Packet Filtering: Packet filtering is the process of allowing or denying traffic to pass thru the firewall based solely on source and destination port numbers and only the packet header is examined. This method offers the least protection.

Statefull Inspection: Statefull inspection monitors all the connection information for traffic entering and leaving the network. This kind of packet inspection can create a performance penalty.

Application Proxy: By using Application Proxy technology the packets are never forwarded directly thru the firewall. Instead the proxy makes the request on behalf of the client machines. The traffic is also examined at the application level for malicious code and discarded if any is found.

Hybrid: Hybrid firewalls offer the best of both Statefull Inspection and Application Proxy technologies, to provide the best in protection and performance.

Hardware or Software which is right for you?

Software firewalls offer basic defense from outside attacks. In addition, they let you take your protection with you such as on a laptop in a mobile application. Hardware firewalls provide an additional outer layer of defense that can more effectively hide one or more connected PCs, blocking probing attacks via a secure, dedicated platform. The also offer more configuration flexibility. Which one is right for you will depend on what you are trying to protect, how many PC's you are protecting and what kind of services you are publishing to the Internet.

Still have questions? Contact us and we will examine your security needs and make recommendations as to the right firewall for your business.