Understanding Firewalls: The Network's First Line of Defense

🚀 Learn in Public – Day 4 Today’s focus: Network Security Gatekeepers – the frontline defenses that protect how data moves in and out of organizations. 🔒 1. Firewalls: The Network Gatekeeper Packet-Filtering (basic, header checks only) Stateful (tracks connections, more secure) Next-Gen (DPI, IPS, SSL inspection at L7) ✅ Firewall rule reviews, change management, “default deny,” and looking for risky rules like ANY/ANY/ALLOW. 🌐 2. VPNs: The Secure Tunnel Extends private network across public internet Protocols: IPsec (site-to-site), SSL/TLS (remote access) ✅MFA enforcement, least privilege access, logging anomalies, and endpoint compliance checks. 🧩 3. Proxies: The Intermediary & Filter Forward Proxy: Content filtering, caching, logging Reverse Proxy: Load balancing, WAF, SSL termination ✅Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), log retention, bypass prevention, and WAF blocking OWASP Top 10 attacks. These are the gatekeepers of the enterprise perimeter, and weak configurations here = open doors for attackers. #LearnInPublic #CyberSecurity #GRC #Firewalls #VPN #Proxies #Audit #CareerJourney #Day4

🔷 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥: 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 Every Windows machine comes with a built-in firewall yet many underestimate its power. 📌 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥? It’s a security feature that filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on rules set by the system or user. Think of it as the bouncer at a club: deciding who gets in and who’s kicked out. 📍 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: Blocks unauthorized access from external threats. Controls application communication with the internet. Can be customized per profile (Domain, Private, Public networks).  🔷 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞: Attackers often try to disable firewall or create hidden rules for persistence. Misconfigured firewalls = open doors to intrusions. 🔎 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐩: Use wf.msc to review and manage firewall rules. Watch for unusual inbound rules allowing strange ports (like 4444, 3389). Ensure logging is enabled for visibility. ✅ 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲:A properly configured firewall is not just a checkbox it’s your first line of defense. #WindowsSecurity #SOCAnalyst #BlueTeam #CyberDefense #Firewall

Two Layers of Firewalls – Why They Matter Relying on a single firewall at the network perimeter is no longer enough. Modern threats require layered protection. - Network firewalls defend at the edge, controlling traffic between LAN, WAN, or VLANs, and blocking external scans or unauthorized access - Host-based firewalls defend endpoints, filtering traffic that reaches the device itself and stopping lateral movement once inside Think of it like a house: the outer gate protects from strangers, but the room doors matter if someone gets past the gate. This layered approach is called Defense in Depth – making intrusion harder and resilience stronger. Plus, if your apply Suricata (IPS) on it, your SIEM will be the richest. #CyberSecurity #InfoSec #DefenseInDepth #NetworkSecurity #EndpointSecurity #RiskManagement #Malaysia

CISA warns of active attacks on TP-Link routers – why edge device security matters The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added two TP-Link router vulnerabilities to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog. Both flaws are under active attack: - CVE-2023-50224 – allows attackers to steal authentication credentials - CVE-2025-9377 – enables remote code execution on specific TP-Link models https://lnkd.in/gTRfqRnV In addition, a newly disclosed weakness in the CWMP protocol can crash devices, raising denial-of-service concerns. For organisations, this reinforces two critical points that the NSA, CISA, and other agencies have consistently highlighted: 1. Routers and edge devices are high-value targets. They sit between users and the internet, making them a natural focus for attackers. 2. Traditional patching isn’t enough. Even when updates are available, applying them across distributed and unmanaged devices is almost impossible. Many vulnerabilities remain unaddressed for years, leaving attackers with easy entry points. This is the problem space that Loxada addresses. - Proprietary secure firmware – not the manufacturer’s default, so no hidden vulnerabilities or supply chain concerns - Automatic security updates – aligned with guidance from CISA and NSA, ensuring devices stay protected without manual intervention - Network separation – staff devices connect only to a secure, trusted environment, isolated from threats on untrusted networks By removing reliance on off-the-shelf firmware and uncoordinated patching, Loxada gives organisations confidence that their network edge isn’t a silent point of failure. Learn more about how we secure the uncontrolled network edge at www.loxada.com #UncontrolledNetworkEdge #RouterSecurity #CyberSecurity #NetworkSecurity #CISA

Firewalls aren’t relics, they’re still a cornerstone of cyber defense. Modern firewalls restrict dangerous traffic, detect advanced threats, and provide visibility into applications and data movement. In today’s cloud-first world, perimeter security still matters. This month’s cybersecurity spotlight explains the must-have pieces - without the jargon - and a short checklist to put them into practice #PerimeterSecurity #NextGenFirewall #TAAUSSecureTechnologies https://lnkd.in/eVxqafGZ

