A firewall is a foundational security measure that is widely used in enterprise organizations. However, due to the large number and types of firewalls, and their policies can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands, it is not easy to ensure the safe and efficient operation of firewalls. Firewall application optimization refers to comprehensively analyzing and adjusting the configuration policies of firewalls to improve device performance and security protection effects.
Compared with common firewall management work, firewall application optimization focuses more on improving its operational performance and reasonable configuration, aiming to help enterprises improve their overall security performance and compliance level, while reducing the organization's security operation costs. The process of implementing firewall application optimization can often be complex, and here are 12 optimization tips for enterprise security teams:
Have a good understanding of the firewall's current operating policies.
To optimize the application performance of a firewall, an enterprise organization should first evaluate the existing configuration of the firewall appliance and map the network architecture to fully understand the firewall's historical and current security policies. Enterprises should carefully analyze the reasons behind the current operating rules, and consider the existing security issues and revision needs. While the firewall is running, organizations should implement a comprehensive logging system that regularly checks and updates operational rules to ensure the suitability of these configurations. Security operators should document firewall configurations, network diagrams, and security rules for future optimization and auditing.
Reason for recommendation: By fully understanding the current operating policies of the firewall, you can prevent the firewall system from conflicting with the actual application requirements of the organization. Some outdated or unnecessary policies, if they continue to exist, can plague an organization's business and expand its attack surface. Duplicate rules can also affect the performance of the firewall and allow attackers to find vulnerabilities that bypass protection.
Use a unified firewall management tool.
In order to simplify policy management, monitoring, and reporting, enterprises should use a unified and compatible firewall management solution for centralized control and unified management of different brands of firewall systems, so as to ensure the consistency and effectiveness of firewall operation policies. Improve your security posture with unified management tools that enable comprehensive monitoring, auditing, and reporting of all firewall devices.
Reason for recommendation: By using a unified firewall management strategy, you can improve the overall network security of your organization. This not only reduces configuration conflicts while the firewall device is running, simplifies the organization's security operations, but also enables centralized monitoring of firewall activity, simplifying the process of threat detection and response.
Adopt a multi-tiered firewall application model.
In order to improve the security of network systems, organizations should implement a multi-level firewall application model, deploying and configuring different types of firewalls to enhance security. For specific risks that may exist in an organization's network, enterprises should configure firewall systems at the boundary, internal, and application layers accordingly, and centrally control them through unified tools. By establishing a multi-layered defense barrier, you can improve your organization's ability to defend against multiple cyber threats.
Why we recommend it: Deploying multiple layers of firewalls can improve your organization's ability to block a wide range of cyberattacks, ensuring a stronger security posture. Relying on only a single type of firewall can be vulnerable, making it easier for attackers to exploit network vulnerabilities.
Regularly update firewall running rules.
To eliminate security blind spots in firewall operations, organizations should regularly assess whether their operational rules align with organizational needs, remove outdated or unnecessary rules, and pay attention to overlapping rules that may affect their productivity or cause security issues. Organizations should ensure that firewall policies are continuously optimized and tuned to adapt to new threats and organizational needs, minimize the attack surface, and ensure effective cyber protection.
Reason for suggestion: Regularly update firewall operation rules to keep the firewall system up-to-date and avoid security vulnerabilities. If duplicate rule configurations are not handled in a timely manner, they can degrade the firewall and provide an opportunity for attackers.
Follow the principle of least privilege.
When creating firewall rules, you should follow the principle of least privilege and create identity-based controls to ensure that users only have access to the necessary resources. Permissions should also be evaluated and updated regularly to revoke permissions for people or applications that no longer need access. This approach reduces the risk of unauthorized access to the firewall system and improves overall security.
Rationale for recommendation: By restricting access to firewall systems, the potential damage can be greatly reduced. Prevent users with excessive privileges from inadvertently or intentionally breaching network security, leading to unauthorized access or data breaches.