In the face of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, traditional reactive network security measures are insufficient. This paper explores the integration of threat modeling into next-generation firewall (NGFW) architecture as a proactive strategy to enhance network defenses. Threat modeling involves systematically identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities, allowing organizations to anticipate and mitigate risks before exploitation. NGFWs, with their advanced capabilities such as deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention systems, and application awareness, can leverage threat modeling to analyze traffic patterns (...) and prioritize responses based on threat severity and likelihood. This integration enhances the adaptability of NGFWs to evolving threats, supports regulatory compliance, and enables customized security policies. The implementation involves developing detailed threat models, ingesting threat intelligence, and utilizing automation and machine learning to maintain current and effective defenses. By adopting threat modeling within NGFWs, organizations can achieve a dynamic and robust security posture, better protecting their networks from sophisticated cyber attacks. (shrink)