NGFW vs UTM Firewall

Published on: July 07, 2022

.

7 min read

.

For German Version

Cybersecurity has become a necessity for businesses of all shapes and sizes. A common misconception is that large enterprises form the primary target for cybercriminals, but this is far from the truth.

According to a recent report, small businesses are three times more likely to become the target of a cyber attack. Small businesses tend to have fewer resources and lack security expertise, making them an easier target for such attacks.

Cybersecurity practices help ensure that your data is free of theft and damage from any exchanges outside of your network. It also helps to keep your network secure from external threats that may try to compromise your system's integrity.

One of the most important parts of any cybersecurity system is your firewall. Firewalls represent the first line of defense because all information coming in and passing through your network is examined by the firewall. Think of it as a barrier between your internal network perimeter and the external internet. While firewalls have always been described as a technology used to filter unwanted network traffic, they have evolved.

As cybersecurity threats grow in number and complexity, firewalls have also evolved to provide adequate security for your network. Here we will be discussing two of the modern firewall types: Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) and Unified Threat Management (UTM).

As a business, you may want to keep your security solutions upgraded. If you search for the most in-demand cybersecurity solutions today, you'll find NGFW and UTM listed. How does each work? How do these two differ? And how do you decide which one is best for your business needs? Read on to find out!

What is NGFW?

First, let us understand what NGFW and UTM are.

Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) have evolved from traditional firewalls and are considered the third generation of firewall technology. Traditional firewalls would typically offer features such as stateful inspection of incoming and outgoing traffic but would offer limited visibility into application control.

Next-Generation Firewalls offer additional features such as cloud-delivered threat intelligence, IDS/IPS, VPN, and antivirus. Moreover, unlike traditional firewalls, they are capable of offering deeper visibility and application control. You can use whitelists and signature matching to identify unwanted applications and separate them from safe applications that are allowed access to the network. They also offer encrypted web traffic inspection so you can filter out malicious data packets from entering your network. In this way, Next-Generation Firewalls are better equipped to block malware and other network security threats from entering your network, something that traditional firewalls would struggle with.

Gartner defines Next Generation Firewalls as deep-packet inspection firewalls that move beyond port/protocol inspection and blocking; they further offer application-level inspection, IPS (intrusion prevention systems), and threat management.

In simpler words, Next-Generation Firewalls offer the base-level features that traditional firewalls have but build on them to offer additional features. They are a much more advanced version of your traditional firewalls.

How Does NGFW Work?

Think of your Next-Generation Firewall as a traffic guard at your network's entry points. It will only allow trusted traffic sources to pass through and keep out unknown IP addresses. Traditional packet filtering firewalls would filter traffic based on port/protocol, but this is not effective nowadays.

Next-generation firewalls offer deep packet filtering and further inspect the contents of a packet-based application (layer 7 of the OSI model), not just their IP. Previous firewalls could only provide security up to layer 4 (the transport layer). Next-Generation Firewalls are therefore more capable of identifying and blocking suspicious activity, so your network remains secure at all times. Next-generation firewalls will not only combine this deep packet inspection with other network device filtering technologies, including threat intelligence, integrated intrusion detection/prevention, and identity awareness.

Here are some of the basic features that Next-Generation Firewalls carry:

• Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): Deep packet inspection, also known as packet sniffing, is a feature by which your NGFW will inspect the content of all data packets entering your network. It will then identify, block, or reroute data packets with malicious code.
• Identity Awareness: The Next Generation Firewall uses identity-based policies to provide access to specific users and groups of users. It will identify the user behind an IP and provide them access according to their level of access.
• Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): This security tool will allow the Next Generation Firewall to monitor a network for malicious activity. If it detects any vulnerability exploits, it will then take preventative measures, which include reporting and blocking.
• Advanced Malware Detection: Next Generation Firewalls used advanced malware detection, including sandboxing and other security controls, to detect and prevent malware from entering your network.
• Threat Intelligence: Cybersecurity threats are continuously evolving, and threat intelligence helps counter them at each turn. Threat intelligence is data that is downloaded from cloud services that may include known IP addresses of spammers, indicators of compromise(IoC), new virus types, etc. Next-Generation Firewalls use threat intelligence to keep up with continuously changing security threats. It helps to anticipate the attacker's next moves and take preventative measures.

