The Evolution of Network Security: From Firewalls to Next-Generation Solutions 

Centric Technology Services is pleased to offer innovative network security solutions for small to mid-sized businesses. We’ve witnessed first-hand the transformation from the early days of firewalls to the sophisticated solutions of today. We’ve partnered with the best technology resources to offer the highest quality services at a competitive price!

The Dawn of Network Security

Network security, as we know it today, began with traditional firewalls designed to act as barriers between secure and trusted internal networks and external untrusted ones. They basically acted like filters for incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined rules. 

• Packet Filtering: The early firewalls were simple packet filters designed to inspect packet headers to determine whether to block them or allow them through. 
• Stateful Inspection: Evolution led to stateful inspection firewalls that made context-based decisions, which helped enhance security measures. 

The Transition to Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs)

As cyber threats continued to evolve, so did the need for more sophisticated security, hence the transition to next-generation firewalls (NGFWs). The comprehensive security approach goes beyond packet filtering and stateful inspection, providing the following: 

• Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): This advanced method of examining and managing networks evaluates not just headers but also the data within packets to uncover any hidden threats or malware.  
• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): These cutting-edge security tools monitor network traffic and devices and issue alerts if malicious or suspicious activity or security policy violations are detected.  
• Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): The network security tool proactively detects and blocks suspicious activity in real time, preventing identified threats from carrying out their malicious intent. 
• Application Awareness: Application awareness and network security solutions help identify and control traffic based on specific applications, providing granular security even for the most complex network environments. 
• Advanced Threat Protection (ATP): As cyberattacks continue to grow more sophisticated, as evident in the recent surge of phishing and ransomware attacks, Advanced Threat Protection solutions utilize a machine learning approach integrated into every layer of the security stack to protect your network. ATP not only utilizes the traditional signature-based inspection but executes the content in a virtualization-based sandbox, inspects the behavior, and intelligently determines the intention of the content to provide a real-time analysis of its safety.
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Zero Trust Network Access is a rapidly emerging security solution that provides secure access to a business’s applications, data, and services from any device and location, mitigating breach risks and protecting remote users from web threats. 

The Centric Technology Services Advantage

At Centric Technology Services, we understand the dynamic and ever-changing nature of cybersecurity and the evolving needs of your network. We are pleased to offer comprehensive security solutions, including next-generation firewalls and ongoing security monitoring and management. 

Our team of experts is happy to assess your current security posture, identify vulnerabilities, and design customized solutions to meet your specific needs and preferences. We partner with leading security vendors to ensure you have access to the highest quality services. 

Get Started Today!

Contact Centric Technology Services to learn more about our next-generation network and cyber security services. Our expert security consultants are happy to evaluate your needs and offer tailored IT solutions to safeguard your business’s interests. We invite you to contact us to claim your free assessment today.  

Proudly serving small and mid-sized businesses in Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee.