type of firewall<\/a> that typically goes beyond traditional network firewall functionality by adding advanced features like application awareness and intrusion prevention. The two terms measure slightly different things, but they can overlap \u2014 some FWaaS solutions offer advanced NGFW functionality, while some NGFWs are cloud-based.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFWaaS offers the same protection as traditional on-premises firewalls but is delivered as a service over the Internet. FWaaS is a larger category that can contain both simpler firewalls and NGFWs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FWaaS & NGFW Differences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The following chart highlights the differences between FWaaS and NGFW deployments, including how they’re managed and how customizable they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/th> FWaaS Features<\/th> NGFW Features<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Deployment Approach<\/strong><\/td>Operates through cloud-based management by a third-party provider<\/td> Utilizes physical or software appliances deployed either on-premises or virtually<\/td><\/tr> Management Structure<\/strong><\/td>Managed externally by a provider using web interfaces or APIs<\/td> Internally managed, offering greater control over setup and configuration<\/td><\/tr> Functional Range<\/strong><\/td>Offers fundamental firewall features and limited supplementary security services<\/td> Provides advanced capabilities, such as deep packet inspection and threat detection<\/td><\/tr> Customization Options<\/strong><\/td>Limited customization due to cloud-centric design<\/td> Allows more tailored customization for security policies<\/td><\/tr> Scalability <\/strong><\/td>Achieves scalability through cloud resources and infrastructure<\/td> Scalability depends on available hardware and resources<\/td><\/tr> Cause of Latency<\/strong><\/td>Can cause potential latency due to reliance on cloud-based processing<\/td> Demonstrates lower latency because data processing happens within the organization\u2019s premises<\/td><\/tr> Compliance & Data Privacy Implications<\/strong><\/td>Raises data privacy concerns because network traffic is routed through third-party cloud servers<\/td> Provides control over compliance because data is processed within the organization\u2019s environment<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFWaaS & NGFW Similarities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n FWaaS and NGFW share many common firewall characteristics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nSecurity policy implementation:<\/strong> Both solutions enforce security policies to ensure network safeguards.<\/li>\n\n\n\nThreat detection capability:<\/strong> Both FWaaS and NGFW can identify and respond to a wide range of threat types.<\/li>\n\n\n\nApplication control features:<\/strong> Both encompass application control features, regulating user access.<\/li>\n\n\n\nManagement console:<\/strong> Both offer centralized management interfaces for handling firewall-wide policies.<\/li>\n\n\n\nPacket filtering functionality:<\/strong> Both execute packet filtering, permitting or blocking specific data packets.<\/li>\n\n\n\nAccess management:<\/strong> Both manage incoming and outgoing data traffic through access controls.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIf an NGFW also sounds like a good option for your team, check out the top NGFW vendors<\/a> next, as well as the most important features to look for in NGFWs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Bottom Line: Improve Security & Flexibility with FWaaS<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFWaaS is a flexible cybersecurity solution specially designed to manage the complexities of the contemporary digital ecosystem. By utilizing cloud technology, FWaaS greatly expands the utility of firewalls to encompass cloud, hybrid, and virtual network environments. It’s also beneficial for smaller organizations or limited networking and security teams with more time to do complex tasks when their firewall is externally managed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is your business considering other cloud security solutions aside from firewalls? Learn more about Zscaler, Palo Alto, Tenable, and our other picks for top cloud security providers<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSam Ingalls<\/a> and Jenna Phipps<\/a> contributed to this article.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n