What are the key differences between stateful and stateless firewalls, and when would you recommend using one over the other?

Key Differences Between Stateful and Stateless Firewalls

Stateful Firewall:

• Stateful firewalls keep track of the state of active connections and network packets.
• They can make decisions based on the context of the traffic, such as whether it is part of an established connection.
• Stateful firewalls provide higher security and better performance compared to stateless firewalls.

Stateless Firewall:

• Stateless firewalls filter packets based on predetermined rules and criteria.
• They do not maintain any information about the state of network connections.
• Stateless firewalls are simpler and faster but provide less granular control compared to stateful firewalls.

When to Use Stateful vs. Stateless Firewalls

It is recommended to use a stateful firewall when:

• There is a need for more advanced security features and monitoring of network connections.
• Protection against sophisticated cyber threats is a priority.
• Performance is critical and maintaining connection states can improve efficiency.

On the other hand, a stateless firewall is suitable when:

• Basic packet filtering based on predefined rules is sufficient for the network environment.
• There is a requirement for a lightweight and high-speed firewall solution.
• Resources are limited, and complexity needs to be minimized.