🔒 Understanding Network Security: How Firewalls Protect Your Digital Infrastructure Firewalls act as essential gatekeepers in cybersecurity, monitoring and controlling traffic flow between internal networks and external threats. Here’s a breakdown of how they safeguard your systems: 🔑 Key Firewall Functions ✔ Traffic Inspection – Every packet is analyzed against predefined rules ✔ Access Control – Allows or blocks specific connections ✔ Multi-Layer Protection – Hardware + software-based filtering 🛡️ Three Critical Filtering Methods 🔹 Application Layer Filtering – Content inspection, intrusion detection, URL filtering 🔹 Packet Filtering Rules – IP/port controls, protocol restrictions 🔹 Stateful Inspection – Connection tracking, sequence verification, timeout management #CyberSecurity #NetworkSecurity #Firewalls #ITInfrastructure #InfoSec #DigitalSecurity

🔒 Understanding Network Security: How Firewalls Protect Your Digital Infrastructure Firewalls act as essential gatekeepers in cybersecurity, monitoring and controlling traffic flow between internal networks and external threats. Here’s a breakdown of how they safeguard your systems: 🔑 Key Firewall Functions ✔ Traffic Inspection – Every packet is analyzed against predefined rules ✔ Access Control – Allows or blocks specific connections ✔ Multi-Layer Protection – Hardware + software-based filtering 🛡️ Three Critical Filtering Methods 🔹 Application Layer Filtering – Content inspection, intrusion detection, URL filtering 🔹 Packet Filtering Rules – IP/port controls, protocol restrictions 🔹 Stateful Inspection – Connection tracking, sequence verification, timeout management #CyberSecurity #NetworkSecurity #Firewalls #ITInfrastructure #InfoSec #DigitalSecurity

A next-generation firewall (NGFW) extends the capabilities of traditional firewalls, offering more comprehensive security solutions. Unlike their predecessors focused primarily on stateful inspection, NGFWs provide enhanced features to understand and control application traffic, integrate intrusion prevention mechanisms, and utilize cloud-sourced threat intelligence. A normal firewall can: 1. Blocks unknown websites 2. Allows or Blocks E-mails and websites A NGFW can: 1. Block a virus hidden in an email 2. Stop a hacker trying to send data out 3. Prevent users from using social media or games 4. Identify someone trying to open a backdoor into your network. Examples of NGFWs (Popular Products): 1. Fortinet FortiGate 2. Palo Alto Networks Firewall 3. Cisco Firepower #CyberSecurity #NetworkSecurity #NextGenFirewall #NGFW #DataProtection #FirewallSecurity #CloudSecurity #ITInfrastructure #SOC

Cyber threats are here to stay. Good thing T-Mobile has a new way to protect your business. #SASE Secure Internet Access delivers seamless defense for your business’s data and productivity, virtually anywhere. 🛡️ Security that knows who’s who 🔥 Next-gen firewalls to simplify protection 🚪 Filters to block risky sites Let’s talk about how a modern security solution can keep your team and data safe. Learn more about SASE: https://t-mo.co/4aLwreC #5GSecurity #SecureInternetAccess

WatchGuard Warns of Critical Vulnerability in Firebox Firewalls 🔥 A critical vulnerability has been identified affecting WatchGuard Firebox firewalls and Cloud Core security devices. This security flaw requires immediate attention from IT and cybersecurity teams. Technical Details of the Vulnerability ⚠️ The vulnerability, cataloged as CVE-2024-6024, has a CVSS score of 9.8, classifying it as critical. It specifically affects RADIUS implementations on these security devices. Potential Security Impact 🚨 - Allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code - Could fully compromise the affected device - Exposes protected networks to potential intrusions - Affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems Affected Devices and Solutions 🔧 The vulnerability impacts Fireware OS versions 12.10.2-12.10.2.1 and earlier. WatchGuard has released security patches in versions 12.10.2.2 and higher. Immediate application of updates is recommended. Recommended Protective Measures 🛡️ - Immediately update to Fireware OS 12.10.2.2 or higher - Verify patch status on all Firebox devices - Monitor for potential exploitation attempts - Implement additional detection measures For more information visit: https://enigmasecurity.cl #Cybersecurity #Vulnerability #Firewalls #WatchGuard #CVE20246024 #ITSecurity #SecurityPatches #CriticalInfrastructure Connect for more insights on network security: https://lnkd.in/eGvmV6Xf 📅 Thu, 18 Sep 2025 04:20:00 -0400 🔗Subscribe to the Membership: https://lnkd.in/eh_rNRyt