How do next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) differ from traditional firewalls?

Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) significantly enhance security by incorporating deeper packet inspection and advanced features compared to traditional firewalls. Traditional firewalls primarily operate at the network and transport layers of the OSI model, focusing mostly on port and protocol filtering. They inspect packets only at these levels and make security decisions based on predefined rules.

In contrast, NGFWs operate at a more sophisticated level, examining not just the packet headers but also the payload—this is known as deep packet inspection. This capability allows NGFWs to identify and block threats that may be hidden within the traffic, such as malware, intrusions, and application-layer attacks. Additionally, NGFWs can integrate features such as application awareness, user identity management, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and support for SSL decryption. This comprehensive approach enables organizations to effectively monitor and control applications while ensuring enhanced protection against modern threats.

The other options do not accurately reflect the true distinction between NGFWs and traditional firewalls, as NGFWs do not necessarily use simpler protocols, may or may not require more hardware resources depending on the implementation, and there is indeed a significant difference between the two types of firewalls in terms of capabilities and features.