identify potential security and compliance requirements.
- Select Solutions: Cloud NGFWs could be deployed as virtual appliances, cloud-native solutions, or as part of an integrated security platform. Based on the identified security and business requirements, select the solution that is the best fit for the company.
- Configure and Optimize: After selecting and deploying a cloud NGFW, the next step is to configure it. Firewall rules and other settings should be configured based on corporate security policies and regularly reviewed to ensure that they’re correct and offer optimal performance and security.
- Monitor and Maintain: NGFWs and other security solutions require ongoing monitoring to address any identified security threats. These solutions should also be regularly maintained to ensure that they are up-to-date.
Best Practices for Next-Generation Firewall Cloud Security
Cloud NGFWs are a vital component of a corporate cloud security architecture. When deploying and managing these solutions, consider the following best practices.
- Implement Zero Trust: NGFW’s support for micro-segmentation and access control makes it ideal for enforcing zero trust policies. Implementing least privilege access controls limits the potential for unauthorized access to corporate cloud resources.
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA reduces the risk of account takeover due to compromised credentials. MFA should be enabled everywhere, especially for privileged accounts managing cloud NGFWs.
- Monitor User Behaviors: Use user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) to identify unusual patterns and anomalies in user behavior. These may indicate compromised accounts or other threats.
- Perform Regular Updates: Unpatched vulnerabilities enable cybercriminals to bypass an organization’s cyber defenses. Promptly applying updates and patches helps to close potential security gaps before they can be exploited.
- Test Security Controls: Penetration testing and other security audits uncover flaws in an NGFW’s configuration and protection. Performing these tests regularly helps ensure protection against data breaches and the potential for regulatory non-compliance.
Quantum Force – Next-Generation Firewalls and Security Gateways
Choosing an NGFW for cloud environments is an important decision, and it’s vital to select one that meets the business’s needs. For more information on what to look for, check out this buyer’s guide to NGFWs.
Check Point Quantum Force NGFWs offers AI-powered, industry-leading threat intelligence and prevention for on-prem and cloud environments alike. To learn more about how Quantum Force can enhance your organization’s cloud security, sign up for a free demo.
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