What does NGFW stand for?

NGFW stands for Next-Generation Firewall. This term refers to a sophisticated network security device that integrates traditional firewall capabilities with additional features such as intrusion prevention, encrypted traffic inspection, application awareness, and advanced threat protection. Next-Generation Firewalls are designed to provide a higher level of security by being able to understand and manage network traffic at a much deeper level than traditional firewalls, which primarily focus on packet filtering and stateful inspection.

The core functionality of an NGFW includes not only allowing or blocking traffic based on predefined rules but also performing deep packet inspection to identify and mitigate threats that could bypass traditional firewalls. By integrating these advanced features, NGFWs enhance organizations' security posture and ability to respond to a variety of modern cyber threats effectively.

In contrast, the other options mention terms that do not correspond to industry-recognized concepts in network security. They may represent inaccuracies or misunderstandings of firewall technologies. Thus, focusing on the correct term—Next-Generation Firewall—highlights the advanced capabilities that address the complexities and challenges of contemporary network threats.