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ISO/IEC 27033-4

ISO/IEC 27033-4:2014 Information technology — Security techniques — Network security — Part 4: Securing communications between networks using security gateways

(first edition)

Abstract

ISO/IEC 27033 part 4 “gives guidance for securing communications between networks using security gateways (firewall, application firewall, Intrusion Protection System, etc.) in accordance with a documented information security policy of the security gateways, including:

  1. identifying and analysing network security threats associated with security gateways;

  2. defining network security requirements for security gateways based on threat analysis;

  3. using techniques for design and implementation to address the threats and control aspects associated with typical network scenarios; and

  4. addressing issues associated with implementing, operating, monitoring and reviewing network security gateway controls.” 


[Source: ISO/IEC 27033-4:2014]

Introduction

Part 4 gives an overview of security gateways, describing different architectures.

Scope

Guidance on securing communications between networks through gateways, firewalls, application firewalls, Intrusion Protection System [sic] etc. in accordance with a policy.  


Includes identifying and analysing network security threats, defining security control requirements, and designing, implementing, operating, monitoring and reviewing the controls.

Structure

Main sections:

  • 6 - Overview

  • 7 - Security threats

  • 8 - Security requirements

  • 9 - Security controls

  • 10 - Design techniques

  • 11 - Guidelines for product selection

Status

ISO/IEC 27033-4 revised and replaced ISO/IEC 18028-3.


The current first edition of part 4 was published in 2014 and confirmed unchanged in 2019.

Commentary

Outlines how security gateways analyse and control network traffic through:

  • Packet filtering;

  • Stateful packet inspection;

  • Application proxy (application firewalls);

  • Network Address Translation;

  • Content analysis and filtering.


Guides the selection and configuration of security gateways, choosing the right type of architecture for a security gateway which best meets the security requirements of an organisation.


Refers to various kinds of firewall as examples of security gateways. [Firewall is a commonplace term of art that is curiously absent from ISO/IEC 27000 and ISO/IEC 27002, neither is it defined explicitly in this standard.  Presumably some ancient ISO standard uses the term to describe a physical barrier impeding the spread of fire and smoke e.g. from the engine into the passenger compartments of a car].

This page last updated:

16 December 2025

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