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* Products  
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  * [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security?ts=markdown)  
    [AI-Driven Security Operations Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Application Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/application-security?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cloud Posture Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-posture-security?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cloud Runtime Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/runtime-security?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Prisma Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/cloud?ts=markdown)
  
  * [AI-Driven SOC](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsiam?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr?ts=markdown)
  
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  * [Cortex XSOAR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsoar?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex Exposure Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/exposure-management?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex Xpanse](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex Advanced Email Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/advanced-email-security?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Unit 42 Managed Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-detection-and-response?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Unit 42 Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam?ts=markdown)

* Solutions  
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  Secure AI by Design
  
  * [Secure AI Ecosystem](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/prisma-ai-runtime-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Secure GenAI Usage](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/ai-access-security?ts=markdown)  
    Network Security
  * [Cloud Network Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/software-firewalls?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Center Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/data-center?ts=markdown)
  * [DNS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-dns-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Intrusion Detection and Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-threat-prevention?ts=markdown)
  * [Device Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/device-security?ts=markdown)
  * [OT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/ot-device-security?ts=markdown)
  * [5G Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/5g-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Secure All Apps, Users and Locations](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/secure-users-data-apps-devices?ts=markdown)
  * [Secure Branch Transformation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/secure-branch-transformation?ts=markdown)
  * [Secure Work on Any Device](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/secure-work-on-any-device?ts=markdown)
  * [VPN Replacement](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/vpn-replacement-for-secure-remote-access?ts=markdown)
  * [Web \& Phishing Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-url-filtering?ts=markdown)  
    Cloud Security
  * [Application Security Posture Management (ASPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/application-security-posture-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Software Supply Chain Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/software-supply-chain-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Code Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/code-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-security-posture-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-infrastructure-entitlement-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Security Posture Management (DSPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/data-security-posture-management?ts=markdown)
  * [AI Security Posture Management (AI-SPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/ai-security-posture-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Cloud Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud-detection-and-response?ts=markdown)
  * [Cloud Workload Protection (CWP)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-workload-protection?ts=markdown)
  * [Web Application \& API Security (WAAS)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/web-app-api-security?ts=markdown)  
    Security Operations
  * [Cloud Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud-detection-and-response?ts=markdown)
  * [Security Information and Event Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/modernize-siem?ts=markdown)
  * [Network Security Automation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/network-security-automation?ts=markdown)
  * [Incident Case Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/incident-case-management?ts=markdown)
  * [SOC Automation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/security-operations-automation?ts=markdown)
  * [Threat Intel Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/threat-intel-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Managed Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-detection-and-response?ts=markdown)
  * [Attack Surface Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse/attack-surface-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Compliance Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse/compliance-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Internet Operations Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse/internet-operations-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Extended Data Lake (XDL)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdl?ts=markdown)
  * [Agentic Assistant](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-agentic-assistant?ts=markdown)  
    Endpoint Security
  * [Endpoint Protection](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/endpoint-protection?ts=markdown)
  * [Extended Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/detection-and-response?ts=markdown)
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  * [Small \& Medium Business Solutions](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/industry/small-medium-business-portfolio?ts=markdown)

* Services  
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  [Threat Intel and Incident Response Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Assess](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess?ts=markdown)
  
  * [AI Security Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/ai-security-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Attack Surface Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/attack-surface-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Breach Readiness Review](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/breach-readiness-review?ts=markdown)
  
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  * [Cloud Security Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/cloud-security-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Compromise Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/compromise-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
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  * [M\&A Cyber Due Diligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/mergers-acquisitions-cyber-due-diligence?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Penetration Testing](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/penetration-testing?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Purple Team Exercises](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/purple-teaming?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Ransomware Readiness Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/ransomware-readiness-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [SOC Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/soc-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Supply Chain Risk Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/supply-chain-risk-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Tabletop Exercises](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/tabletop-exercise?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Unit 42 Retainer](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/retainer?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Respond](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cloud Incident Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/cloud-incident-response?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Digital Forensics](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/digital-forensics?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Incident Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/incident-response?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Managed Detection and Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/managed-detection-response?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Managed Threat Hunting](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/managed-threat-hunting?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Unit 42 Retainer](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/retainer?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Transform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform?ts=markdown)
  
  * [IR Plan Development and Review](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform/incident-response-plan-development-review?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Security Program Design](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform/security-program-design?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Virtual CISO](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform/vciso?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Zero Trust Advisory](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform/zero-trust-advisory?ts=markdown)  
    [Global Customer Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/services?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Education \& Training](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/services/education?ts=markdown)
  
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    UNIT 42 RETAINER
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* Partners  
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  * [Solution Providers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/nextwave-solution-providers?ts=markdown)
  * [Managed Security Service Providers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/managed-security-service-providers?ts=markdown)
  * [XMDR Partners](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/managed-security-service-providers/xmdr?ts=markdown)  
    Take Action
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  * [Become a Partner](https://paloaltonetworks.my.site.com/NextWavePartnerProgram/s/partnerregistration?type=becomepartner)
  * [Request Access](https://paloaltonetworks.my.site.com/NextWavePartnerProgram/s/partnerregistration?type=requestaccess)
  * [Find a Partner](https://paloaltonetworks.my.site.com/NextWavePartnerProgram/s/partnerlocator)  
    [CYBERFORCE
    CYBERFORCE represents the top 1% of partner engineers trusted for their security expertise.
    Learn more](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberforce?ts=markdown)