What is the Best NGFW?

In recent years, Next Generation Firewalls have emerged as a key cybersecurity tool for enterprises against newly emerging threats. Many contenders have introduced their Next-Generation Firewalls to the market, each boasting its own features. By looking at the sheer volume of Next-Generation Firewalls, it may be difficult to single out the best one for your business.

The Next Generation Firewall you choose should include standard firewall capabilities along with the basic features we've discussed above, i.e., deep packet inspection, identity awareness, intrusion prevention systems, advanced malware detection, and threat intelligence.

One of the best Next Generation Firewalls you can get today is the Zenarmor NGFW by Sunny Valley Networks. Zenarmor® is an instant, software-based firewall that can be implemented virtually anywhere.

This technology delivers cutting-edge, next-generation functionality that open source firewalls such as OPNsense do not currently have. Zenarmor can help if you're utilizing a L4 packet filtering firewall (all open source firewalls fall into this category) and desire capabilities such as Application Control, Network Analytics, and TLS Inspection.

It aims to protect organizations against web-based threats, intrusion strategies, and various known and unknown threats. It offers ease of deployment for its users, i.e. you can deploy it on-premise, virtually, or in the cloud as needed. In this way, organizations do not necessarily need to invest in additional hardware and supporting infrastructure. You'll also save on future costs that would have been incurred on hardware maintenance.

The following are the most prominent characteristics of Zenarmor:

• Commercial-grade web/content filtering and advertisement blocking for over 300 million domains.

• Based on cloud-based, real-time threat intelligence, it automatically prevents new malware and phishing attacks.

• Exceptional network reporting and analytics, with drill-down capability

• Filtering according to policy

• Encryption shields attacks from harm

• Microsoft Active Directory or OPNsense LDAP interface for user and group-based security.

• Cloud-based centralization of control

What is a UTM Firewall?

Now that we understand what NGFWs are, we can move on to discuss UTM, or Unified Threat Management, firewalls.

Unified Threat Management is a security tool usually enclosed within a single appliance that provides multiple functions to your network and protects users from rising security threats. Some might use NGFW and UTM interchangeably since they both seem to have the same features. But they hold a brief difference. We'll dive into that later.

First, we take a look at how UTM was formed. In 2003, several cybersecurity vendors launched an "all in one" product to help manage growing networks' security setups. Up until then, organizations would have to deploy multiple devices and software, each designed to perform a single dedicated function such as web filtering, anti-virus protection, spam filtering, etc. But this method proved to be complex, confusing, and costly.

With the introduction of UTM, you no longer had to maintain multiple bits and pieces of your network security launched here and there, you could use a single UTM firewall. UTM firewalls as mentioned earlier are formed by adding multiple security services into a single appliance. You need only use this one appliance to gain protection against several cyber attack types.

Administrators were quick to adapt to these firewalls since they also featured an all-in-one management interface. Organizations could now have their policies and rules managed and updated centrally. Organizations could also monitor all threats and security-related activity through a single point.

The simplicity and visibility that Unified Threat Management offered made it incredibly desirable for organizations, particularly for SMBs. Small businesses that did not have the necessary infrastructure or funds to purchase and manage several dedicated appliances. Getting one appliance to deal with several threats was more feasible. In many ways, UTM was the perfect solution for such businesses.

How Does the UTM Firewall Work?

IT teams have to build robust security plans to protect their organizations' assets and activity from a multitude of threats. Spam attacks, phishing attacks, viruses, trojans, spyware, and all types of malware can have devastating effects on an organization.

A single UTM firewall can help perform all of these functions, all from a single appliance. They use methods such as deep packet inspection, web filtering, antivirus, and content filtering, along with several security functions, to protect your networks. It not only helps detect malicious content passing into your network but works on effective algorithms and security modules that detect threats and potential attack signals in advance. It will then offer effective solutions to mitigate these attacks while minimizing the harm that may come to the network.

