What are the differences and similarities between network firewalls and web application firewalls?

If you are interested in information security, you may have heard of network firewalls and web application firewalls. But what are they, and how do they differ and relate to each other? In this article, we will explain the basics of these two types of firewalls, their advantages and disadvantages, and some common scenarios where they are used.

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1 Network Firewalls

Network firewalls are devices or software that filter and control the traffic between different networks or segments. They can be based on hardware, software, or a combination of both. Network firewalls use rules or policies to allow or deny traffic based on the source, destination, protocol, port, or content of the packets. Network firewalls can protect the network perimeter from external threats, as well as isolate internal zones or devices from each other.

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Oleg Lazarev
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In addition shortly mentioning the stateful inspection and dynamic packet filtering? And also that there is an option to activate NAT, if the firewall supports it.

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2 Web Application Firewalls

Web application firewalls are a specific kind of network firewalls that focus on the application layer of the network model. They are designed to protect web applications from common attacks, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, or denial-of-service. Web application firewalls can be deployed as a proxy, a reverse proxy, or an embedded module in the web server. Web application firewalls use rules or signatures to identify and block malicious requests or responses, as well as provide logging and monitoring capabilities.

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3 Differences between Network Firewalls and Web Application Firewalls

The main difference between network firewalls and web application firewalls is the level of granularity and specificity they offer. Network firewalls operate at the lower layers of the network model, and can filter traffic based on general criteria, such as IP addresses, ports, or protocols. Web application firewalls operate at the higher layer of the network model, and can filter traffic based on specific criteria, such as HTTP methods, headers, cookies, or parameters. Network firewalls are more efficient and scalable, but less effective and flexible. Web application firewalls are more effective and flexible, but less efficient and scalable.

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Oleg Lazarev
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Maybe we can add here that an application proxy for e.g. is able to inspect traffic fully an any layer, including the application payload and it's content. Which can include IPs, domain names, URLs, subprotocols, attachments, keywords, etc. An application proxy can inspect every aspect of an application's communication, in other words it is able to perform deep packet inspection. But it the application proxies have their limitations too: each application will need its dedicated application proxy, because generic proxies might be ineffective.

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4 Similarities between Network Firewalls and Web Application Firewalls

The main similarity between network firewalls and web application firewalls is the purpose and function they serve. Both types of firewalls are intended to protect the network and the applications from unauthorized or malicious access, as well as to enforce security policies and compliance standards. Both types of firewalls can also provide visibility and auditability of the network and the application activity, as well as generate alerts and reports for security analysis and incident response.

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5 Scenarios for Network Firewalls

Network firewalls are suitable for scenarios where the network security is the primary concern, and where the traffic volume and diversity are high. For example, network firewalls can be used to secure the edge of the network, where the traffic from the internet or other external networks enters or exits. Network firewalls can also be used to segment the internal network, where different zones or departments have different access levels or security requirements.

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Oleg Lazarev
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Also there is an option to use virtual firewalls which can provide filtering sevices for a standard physical network as well as firewalls activated between virtualized client and server OSs for example. Some benefits of virtualization: rapid deployment, quick prototyping, isolation, traffic management, faster recovery, testing, etc. However virtual firewalls cannot be used in every scenario, but it could be another option for deployment to monitor, manage and filter network traffic over traditional or virtualized network segments.

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6 Scenarios for Web Application Firewalls

Web application firewalls are suitable for scenarios where the application security is the primary concern, and where the traffic type and complexity are high. For example, web application firewalls can be used to protect web applications that handle sensitive or confidential data, such as e-commerce, banking, or health care. Web application firewalls can also be used to protect web applications that are vulnerable or legacy, and that cannot be easily patched or updated.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Oleg Lazarev
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Also it could be great to add here or to continue in the second part of this article that how firewalls can interact with IDS-s and IPS-s. Another interesting topuc could be the mentioning and or detailed description of the NGFW-s which can provide for e.g. integrated IDS/IPS functions as well.

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What are the differences and similarities between network firewalls and web application firewalls?

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1 Network Firewalls

2 Web Application Firewalls

3 Differences between Network Firewalls and Web Application Firewalls

4 Similarities between Network Firewalls and Web Application Firewalls

5 Scenarios for Network Firewalls

6 Scenarios for Web Application Firewalls

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Security

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What are the differences and similarities between network firewalls and web application firewalls?

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5

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1 Network Firewalls

2 Web Application Firewalls

3 Differences between Network Firewalls and Web Application Firewalls

4 Similarities between Network Firewalls and Web Application Firewalls

5 Scenarios for Network Firewalls

6 Scenarios for Web Application Firewalls

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Security

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