200-301 Question 16
Select 3A mid-sized enterprise is implementing a next-generation firewall (NGFW) to enhance its network security. The IT administrator wants to ensure the firewall can perform deep packet inspection, detect and block intrusions, and enforce application-level controls. Which features of the NGFW should the administrator prioritize to achieve these goals?
- A
Application awareness and control
- B
Stateful packet filtering
- C
Integrated intrusion prevention system (IPS)
- D
URL filtering and content inspection
- E
Static access control lists (ACLs)
Show answer and explanation
Correct answers: A, C, D
Explanation
Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) combine traditional firewall functions with advanced security features, such as application awareness, integrated intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and content filtering. These capabilities enable NGFWs to perform deep packet inspection, enforce application-level controls, and defend against sophisticated threats, making them ideal for modern network environments. While stateful packet filtering and static ACLs are useful, they do not provide the comprehensive protection required in this scenario.
- A. Correct.
Application awareness and control is a core feature of NGFWs that allows the identification and control of applications at the application layer, ensuring security policy enforcement based on app behavior.
- B. Incorrect.
Stateful packet filtering is a traditional firewall feature that tracks the state of active connections but does not provide deep packet inspection or application-level control, making it insufficient for NGFW capabilities.
- C. Correct.
Integrated intrusion prevention systems (IPS) are essential in NGFWs for detecting and blocking sophisticated threats by performing deep packet inspection and identifying malicious activity.
- D. Correct.
URL filtering and content inspection are advanced NGFW features that provide granular control over web traffic and help block unwanted or harmful content.
- E. Incorrect.
Static access control lists (ACLs) are basic security mechanisms that define rules for permitting or denying traffic based on IP addresses and ports. They lack the advanced capabilities required for deep packet inspection and application-level control.