Here are some of the basic features that Unified Threat Management firewalls carry:

• Antivirus: UTM's antivirus features will help protect you against a range of malicious threats, including viruses, trojans, spyware, and adware. Their antivirus engine will compare known threat patterns in their signature database against incoming traffic and network devices, blocking them from launching their attacks.
• Antimalware: Antimalware technology will help protect you against intrusive and malicious software. The UTM will either detect known malware trying to access your data streams or use heuristic analysis to detect novel malware. Your UTM can also use sandboxing to help confine potential malware before it causes any damage to your system.
• Firewall: The UTM firewall will not only scan incoming traffic for potential viruses, malware, spam attacks, or phishing attacks, but it will also prevent devices within your network from spreading to other connected networks.
• Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): Intrusion prevention will help to proactively counter malicious threats, identify suspicious network activity and inspect all incoming and outgoing traffic. Intrusion detection will allow the UTM to detect real threats by monitoring real-time network traffic and then use intrusion prevention to take preventative measures.
• URL filtering: URL filtering allows the UTM to control web traffic using predefined blacklists and whitelists. In this way, particular websites that have been whitelisted will be allowed access, whereas particular websites that are blacklisted will be denied access. Users can therefore get enhanced website control and protection against malicious URLs.

What is the Best UTM Firewall?

Deciding on the right UTM solution for our business is important. Before zeroing in on one, take a close look at what it has to offer. A UTM appliance will offer multiple security features. Be sure to analyze each one to understand the effectiveness of the appliance. Not all UTM service providers will provide the same set of services or performance, so it is important to look for a qualified service provider.

Look for a UTM that offers some of the basic features we have mentioned above, i.e., antivirus, antimalware, firewall, IPS, URL filtering, etc. One of the leading UTMs today is the Watchguard UTM Firebox.

WatchGuard's Firebox UTM solutions provide their users with enterprise-grade security without having to deal with the complexity or cost of an entire security appliance. Their centrally managed UTM will instead offer full network visibility. According to Watchguard, their UTM firewall allows for enterprise-grade security "regardless of size or technical expertise". They further claim to offer "ease of deployment, ease of use, and management while providing the strongest security possible".

Here are some of the basic features the Watchguard UTM Firebox has:

• Firewall

• Virtual private networking (VPN)

• Antivirus

• Intrusion prevention systems (IPS)

• Web filtering

• Application-layer inspection

• Deep packet inspection

• URL/domain filtering

• Application control

• Malware detection and sandboxing

• Data loss prevention (DLP)

Is NGFW Required When Compared to a UTM Firewall?

No, NGFW is not required if you've already deployed a UTM firewall. But this depends more on the type of organization you have and what your security needs entail.

UTM appliances are meant to provide ease of management. They arose when organizations felt the need to protect themselves from new and sophisticated cybersecurity threats. But these appliances are better suited to small businesses as opposed to large corporate environments.

This became evident when UTM solutions were deployed in corporate environments that needed to process a high volume of incoming data packets at a time. In this case, a single appliance was not suitable and often led to issues in performance. But when deployed in small and medium-sized businesses, this no longer seems to be an issue. A single UTM device can effectively meet most of their security needs, so you won't require a separate NGFW.

Next-generation firewalls are therefore better suited to larger corporations. They carry most of the features you'll need for a cohesive security setup, especially deep packet inspection, and application visibility. These features allow for more dynamic and efficient control over security challenges. For a larger company using NGFW, using a UTM alongside would not be the right choice.

What are the Advantages of NGFW and UTM Firewall?

Here are some of the major advantages of Next-Generation Firewalls and UTM Firewalls:

The advantages of NGFW are as follows:

1. Advanced Security Technology: With a constantly changing threat landscape, it is important to keep your security up to date. Next-Generation Firewalls offer seamless upgrading across all security points to make sure you are protected from even the latest emerging threats. It leverages threat intelligence information to identify any rogue malware or threats that may gain access to your network.

2. Multiple Security Features: Next Generation Firewalls come equipped with several security features that you would traditionally have to install separately using separate hardware. This offers ease of deployment and management and also simplifies your security network as well.

3. Enhanced Visibility: Next-generation firewalls carry some incredibly useful features that make them stand out as a security tool. Application control and deep packet inspection are incredible features that help distinguish between safe and malicious applications.

