Would you like to know what type of firewall configuration you need in order to provide security to your business? It is important that you understand how firewalls work, as this will help you choose the right solution for your situation.
Why do we need a firewall?
An internet firewall monitors the traffic on a network as a security measure. Network security is provided through the filtering of inbound and outbound traffic in accordance with policies. Firewalls are the most effective method for separating a computer from those who might attack it.
What is the function of a Firewall Provider?
Hardware or software firewalls are installed on both sides of a system to prevent malicious traffic from reaching the system. As a matter of configuration, a single computer can be protected both individually and in the case of a network. As part of the inspection process, the device examines both outgoing and incoming traffic. Internet communication takes place by transmitting and requesting information between one party and the other. Due to the inability to transmit data in its entirety, data packets are composed of a number of components that form the initial data volume. Firewalls' primary function involves examining data entering and leaving a network.
Is there anything a firewall inspects?
Packets of data are composed of headers, and payloads, which contain the data they are sent with. An informational header tells the sender and recipient of the message. The packet must pass through the firewall before it can be routed to a specific port; a firewall must be opened. It is determined by what information is being carried and how it complies with the predefined guidelines. As reported by IBM, there has been a 61% increase in security breaches over the last five years. Increasing breaches are indicative of a growing gap in protection against cyberattacks.
Here are the best firewall providers for businesses
This list is curated from the expert opinions of the firewall software category on TrustRadius. The expert opinion is generated based on the completion of buyer interest assessment and the percentage of product ratings and reviews that are from enterprise users. They are listed below according to the volume of enterprise-level ratings and reviews each product has earned.
1. Cisco ASA is best suited to Cisco users who want their systems to be low maintenance
Whenever you talk about firewalls, Cisco is a must-have. Aside from its edge protection capabilities and low barrier of entry, Cisco's ASA line boasts high-end security for a low barrier of entry that doesn't require much setup, especially for enterprise environments that already use Cisco networks. Integrating IPS, VPN, and unified messaging together makes it a powerful threat management solution. In terms of firewall providers, this solution offers the ability to integrate in a way that makes it suitable for larger networks. As a result, small businesses cannot use it, even though it is less costly to maintain on this scale than other types of security units this size.
Benefits
It is common for reviewers to mention the ease with which the ASA line can be set up or configured automatically in order for the deployment to be as hassle-free as possible. Among its features, the firewall's VPN features also make it straightforward to set up and maintain. As a result, the ASA series differs from other devices that do not offer easy access to VPN services.
Negatives
Although ASA is a good choice for traditional network firewalls, there are some lacking features that would make it a more advanced firewall. Technical limitations are cited, for example, by some users as a problem with Cisco's application firewall. It is vital that these features are present if you plan to deploy any web applications of your enterprise, such as websites and browser-based portals, on your servers, depending on the type.
2. The best value for money is the Fortinet FortiGate
As a Next-Generation Firewall provider, Fortinet's FortiGate stands out among enterprise and midsize companies, offering protection from intrusions in addition to other things, such as web filtering, within the firewall itself. Using this software, you can protect against malware, ransomware, fraud, and more by ensuring it has an SSL inspection service, automated threat detection as well as a threat detection system. An intrusion detection service is the best fit for the operations of data centers, including those based on the cloud.
Benefits
Fortinet is attractive to a wide range of businesses, both large and small, since its pricing is lower than its closest competitors' prices. There are several companies that, in particular, often compete on price point, in which Fortinet consistently wins. On the product side, consumers find FortiGate's GUI especially easy to use, making it easier for them to access the product without a big hurdle.
Negatives
Users of FortiGate report that, primarily, they have trouble using the Command-Line Interface (CLI), which does not seem as accessible as it should be in comparison with its GUI. It has also been reported that there have been problems updating, and it has even been recommended that updates be delayed for a while to ensure that all bugs become fixed.
3. Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation PA Series is ideal for those that want the best out of technology
The Next-Generation PA Series firewalls from Palo Alto Networks are leaders on the market when it comes to multilayer firewalls. Despite its higher price tag, it offers a variety of enhancements that makes it worth paying the extra cost for businesses seeking more functionality.
Benefits
A prominent selling point of the Palo Alto firewall provider is the added features it offers to users at the enterprise level. This applicant is particularly notable for its ability to filter, log, and gain visibility into the traffic within the network, which sets it apart.
Negatives
It also brings additional complexity to Palo Alto as a result of its increased sophistication. It is reported that users are having difficulty with this complexity when it comes to creating and managing VPNs. It is also important to note that a multilayered security system that is robust can also be a deterrent to organizations that are not able to allocate enough funding to maintain their networks in order to make sure they are secure.
4. The Cisco Meraki MX is the best option for managing and connecting remotely
Apart from core firewall provider capabilities, Cisco's Meraki firewalls are focused on providing network services to remote offices and remote locations. Due to its focus on this group, the company emphasizes features such as VPN connectivity, remote management, and SD-WAN capability to its customers.
Benefits
According to users, Meraki's interface is quick and straightforward for users to use, which is especially valuable when setting up network gateways and firewalls virtually anywhere in the world. Moreover, Meraki is highly respected among its target audience of remote users, many of whom mention how easy it is to manage remotely with Meraki.
Negatives
There are some difficulties with Cisco's Meraki in some environments and use cases. The firewall has been found to be problematic when dealing with the complexity of an application as well as vulnerability issues. With a centralized network based on only one location instead of a network set up in several locations, it is possible that Meraki is not as efficient as other products.
5. One of the best options for remote teams is Zscaler Internet Access
The tool's aim is to provide next-generation cybersecurity solutions for remote and distributed teams in a cloud-native way, without the need for a traditional firewall. Security solutions provided by Zscaler will be high-performing, regardless of where the connection comes from, and they will be specialized in a way that no other provider can match.
Benefits
Its users raise concerns about network security and DNS security, which the users regularly raise. There is no difficulty controlling bandwidth or content, and real-time optimization ensures high speeds throughout the entire process.
Negatives
The installation process was found by some users unintuitive compared to other tools. Authentication automation should have been improved but wasn't designed to work with Linux and macOS on the same platform.
Conclusion
Protection from firewalls is only one part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for your business. When you have no prior experience in cybersecurity, you can take advantage of the expertise of an IT adviser to develop and implement an effective cybersecurity strategy and firewall system to ensure the security of your company. Cybersecurity strategies and firewall providers can be tailored to meet your business's specific needs in order to help you ensure that a firewall is installed for protection.
