From barrier to intelligence: the role of NGFW in a world of encrypted traffic

1. Introduction 

If hiding were a superpower, encrypted traffic would be the master of camouflage. In theory, it protects. In practice, it can also disguise. And this paradox is the new blind spot of corporate cybersecurity.

According to the TLS Telemetry Report 2023 from Sophos , more than 90% of internet in the world is already encrypted. At first, it seems like progress; after all, nobody wants their data exposed. But what happens when even threats go unnoticed behind this encryption? What happens when the firewall that should protect can't even see what enters and leaves your network?

This is what has been happening in many critical operations, including environments that depend on ERPs like TOTVS and SAP , where any visibility failure can open space for lateral movements, leaks, or silent intrusions. The problem is not only the volume of threats, but the way they disguise themselves.

It is in this scenario that NGFW positions itself not as a wall, but as an active intelligence system . It's a firewall that not only blocks, but observes, learns, reacts, and protects based on context and behavior.

If you still associate a firewall with a simple barrier, perhaps it's time to look beyond that . And we'll show you how!

Let's go?

2. What exactly is a Next Generation Firewall (NGFW)?

For a long time, a firewall to protect a company's perimeter. It blocked unauthorized access based on fixed and simple rules, such as IP addresses and ports. This was the first generation : basic control that worked well when the digital world was still predictable .

With the second generation , firewalls began to understand the context of connections , identifying, for example, whether a request was part of legitimate communication or an isolated intrusion attempt. They analyzed the state of sessions, but still operated in a limited way, without visibility into the actual content of the traffic.

Today, this model is no longer sufficient. Traffic is encrypted by default, access comes from multiple devices and locations, and threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated. This is where the third generation : the Next Generation Firewall (NGFW).

NGFW combines what previous firewalls what they never could : deep packet inspection, behavioral analysis, visibility into encrypted traffic, integration with threat intelligence, and automated response to real risks.

More than just blocking, NGFW understands the environment: it analyzes patterns, detects anomalies, and reacts intelligently. This firewall logic from a reactive tool into a strategic decision point within the security architecture.

Instead of working in the dark, NGFW "turns on the lights" and helps protect what really matters, even when everything seems invisible.

But what exactly makes this new generation so different in practice? That's what we'll explore next.

3. Features that differentiate NGFW

In a scenario where threats are disguised as encrypted traffic, users access systems from anywhere, and the attack surface changes with each new integration, what defines a security solution is no longer just the barrier, but its ability to observe, understand, and react in real time .

NGFW delivers exactly that: a combination of intelligence, visibility, and automated response, integrated into operations. Below, we explore the features that make it essential for any company that needs to protect critical data, infrastructure, and applications efficiently and clearly.

3.1. Deep Package Inspection (DPI)

NGFW goes beyond traditional filtering. With deep packet inspection, also known as DPI ( Deep Packet Inspection ), it analyzes not only the headers but the entire content of the traffic circulating on the network. Suspicious commands, files, and flows are checked more accurately , even when disguised as legitimate protocols.

According to the State of Network Threat Detection 2024 , 49% of companies still rely solely on superficial inspection. This creates loopholes that can be exploited by malware and attacks that go undetected by traditional signatures.

With DPI, NGFW identifies these anomalies in real time . This makes all the difference in critical environments, such as ERPs, where atypical movements or non-standard commands can indicate serious risks, even in seemingly legitimate connections.

3.2. Monitoring of encrypted traffic (SSL/TLS inspection )

Encryption has become the new norm for the corporate internet Today, approximately 85% of global traffic is encrypted, according to A10 Networks . This advancement is essential for ensuring data privacy and integrity, but it also creates a real challenge: how to protect what cannot be seen?

Traditional firewalls cannot inspect encrypted connections. And it is precisely in this invisible space that many threats hide. NGFW changes this game by performing controlled SSL/TLS inspection. It examines encrypted content in real time, without affecting network performance or compromising confidentiality.

This type of visibility is indispensable in environments such as ERPs. With the volume and criticality of transactions, leaving traffic zones uninspected is a risk that no operation can afford to take . NGFW restores this control, seeing what previously went unnoticed.

