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Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) and Zero Trust Security are modern solutions that offer smarter, adaptive defenses by focusing on identity-based access control and deep traffic inspection.
Working
- NGFWs inspect traffic at a deeper level (applications, users, content).
- Zero Trust ensures that every request is verified before granting access.
- They control, monitor, and dynamically adapt security policies based on context.
Benefits and Importance
- Continuous verification of traffic and users for advanced protection.
- Ensures secure access from any device, anywhere.
- Restricts attacker movement within the network.
- Detects malicious payloads in encrypted traffic.
- Seamlessly fits in all environments.
Future Scope
- AI/ML-driven threat detection
- Stronger IoT and edge security
- Automated policy enforcement
- Rise of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
You Should Know:
- Implementing Zero Trust with Linux (iptables & nftables)
Zero Trust can be enforced using Linux firewall rules. Below are some practical commands:
Block All Traffic by Default (Zero Trust Principle)
sudo iptables -P INPUT DROP sudo iptables -P FORWARD DROP sudo iptables -P OUTPUT DROP
Allow Only Verified SSH Access (Identity-Based Control)
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -m state --state NEW,ESTABLISHED -j ACCEPT sudo iptables -A OUTPUT -p tcp --sport 22 -m state --state ESTABLISHED -j ACCEPT
Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) with nftables
sudo nft add table inet filter
sudo nft add chain inet filter input { type filter hook input priority 0 \; }
sudo nft add rule inet filter input tcp dport { 80, 443 } ct state new,established accept
2. Windows Zero Trust with PowerShell
Apply Zero Trust policies in Windows using PowerShell:
Enable Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC)
Set-RuleOption -FilePath "C:\ZeroTrustPolicy.xml" -Option 0 "Enabled:Unsigned System Integrity Policy"
Restrict Network Access
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "ZeroTrust-HTTP" -Direction Inbound -Action Allow -Protocol TCP -LocalPort 80 -RemoteAddress 192.168.1.0/24
3. Zero Trust with Cloud (AWS Example)
Use AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) for Zero Trust:
Enforce Least Privilege
aws iam create-policy --policy-name ZeroTrust-Policy --policy-document file://policy.json
Enable AWS Network Firewall with Deep Inspection
aws network-firewall create-firewall --firewall-name ZeroTrust-FW --vpc-id vpc-123456 --firewall-policy-arn arn:aws:network-firewall:us-east-1:123456789012:firewall-policy/ZeroTrust-Policy
What Undercode Say:
The shift from traditional firewalls to Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) is reshaping cybersecurity. By enforcing strict identity verification, deep packet inspection, and least-privilege access, organizations can mitigate advanced threats.
Key Linux & Windows Commands to Enforce Zero Trust:
– Linux:
Monitor encrypted traffic (TLS/SSL inspection) sudo tcpdump -i eth0 'tcp port 443' -w encrypted_traffic.pcap
– Windows:
Block all inbound traffic except approved apps New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "ZeroTrust-BlockAll" -Direction Inbound -Action Block
Future of Zero Trust:
- AI-Driven Anomaly Detection:
Use Suricata for AI-based IDS sudo suricata -c /etc/suricata/suricata.yaml -i eth0
- Automated Policy Enforcement with Terraform:
resource "aws_networkfirewall_rule_group" "ztna_rules" { name = "ZeroTrust-RuleGroup" capacity = 100 type = "STATEFUL" }
Expected Output:
A hardened network environment where:
✅ All access is verified before granted.
✅ Malicious traffic is blocked at the edge.
✅ AI-driven policies adapt to new threats.
Prediction:
By 2026, 90% of enterprises will adopt Zero Trust, replacing traditional VPNs with ZTNA. AI-powered firewalls will autonomously detect and neutralize threats in real-time.
Relevant URLs:
References:
Reported By: Saurabh B294b21aa – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
