/
Zero Trust Segmentation

The Firewall: A Brief History of Network Security

To really understand the security landscape we’re living in, we need to put it in the context of what’s been happening until now. A key part of network security — since, well, the beginning of the network — has been the firewall. So, we offer to you a brief history of the firewall.

A Brief History of the Firewall

And so here we are. In a world where the firewall is still seen as synonymous with data center security—but where there is no single place to put a choke point.

...And a Bonus

While researching key dates for this timeline, I asked Illumio’s security technologist if there were any interesting facts or tidbits in his brain about firewalls, and he told me that, yes, there were a few “thingies” he wanted to share with our readers. Here was my favorite “thingy” he told me:

“Firewalls do a good job at what they are designed to do. The problem is they get installed and promptly forgotten about.  Firewalls are like sports cars, they have to be tuned up and customized for the conditions they will be running in. Like cars, they are tested in controlled conditions and advertised using the best possible numbers. The reality is much different. Your network and your data flows are going to not only be different than other companies', but they'll change and morph over time. Firewalls need tune-ups and daily care and feeding. Remember, you’re putting your data out there and challenging the world to come and get it. Give the firewall a break, man! It’s not a miracle box — or a ShamWow. It does not solve all your security issues.”

Related topics

No items found.

Related articles

Expert Q&A: How Can Healthcare Prepare for Increasing Cyber Threats?
Zero Trust Segmentation

Expert Q&A: How Can Healthcare Prepare for Increasing Cyber Threats?

Get insight into what steps your healthcare organization can take to be cyber resilient from this Q&A with Illumio's Trevor Dearing.

A CISO's Guide to the 2022 RSA Conference
Zero Trust Segmentation

A CISO's Guide to the 2022 RSA Conference

Live events are back, which means this year’s RSA Conference is going to be the biggest and most exciting RSA Conference in a few years.

7 Practical Tips for CISOs Building Zero Trust from Netskope CISO Neil Thacker
Zero Trust Segmentation

7 Practical Tips for CISOs Building Zero Trust from Netskope CISO Neil Thacker

Get insight from Netskope CISO Neil Thacker on the tips that can help security leaders and CISOs navigate the road to Zero Trust.

No items found.

Assume Breach.
Minimize Impact.
Increase Resilience.

Ready to learn more about Zero Trust Segmentation?