3.3. Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) with Automated Locking

Not every threat "arrives screaming." Some disguise themselves, probe for vulnerabilities, and try to infiltrate slowly until they find a vulnerable point . Therefore, more than detecting suspicious behavior, it is essential to react quickly.

NGFW integrates intrusion prevention systems (IPS ) that not only identify attack attempts but also automatically block non-standard behavior. This applies to port scans, vulnerability exploitation, lateral movements, and other signs that indicate a real intrusion attempt.

According to a study by Palo Alto Networks , companies using NGFW with integrated IPS report up to a 60% reduction in incidents requiring manual action and less time exposed to active threats. This automation is even more valuable in complex environments, such as TOTVS or SAP, where the impact of an incident can be critical to operations.

By eliminating the response time between identification and reaction, NGFW helps keep the network protected—even while attacks silently attempt to advance.

3.4. Machine learning for adaptive detection

What most challenges security today is not only the known attacks, but those that are still emerging . New variants, new patterns, new ways to evade detection. That's where the power of machine learning in NGFW comes in.

With continuous learning algorithms, NGFW identifies network behavior patterns and detects deviations that indicate threats, even when there is no defined signature . It learns from real-world usage, understands what is "normal," and acts when something deviates from that pattern.

This adaptive capability is fundamental for anticipating sophisticated attacks , such as lateral movements within the network, attempts at privilege escalation, or silent persistence. According to a study published on arXiv , firewalls with machine learning are capable of reconfiguring security rules in real time, adjusting protection according to the behavior of the environment.

In a scenario where traffic changes constantly and threats reinvent themselves, having a solution that learns along with your network is no longer a differentiator: it's a necessity.

3.5. Granular control by application, user, and context

In modern corporate environments, not all access is equal, and not all permissions should be treated the same way. One of the key differentiators of NGFW is its granular control over connections, considering not only the application or destination, but also who is accessing, from where, when, and under what conditions .

With this contextual intelligence , it's possible to create security policies that are much more aligned with the reality of the business. For example: allowing access to the ERP only during business hours, limiting administrative functions to corporate devices, or restricting external connections outside the authorized network.

This type of segmentation reduces the attack surface and significantly improves governance, in addition to facilitating the adoption of strategies such as Zero Trust . Gartner analysis , the customization of policies by identity, context, and risk is one of the pillars of modern security architectures, especially in hybrid environments and with multiple SaaS integrations.

With NGFW, security and flexibility go hand in hand, without hindering operations , but with the right control at the right time.

3.6. Integration with SIEM, SOAR, XDR and other systems

Digital security can no longer operate in silos. In a scenario where the attack surface grows with each new connection, the integration of tools is what guarantees speed, context, and effectiveness in the response. And this is where NGFW stands out.

It was designed to act as part of a larger ecosystem , natively connected to platforms such as SIEMs (which monitor and correlate events), SOAR solutions (which automate responses), and XDR environments (which expand detection to multiple vectors).

In practice, this means that an alert generated by the NGFW can trigger automatic actions , such as isolating an endpoint , blocking a malicious IP, or prioritizing notification to the security team, all in seconds. According to the consulting firm Harrison Clarke , 61% of companies already use some form of automated security orchestration, and the trend is for accelerated growth in the coming years.

This integration transforms the firewall into more than just a control point. It becomes "an intelligent node" in a network of coordinated decisions—with less human effort, more precision, and much greater agility.

After learning all that NGFW is capable of, it becomes clear: we are no longer talking about an isolated tool , but rather a living layer of protection that interprets, reacts to, and connects with what happens inside and outside the network.

But what does this actually mean for the business? What are the tangible gains beyond the technology? Below, we show how NGFW transforms visibility and responsiveness into a strategic advantage.

4. Strategic benefits for companies that adopt NGFW

Adopting an NGFW is not just a firewall . It's a shift in how security connects to the business , providing more context, predictability, and precision in risk response.

