Application Identification within Palo Alto Networks’ security solutions provides a method for classifying network traffic based on the application generating it, regardless of the port, protocol, or evasive technique employed. As an example, this technology can identify traffic originating from a specific web browser, file sharing program, or streaming video service, irrespective of whether the traffic is using standard HTTP port 80 or attempting to obfuscate its origin through port hopping.
The ability to precisely identify applications traversing a network offers significant advantages. Organizations gain enhanced visibility into network usage, enabling them to create granular security policies. This facilitates control over which applications are permitted, blocked, or subjected to bandwidth limitations. Historically, network security relied heavily on port-based rules, which are increasingly ineffective against modern applications designed to circumvent these controls. By identifying applications directly, organizations can implement more effective and adaptable security measures.