* Company  
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  Palo Alto Networks
  
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  * [Precision AI Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/precision-ai-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Our Platform Approach](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/why-paloaltonetworks/platformization?ts=markdown)
  * [Accelerate Your Cybersecurity Transformation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/why-paloaltonetworks/nam-cxo-portfolio?ts=markdown)
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    Careers
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    Read more](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/press/2021/palo-alto-networks-secures-top-ranking-on-newsweek-s-most-loved-workplaces-list-for-2021?ts=markdown)

* More  
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  * [Threat Vector Podcast](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-threat-vector-podcast/)
  * [Packet Pushers Podcasts](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/podcasts/packet-pusher?ts=markdown)  
    Connect
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3. [What Is an Internal Firewall?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-an-internal-firewall?ts=markdown)  
   Table of Contents

* [How Does an Internal Firewall Work?](#how)
* [Why Are Internal Firewalls Important?](#why)
* [Internal Firewall vs. External Firewall](#vs)
* [How to Set Up an Internal Firewall](#setup)
* [Internal Firewall Best Practices](#best)
* [Internal Firewall FAQs](#faqs)

# What Is an Internal Firewall?

5 min. read  
Table of Contents

* [How Does an Internal Firewall Work?](#how)
* [Why Are Internal Firewalls Important?](#why)
* [Internal Firewall vs. External Firewall](#vs)
* [How to Set Up an Internal Firewall](#setup)
* [Internal Firewall Best Practices](#best)
* [Internal Firewall FAQs](#faqs)

1. How Does an Internal Firewall Work?

* [1. How Does an Internal Firewall Work?](#how)
* [2. Why Are Internal Firewalls Important?](#why)
* [3. Internal Firewall vs. External Firewall](#vs)
* [4. How to Set Up an Internal Firewall](#setup)
* [5. Internal Firewall Best Practices](#best)
* [6. Internal Firewall FAQs](#faqs)

An internal firewall is a network security solution that manages and controls the internal traffic within an organization's network.

It acts as a barrier between different segments of the internal network, enforcing security policies to prevent unauthorized access and potential threats from moving laterally. Internal firewalls focus on the interactions between internal devices to strengthen security against internal breaches.

## How Does an Internal Firewall Work?

![Internal Firewall setup: Servers protected by Internal FW, connecting through External FW to Clients and the Internet.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/internal-firewall/internal-firewall.png)

An internal firewall is a type of [network firewall](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-network-firewall?ts=markdown) that operates by regulating the traffic within an organization's internal network based on security policies. It operates at strategic points within the network infrastructure to monitor and filter the traffic that flows between different segments.

The internal firewall enforces rules which define allowed communications. These rules govern each segment or zone. Rule configuration typically defaults to a deny all stance, allowing only expressly permitted traffic, which upholds the principle of least privilege. The core function of an internal firewall is to apply these security policies to control access and prevent unauthorized data transfers.

An internal firewall often uses packet filtering as one of its primary mechanisms to control traffic between different segments of an organization's network. It does so by inspecting each data packet's header, which contains information like source and destination IP addresses, port numbers, and the transport protocol. The firewall applies rules to allow or block these packets based on the organization's security policies. The firewall is also responsible for creating network traffic logs, which aid in the analysis of patterns that might signify a security threat.

To enhance [network security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-network-security?ts=markdown), internal firewalls can use advanced techniques like deep packet inspection (DPI) to analyze the payload of packets for signs of malware or policy violations. This enables identification and blocking of sophisticated threats that might otherwise remain undetected.

With the implementation of Zero Trust security models, internal firewalls continuously validate the trustworthiness of devices and users within the network, never assuming any traffic or endpoints to be inherently secure.

[Types of Firewalls Defined and Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/types-of-firewalls?ts=markdown)

## Why Are Internal Firewalls Important?

Internal firewalls are particularly vital in complex networks because they provide fine grained control over traffic to minimize the impact of attacks that have penetrated the network perimeter. They manage east-west traffic, providing protection against threats that have bypassed the external firewall. This layer helps to limit the scope of an attack, confining potential breaches to smaller network segments, which mitigates the overall impact.

Internal firewalls represent a shift from traditional perimeter based security models toward a more segmented, granular approach. Traditional firewall technologies typically monitor and control ingress and egress traffic at the network's boundary, guarding against external threats. Legacy firewalls offer limited protection against internal threats which have already compromised the perimeter.