Here's what concretely changes when this technology is implemented:

• You know what's happening, even with everything encrypted : with SSL/TLS traffic inspection, NGFW allows you to analyze connections that were previously invisible to the security team. This significantly reduces network blind spots and expands the ability to detect suspicious activity that might otherwise go unnoticed.

• Response time no longer depends on someone being available : with automated prevention and machine learning , NGFW blocks intrusion attempts the moment they happen, without relying solely on manual team reaction. This reduces exposure time and alleviates operational overload.

• Access policies become more precise : it's possible to apply specific rules by user, application, time, and location, without relying on generic settings. This is crucial in environments like ERPs, where excessive permissions represent a real risk to system integrity.

• Security seamlessly integrates into operations : with native integration to SIEMs, XDRs, and SOARs, the NGFW fits into the company's security ecosystem without creating another silo. This allows for more targeted alert prioritization and context-based automated responses.

• Governance becomes more viable in hybrid networks and regulated environments : whether due to legal requirements or internal needs, data and access control demands traceability. NGFW directly contributes to this scenario, offering logs , segmentation, and compliance support, without relying on external resources.

Starting with NGFW, security ceases to be an isolated layer and becomes an intelligent function of the infrastructure . This isn't about promising total protection; it's about ensuring more informed decisions, even under pressure.

So far, we've shown what NGFW delivers as a framework. Now, let's look at the contexts where this framework truly matters.

5. Use cases: where NGFW makes a difference

Security cannot be generic: it needs to make sense within the context of the operation . And that's where NGFW excels, as it adapts to different realities , sectors, and paces without losing control.

Below, we list some situations where this technology goes from a technical resource to a strategic ally:

• Environments with high volumes of encrypted data : companies that process thousands of transactions per minute (such as e-commerce businesses , digital banks, or payment platforms) cannot rely on partial views. NGFW inspects what was previously invisible, identifying anomalies even in encrypted traffic;

• Networks with multiple units and decentralized access : For educational groups, healthcare networks, or logistics operations with branches and external teams, applying the same security policy at all points is a challenge. NGFW solves this with identity and context-based security control, regardless of device or location.

• Companies that need to protect critical systems without halting operations : in the industrial sector, agribusiness, or large retail groups, ERP systems cannot fail. Therefore, NGFW acts preventively, detecting non-standard commands, atypical accesses, or attempts at lateral movement, without locking up operations or generating irrelevant alerts;

• Regulated environments that require traceability and fine-grained control : hospitals, fintechs , educational groups, and law firms handle sensitive data under regulatory pressure. With logs , segmentation, and detailed policies, NGFW helps maintain an auditable environment without turning compliance into a bottleneck.

• Structures that need to do more with less : small IT teams, startups , or operations with tight budgets can use NGFW as tactical support. It automates responses, filters what really matters, and reduces manual team effort—all without sacrificing intelligence.

Among all these scenarios, there's one common point that deserves extra attention: ERP systems . In these systems, what's at stake isn't just information security; it's the stability of the entire operation. When we talk about TOTVS, SAP, and other mission-critical systems, any loss of visibility can mean a loss of revenue, traceability, or trust.

Let's understand why protecting this environment requires more than just blocking access!

6. How to protect ERPs with encrypted traffic: the new imperative

If up until now we've talked about visibility, control, and real-time response, there's an environment that puts all these capabilities to the test: ERP .

ERP systems, such as TOTVS and SAP, are not just another component of the infrastructure. They concentrate financial, operational, and fiscal decisions. They are accessed by various areas, integrate with suppliers, communicate with external services, and often run 24 hours a day . Any security error there can mean data loss, downtime, or compliance . And almost all of this happens through encrypted connections.

Unfortunately, this creates a blind spot , since APIs, integrations, queries, and critical actions flow through SSL/TLS sessions that firewalls cannot inspect. And without this visibility, out-of-the-ordinary behaviors (such as privilege escalation or improper database commands) can go unnoticed.

NGFW solves this impasse by combining encrypted traffic inspection with contextual analysis. In the context of ERP, this means:

• Understanding whether an bank
  inquiry
• To identify access by users or devices outside of usual behavior, even with valid credentials ;
  
• Apply different rules for administrative access, API integrations, or external connections, based on the risk of each scenario;
  
• Track commands and interactions between internal modules, especially when the system is accessed by multiple external areas and systems.