The Advantages of UTM Firewalls are given below:

1. Centralized Management: UTM firewalls function as a single appliance as opposed to needing multiple appliances to fulfill your security needs. Administrators can therefore handle a large range of threats from a single console.
2. Lower Maintenance Costs: UTM firewalls are deployed in the form of a single appliance. Traditionally, organizations would have to deploy various appliances to tackle each security vector. Companies would have to use a large chunk of their income on the maintenance of these devices. UTM firewalls reduce these maintenance costs by a significant margin.
3. Simplified Operations: UTM devices tie together multiple network security features into a simple, simplified tool. Companies that do not have the technical expertise to handle advanced security tools can therefore benefit from such solutions.

Figure 1. Advantages of NGFW and UTM Firewalls

What are the Disadvantages of NGFW and UTM Firewall?

Here are some of the major disadvantages of Next-Generation Firewalls and UTM Firewalls:

The disadvantages of NGFW are as follows:

1. Overuse of system resources: NGFWs do tend to take up more resources than traditional firewalls and are slower as well. When you deploy your firewall, try to have an IT admin in place who understands security architecture work. Training someone from scratch will take up too much of your time and may cost you a lot more.

2. It may be too costly for small businesses: NGFWs are meant to save costs in the long run, and this may be beneficial for large corporations, but smaller businesses may find it difficult to invest in such solutions. Fortunately, Sunnyvalley Networks offers Zenarmor NGFW at affordable prices for small business owners.

3. Configurations can be complex: Buying your NGFW is only the first step, and the easiest one, if you will. The configuration and management of these tools can be incredibly complicated, especially if you've always relied on a traditional first-generation firewall.

Disadvantages of UTM Firewalls are listed below:

1. Single point of failure: While using a single appliance for all your security needs may be beneficial in some ways, it is also one of UTM's greatest weaknesses. It acts as a single point of failure. Anyone who wishes to take down your network needs only target the UTM.
2. Performance issues: When a UTM appliance has to handle a large number of applications or clients, it may lead to degraded performance for your network.
3. Dependent on the single vendor: Many organizations do not consider using UTMs as the best approach to network security, as you may become dependent on a single vendor. The best approach is to use security tools from multiple vendors, so even if one vendor's product endpoints fail to detect a security threat, the second product may do so.

What are the Differences Between NGFW and Traditional Firewall?

Traditional firewalls refer to the 1st and 2nd generations of firewalls, while new and advanced NGFWs fall into the 3rd generation. There are many differences between the two types in the way they function and how they offer protection.

For one, traditional firewalls only protect layers 1 to 4 (the transport layer), whereas NGFWs offer protection through layers 2-7 (up to the application layer).

Traditional firewalls lack application awareness and control, whereas NGFWs possess application awareness and allow administrators to set application-specific rules.

Traditional firewalls also lack several features that NGFWs now carry, including deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention systems, threat intelligence, advanced threat protection, sandbox integration, etc. This makes NGFW better equipped to filter and manage a wider range of threats.

Simply put, traditional firewalls may offer you basic protection but can never offer the comprehensive features NGFWs carry. Businesses that require deeper protection against sophisticated cyber attacks are better off using Next-Generation Firewalls.

What are the Differences Between NGFW and UTM Firewall?

On the surface, both NGFW and UTM provide nearly similar network security features. They are both used to protect your network from new and emerging threats. However, they differ in a few minor instances.

For instance, with UTM, you may have pre-determined services added that you do not need. NGFW, on the other hand, allows you to choose the services you want to integrate with your network. You can activate some protections and deactivate others, UTM won't offer you this feature.

NGFWs and UTMs also differ in their level of performance. UTMs do not perform well in high-intensity traffic environments, often found in larger corporations, where NGFWs are preferred instead. Similarly, for small businesses (where data flow is lower), NGFWs may be too costly and too complex, but UTM solutions may be better.

Is the UTM Firewall a Traditional Firewall?

No, UTM is not a traditional firewall. UTMs were developed in 2004, right before NGFWs came into the scene (by 2009). UTMs were meant to simplify the way organizations managed their networks' security. Traditional firewalls would require you to deploy separate appliances for dedicated functions. On the other hand, UTM firewalls acted as a single appliance that would cover all your network security needs.