Assignment: Methodologies that Microsoft Windows firewall uses

Assignment: Methodologies that Microsoft Windows firewall uses

Using the Web or other resources, do a bit of research on the methodologies that Microsoft Windows firewall uses. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of that approach.

APA format, in-text citations, information systems

Firewall methodologies

A firewall is a network security system which monitors and takes actions (permit or deny traffic) on the basis of policies defined explicitly.It can be performed by a single device, group of devices or by software running on a single device like server.

Cisco ASA has the biggest share in the market while there are other vendors of firewall also like checkpoint, Juniper etc.

Firewall Methodologies –
There are certain methods through which firewall can be implemented. These are as follows:

Static packet filtering – Packet filtering is a firewall technique used to control access on the basis of source IP address, destination IP address, source Port number and destination port number. It works on layer 3 and 4 of OSI model.Also, an ACL doesn’t maintain the state of session. A router with ACL applied on it is an example of static packet filtering.

Advantages –
If the administrator has a good knowledge of network, it is easy to implement.
It can be configured on almost all routers.
It has minimal effect on network performance.

Disadvantage –
Large amount of ACLs are difficult to maintain.
ACLs uses IP address for filtering. If someone spoofs the same source IP address then that will be allowed by ACL.
Stateful packet filtering –
In stateful packet filtering, the state of the sessions are maintained i.e when a session is initiated within a trusted network, it’s source and destination IP address, source and destination ports and other layer information are recorded. By default, all the traffic from untrusted network is denied.

The replies of this session will be allowed only when the IP addresses (source and destination IP address) and port numbers (source and destination )are swapped.

Advantages –
Dynamic in nature as compared to static packet filtering.
Not susceptible to IP spoofing.
Can be implemented on routers.

Disadvantage –
Might not be able to prevent application layer attack.
Some applications open dynamic ports on the server side, if the firewall is analysing this, it can cause application failure. This is where application inspection comes into use.
Proxy firewalls –
These are also known as application layer firewalls. Proxy firewall acts as an intermediary between…..

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