In enterprises, internal firewalls serve to enforce access policies and prevent unauthorized data flows between different organizational units. They are especially critical as networks grow in complexity, with more endpoints and diverse cloud environments. By monitoring internal traffic, these firewalls can identify and respond to malicious activities initiated from within the network, reducing the risk of data breaches and insider threats.

Internal firewalls support the Zero Trust security model, which operates on the premise that no user or system should be trusted by default, even if they are within the network perimeter. This approach is increasingly important in a landscape where threats are constantly evolving, and the traditional network perimeter is no longer sufficient as the sole line of defense.

[What Is a Firewall?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-firewall?ts=markdown)

## Internal Firewall vs. External Firewall

An internal firewall differs from an external firewall, also known as a perimeter firewall, primarily in the orientation and scope of protection. An external firewall sits at the network's edge to monitor and block potentially harmful traffic from outside entities. It acts as the first line of defense, controlling north-south traffic, which consists of data packets moving in and out of the network. The focus is preventing external threats from breaching the network's perimeter.

![Perimeter firewall diagram: Computers in LAN connected to the Internet, protected by the perimeter firewall.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/internal-firewall/perimeter-firewall.png)

In contrast, an internal firewall scrutinizes traffic moving within the network, known as east-west traffic, which may include data transfers between servers, storage systems, and other internal devices. This traffic does not typically pass through the perimeter defenses, so the internal firewall's role is to secure this internal network space. It operates on the assumption that threats could exist within the network, hence its approach is not solely preventive but also detective, monitoring for unusual patterns or policy violations that could indicate a threat.

While external firewalls may often rely on predefined port and protocol rules to filter traffic, internal firewalls require a more sophisticated approach to identify and manage internal threats. This may involve more advanced techniques such as behavioral analysis and automatic policy adjustments based on a baseline of "known good" behavior. Internal firewalls need to be adept at understanding the normal operational patterns of the enterprise's network to effectively distinguish and mitigate risks from within.

## How to Set Up an Internal Firewall

![Internal firewall setup: 1. Installation, 2. Connect power. 3. Establish mgmt connections, 4. Configure software, 5. Configure high availability](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/internal-firewall/internal-firewall-setup-steps.png)

The internal firewall setup process includes installing the hardware in a rack, connecting power, and setting up the initial software configuration.

Installation and configuration steps can vary significantly based on the product and platform. While the steps provided offer a general overview of the process, they may not apply universally to every internal firewall. For a complete and detailed setup process, refer to manufacturer reference guides and technical documentation.

1. 

### Install the Firewall in a Rack

Secure the firewall in a standard equipment rack. This step is crucial for ensuring the stability of the device and setting the stage for wiring and power connections.
2\.

### Connect Power to the Firewall

Supply power to the firewall, making use of redundant power supplies if available. This ensures continuity in power delivery and increases reliability for the network's security infrastructure.
3\.

### Establish Management Connections

Configure the connections that will be used for managing the firewall, typically involving dedicated management or console ports. These ports allow for direct interaction with the firewall for setup and ongoing administration.
4\.

### Perform Initial Software Configuration

Power up the firewall and proceed with initial software setup. Assign IP addresses, establish administrative credentials, and complete the device registration process to bring the firewall into operation.
5\.

### Configure High Availability if Required

If implementing a high availability setup, configure the appropriate ports and settings based on whether an active/passive or active/active configuration is needed, ensuring failover capabilities and service continuity.

## Internal Firewall Best Practices

### Document Rules and Purposes

Maintaining clear records of firewall rules and the rationale behind each ensures continuity in security policy management. Documentation aids in revisiting and revising rules to maintain relevance and effectiveness over time.

### Conduct Regular Audits of Event Logs

Routine examination of event logs helps identify active and dormant rules. This practice facilitates the refinement of security measures and assists in eliminating redundant or outdated rules.

### Implement Automation for Rule Management

Automation serves to update firewall rules consistently and helps in preventing rule bloat. It reduces the manual workload and enhances response to emerging security threats.

### Enforce Zero Trust Principles

Adopting a Zero Trust framework ensures that trust is never assumed, regardless of whether the source is inside or outside the network. This approach is fundamental in swiftly containing and mitigating the impact of infiltrations.

## Internal Firewall FAQs

### Where should an internal firewall be placed?

An internal firewall should be placed at key junctions within your network to monitor and filter east-west traffic.

### Can a firewall be both external and internal?

A firewall can function both externally and internally, protecting the network perimeter as well as internal segments of a network from different types of threats.

### How to configure internal firewall?

To configure an internal firewall, define security policies for traffic within your network, install the firewall at strategic points, and set rules for monitoring and controlling access based on your security requirements.

### What is internal segmentation firewall?

An internal segmentation firewall (ISFW) is designed to divide your network into secure segments, controlling traffic between these segments to enhance security and contain potential breaches.

### Do I need an internal firewall?

Whether you need an internal firewall depends on the size and complexity of your network, regulatory requirements, and the level of control and security you need within your network's perimeter.
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