From Barrier to Intelligence: The Role of the 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 in corporate cybersecurity.

According to Sophos ' TLS Telemetry Report 2023 , over 90% of the world internet At first, this seems like progress; after all, no one 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's entering and leaving your network?

This is what's happening in many critical operations, including environments that rely on ERPs like TOTVS and SAP , where any lack of visibility can open the door to lateral movement, leaks, or silent intrusions. The problem isn't just the volume of threats, but how they disguise themselves.

It's in this scenario that the NGFW positions itself no longer as a wall, but as an active intelligence system . It's a firewall that doesn't just block, but observes, learns, reacts, and protects based on context and behavior.

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

Let's go?

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

For a long time, a firewall to protect a company's perimeter. It blocked unauthorized access based on simple, fixed rules, such as IP addresses and ports. This was the first generation : a 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 a legitimate communication or an isolated intrusion attempt. They analyzed session status, but still operated in a limited way, without visibility into the actual content of the traffic.

Today, this model no longer suffices. 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).

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

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

Instead of working in the dark, the 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 camouflage themselves in 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 rather its ability to observe, understand, and react in real time .

The 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 data, infrastructure, and critical applications efficiently and clearly.

3.1. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)

NGFW goes beyond traditional filtering. With deep packet inspection (DPI ) , it analyzes not only the headers but also the entire content of traffic traveling through the network. Suspicious commands, files, and flows are now checked with greater precision , even when disguised as legitimate protocols.

According to the State of Network Threat Detection 2024 , 49% of companies still rely only on superficial inspection. This creates gaps that can be exploited by malware and attacks that are not detected by traditional signatures.

With DPI, the 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 apparently legitimate connections.

3.2. Encrypted traffic monitoring (SSL/TLS inspection )

Encryption has become the new norm for the internet . Today, approximately 85% of global traffic is encrypted, according to A10 Networks . real challenge: how to protect what cannot be seen?

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

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

3.3. Intrusion Prevention (IPS) with Automated Blocking

Not every threat "comes in screaming." Some disguise themselves, probe for breaches, and attempt to infiltrate slowly until they find a vulnerable point . Therefore, more than detecting suspicious behavior, it's crucial to react quickly.

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

According to a study by Palo Alto Networks , companies that use NGFWs with built-in IPS report up to a 60% reduction in incidents requiring manual action and shorter exposure time 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 response, the NGFW helps keep the network protected—even while attacks silently attempt to advance.

3.4. Machine learning for adaptive detection

The biggest security challenges today aren't just known attacks, but also those that are still emerging . New variants, new patterns, new ways to evade detection. This is where the power of machine learning in the NGFW comes in.

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

This adaptive capability is crucial for anticipating sophisticated attacks , such as lateral movement within the network, privilege escalation attempts, or silent persistence. According to a study published on arXiv , machine learning- enabled firewalls are capable of reconfiguring security rules in real time, adjusting protection based on the environment's behavior.

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 created equal, and not all permissions should be treated equally. One of the distinguishing features of NGFW is that it allows 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 business reality. For example, granting 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 , customizing policies based on 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 slowing down operations , but providing 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, integration between tools is what ensures speed, context, and effectiveness in response. And this is where the NGFW excels.

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 within seconds. Harrison Clarke consultancy , 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 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 understanding everything an NGFW can do, it's clear: we're no longer talking about a standalone tool , but rather a living layer of protection that interprets, reacts, and connects to what's happening inside and outside the network.

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

4. Strategic benefits for companies adopting NGFW

firewall upgrade . It's a shift in how security connects to the business , with more context, predictability, and precision in risk response.

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

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

• Response time no longer depends on availability : with automated prevention and machine learning , the NGFW blocks intrusion attempts as they happen, without relying solely on manual response from staff. This reduces exposure time and alleviates operational overhead;

• Access policies become more precise : specific rules can be applied by user, application, time, and location, without relying on generic configurations. This is crucial in environments like ERPs, where excessive permissions pose a real risk to system integrity.

• Security integrates seamlessly into operations : With native integration with SIEMs, XDRs, and SOARs, the NGFW fits seamlessly into the enterprise security ecosystem without creating another silo. This allows for more precise prioritization of alerts and automated context-based responses.

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

With the 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 demonstrated what the NGFW delivers as a framework. Now, let's look at the contexts in which this framework really matters.

5. Use Cases: Where NGFW Makes a Difference

Security can't be generic: it needs to make sense within the operational context . And this is 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 being 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 , digital banks, or payment platforms) cannot rely on partial views. The NGFW inspects what was previously invisible, identifying anomalies even in encrypted traffic;

• Networks with multiple locations and decentralized access : For educational institutions, healthcare networks, or logistics operations with branches and external teams, applying the same security policy across all endpoints is a challenge. NGFWs solve this problem with identity- and context-based control, regardless of device or location.

• Companies that need to protect critical systems without interrupting operations : in the industrial sector, agribusiness, or large retail groups, ERP systems cannot afford to fail. Therefore, the NGFW acts preventively, detecting non-standard commands, atypical access, or attempts at lateral movement, without slowing down 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, the NGFW helps maintain an auditable environment without making compliance a bottleneck.

• Organizations that need to do more with less : reduced IT teams, startups , or operations with a lean budget can use the NGFW as tactical support. It automates responses, filters what really matters, and reduces manual team effort—all without sacrificing intelligence.

And across all these scenarios, there's one common thread that deserves extra attention: ERP systems . What's at stake here isn't just information security: it's the stability of the entire operation. When it comes to 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 a lockdown!

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

While we've talked about visibility, control, and real-time response, there's one environment that puts all these capabilities to the test: ERP .

ERP systems, such as TOTVS and SAP, are not just another infrastructure component. They are the focus of financial, operational, and tax decisions. They are accessed by multiple departments, integrate with suppliers, communicate with external services, and often run 24/7 . Any security error there can mean data loss, downtime, or compliance . And almost all of this happens over encrypted connections.

Unfortunately, this creates a blind spot , as APIs, integrations, queries, and critical actions flow through SSL/TLS sessions that firewalls can't inspect. And without this visibility, nonstandard behavior (such as privilege escalations or inappropriate database commands) can go undetected.

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

• Understand whether an bank
  inquiry
• Identify access by users or devices outside of normal 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 areas and external 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 appears to be operating normally.

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

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

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

When implemented by Skyone, the NGFW integrates natively with our defense structure , which combines continuous monitoring with automated response, distributed intelligence, and experts who understand the real pulse of the operation. Because after all, alerting isn't enough: you need to understand the risk, prioritize, and act accurately.

This means that:

• What our NGFW sees in 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 we apply to critical environments such as ERPs and hybrid networks.

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

Ultimately, Skyone's NGFW is more than a technology. It's a point of intelligence that works alongside everything else that already protects your operation, adapting as it evolves.

Want to understand how this works in practice for your scenario? Talk to one of our experts and discover our tailored plan to protect what truly matters to your business!

8. Conclusion

For a long time, we thought of 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: context, intelligence, and real-time response are now required.

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 solely on human reactions or static rules.

However, this technology doesn't work alone. It's part of a coordinated mechanism that connects analytics, orchestration, and automation to protect critical environments , such as ERP systems and hybrid infrastructures, with greater clarity and less noise.

Now that you understand the strategic potential of a firewall , how about deepening your knowledge of digital protection? Read our other article on cybersecurity, "Hacker Attack: Understand the Risks and How to Protect Yourself," and learn how to identify and respond 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 game-changer in how we protect critical networks and systems in an age of encrypted traffic and increasingly stealthy threats.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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