Unified Threat Management (UTM)

What is Unified Threat Management (UTM)?

UTM consolidates a range of security functions into one solution. The primary functions or  features under UTM can be grouped in the following categories:

• Firewall: A network firewall is hardware or software that restricts and permits the flow of traffic between networks. Network firewalls help prevent cyberattacks by enforcing policies that block unauthorized traffic from accessing a secure network.
• Antivirus and anti-malware: Antivirus or anti-malware tools scans the traffic flowing through network devices and eliminates any kind of malicious vectors like viruses, worms, trojans, etc. 
• VPN (Virtual Private Network):   VPN provides secure remote access to the corporate network by encrypting the data and ensuring that sensitive data is transmitted securely over less secure networks, like the internet.
• Network Access Control: Network access controls protect networked digital resources from unauthorized access by restricting users and devices from reaching resources based on policies established by IT. 
• URL filtering or web filtering: Blocks access to websites if the requested URL from end devices matches against a continuously updated database of known malicious sites.
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDS/IPS): Intrusion prevention detects malicious activities and performs actions when an intrusion is detected. It inspects all traffic going through the network, using both signature‑based and pattern‑based inspection, leveraging a library of known threats. If an intrusion matches a signature pattern, the system takes action. Intrusion detection provides threat intelligence on malicious activities including command and control, ransomware, phishing, malware, spyware, trojans, and exploit kits. 
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): DLP (Data Loss Prevention) helps protect sensitive data within a network by monitoring, detecting, and blocking potential data breaches or unauthorized access. 
• Traffic segmentation: Regulates traffic flow across the network and ensures role-based access to resources. 

To secure the network from advanced security threats, UTM can be combined with SSE (Security Service Edge) to expand the security monitoring and response.

Both UTM and next generation firewalls consolidate network security functions in a single solution. There is no defined difference between these two as the definition of both of these solutions has evolved over time and in response to market needs. Next generation firewalls offer protection at the application level and leverage the latest technology to enable strong overall network security.