Unified Threat Management, commonly known as UTM, is an information security term that refers to a single security solution, and usually a single security appliance (hardware), that provides multiple security functions at a single point on the network.
Unified threat management (UTM) describes network solutions that integrates the capabilities of several security products into one all-inclusive security console.The all-in-one solution is much easier for an organization to manage than several different security solutions, reducing the complexity. This is most popular among small businesses because it provides an affordable alternative to purchasing each security solution separately. UTMs are commonly used in branch offices, home offices, banking, retail, and midsize companies.
A UTM appliance will usually include functions such as: antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-spam, network firewalling, intrusion detection and prevention, content filtering and leak prevention. Some devices also provide services such as remote routing, network address translation (NAT), and virtual private network (VPN) support.
The allure of the solution is based on simplicity, so organizations that may have had individual vendors or appliances for each separate security task can now have them all under one vendor umbrella, supported by one IT team or segment, and run through one console.
Unified threat management appliances have gained traction in the industry due to the emergence of blended threats, which are combinations of different types of malware and attacks that target separate parts of the network simultaneously. Preventing these types of attacks can be difficult when using separate appliances and vendors for each specific security task, as each aspect has to be managed and updated individually in order to remain current in the face of the latest forms of malware and cybercrime. By creating a single point of defense and providing a single console, UTM solutions make dealing with varied threats much easier.
While unified threat management solutions do solve some network security issues, they aren't without some drawbacks, with the biggest one being that the single point of defense that an UTM appliance provides also creates a single point of failure. Because of this, many organizations choose to supplement their UTM device with a second software-based perimeter to stop any malware that got through or around the UTM firewall.
NGFW vs UTM - What is the difference?
Some sources say that UTMs and next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) are synonymous. It is true that some capabilities of NGFWs overlap with those of UTMs. However, UTMs include additional security features such as gateway antivirus and content filtering that are not covered by NGFWs.
NGFWs are firewalls that include intrusion prevention systems and application intelligence. They were originally designed to fill the security hole left by traditional firewalls.
UTM is simply an All-in-one network security device with the following network security features
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Firewall
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WAN Acceleration
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VPN
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Web Filtering
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Application Control
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IPS (Intrusion Prevention System)
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Antivirus
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Antispam
UTM devices offer seven layers of security, NGFW being one of those layers. It is important to keep in mind that each solution is used for different reasons and none is superior to any other.
This Article Was Written & published by Meena R, Senior Manager - IT, at Luminis Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd, India.
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