We're not just talking about blocking attacks. We're talking about ensuring that the company's most strategic system remains intact, auditable, and under control , even when everything seems to be working normally.

Do you understand why NGFW has gone from being a technical recommendation to becoming an operational foundation?

7. The role of NGFW in Skyone's security architecture

At Skyone , we see security not as a barrier, but as an orchestra that needs to play in sync , with each component doing its part at the right time. And NGFW is like a conductor in this composition, directing what goes in, what goes out, and what shouldn't be there—however, it doesn't act alone.

When implemented by Skyone, NGFW integrates natively into our defense structure , which combines continuous monitoring with automated response, distributed intelligence, and specialists who understand the real pulse of the operation. Because, after all, it's not enough to alert: it's necessary to understand the risk, prioritize, and act with precision.

This means that:

• What our NGFW sees in the traffic feeds real-time decisions into our 24/7 SOC, which monitors and investigates with contextual insight;

• What it detects as suspicious is cross-referenced with EDR, XDR, SIEM, and SOAR data, forming a coordinated and autonomous line of defense

• What it allows to pass through respects access policies based on identity, location, role, and behavior; all within the Zero Trust logic that we apply in critical environments such as ERPs and hybrid networks.

And that's how we stop relying on manual reactions and start operating with intelligent prevention, even in complex environments and with lean teams.

In the end, Skyone's NGFW is more than just technology. It's an intelligence hub that works alongside everything that already protects your operation, and adapts as it evolves.

Want to understand how this works in practice for your scenario? Talk to one of our specialists and discover our tailor-made plan to protect what really matters to your business!

8. Conclusion

For a long time, we imagined the firewall as a fixed barrier, something that simply prevented unwanted access. But in a scenario where threats are mobile, encrypted, and often disguised as legitimate traffic, protection has become more demanding: now context, intelligence, and real-time response are necessary.

That's exactly what we sought to address in this article. The NGFW represents this new approach , combining deep inspection, continuous learning, contextual control, and integration with other layers of protection. It not only sees what was previously invisible, but also acts with precision , without relying exclusively on human reactions or static rules.

However, this technology does not act alone. It is part of a coordinated mechanism that connects analysis, orchestration, and automation to protect critical environments , such as ERP systems and hybrid infrastructures, with greater clarity and less noise.

Now that you know the strategic potential of a next-generation firewall Read our other article on cybersecurity, "Hacker attack: understand the risks and how to protect yourself," and learn how to identify and react to increasingly sophisticated threats.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about NGFW

When we talk about NGFW, many people still associate the term with "just another type of firewall ." But the truth is that this technology represents a turning point in how we protect critical networks and systems in times of encrypted traffic and increasingly insidious threats.

If you're trying to understand what really changes with NGFW, and how this applies to your operation, these questions and answers will help you see things more clearly .

1) What is an NGFW and how does it differ from a traditional firewall

The NGFW ( Next Generation Firewall ) is an evolution of firewalls . While older models were limited to blocking traffic based on simple rules (such as IP and port), the NGFW combines deep packet inspection (DPI), behavioral analysis, identity control, and integration with other security tools. In other words, it not only blocks, but interprets, learns, and intelligently responds to the network context.

2) How does NGFW inspect encrypted traffic without compromising security?

NGFW performs SSL/TLS inspection using advanced techniques that allow it to temporarily decrypt and analyze encrypted content, ensuring visibility without compromising confidentiality or performance. This process is carried out in a controlled manner, respecting privacy and compliance policies, to identify hidden threats in encrypted connections—something firewalls cannot do.

3) Is NGFW sufficient to protect ERP systems such as TOTVS and SAP?

Yes, provided it's integrated into a comprehensive security architecture. NGFW offers visibility into the encrypted traffic of these ERP systems, identifies atypical behavior, controls access by profile, and automatically reacts to threats. In critical environments like TOTVS and SAP, it acts as an essential layer of protection, especially when combined with tools such as EDR, SIEM, SOAR, and Zero Trust .