Security Solution-NGFWs
NGFWs for Today’s IT Environment and Security Needs
NFGWs
NGFWs Enterprise Networks
Next-generation firewalls
Next-gen firewalls (NGFWs) effectively safeguard corporate networks against intrusions and attacks. They feature integrated security platforms, comprising deep packet inspection firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPSes), application control, SSL/SSH inspection, website filtering, and bandwidth management. Selecting the ideal NGFW for an organization’s IT setup can pose a significant challenge.
Selecting the ideal NGFW for an enterprise demands thorough research. Companies must explore and evaluate various NGFW products to create a shortlist. Opting for the highest-rated NGFW in the market isn’t necessary. Instead, organizations should prioritize choosing the NGFW that aligns with their unique enterprise needs and requirements, as what’s considered “best” may not always be the best fit.
Steps
Questions to consider when
looking for the best NGFW vendor product include
- Multi-dimensional visibility and granular control improve daily business efficiency.
- L2-L7 layer comprehensive threat protection, 360° protection for your network.
- Strong network adaptability, rich deployment scenarios
- Fully parallel hardware and software architecture, high-performance business experience.
NFGWs
NGFWs Enterprise Networks
Edge Security of Enterprise Network
Security Requirements
- Robust NAT performance crucial for high export bandwidth demands.
- Complex outbound network setup with numerous outgoing links.
- Extensive external application releases necessitate ample public IP resources.
- Ensuring bandwidth prioritization for critical business operations amidst limited capacity.
- Facing challenges in regulating internet activity while safeguarding against security threats effectively.
Core Capabilities
- Cutting-edge, scalable NAT/PAT technology for superior performance.
- Advanced link load balancing and application drainage solutions for professionals.
- Enhanced SmartDNS technology for optimized network management.
- Robust application identification and advanced traffic control strategies for enriched performance.
- Real-name NAT logging and auditing support for comprehensive accountability.
How to Select Your NGFW
When you buy a product, you get the software and a license to use it. But remember, you don't actually own the software—the company that made it does. You're bound by their terms and conditions. NGFW products need licenses for each device, and extra licenses might be needed for special features. Check Point and Fortinet are sold through middlemen, while others sell directly or through partners.
Pricing varies widely between vendors and even within their own offerings. Cisco, for instance, charges per user, ranging from $1,100 for 1-99 users to $100,000 for 5,000+ users. Palo Alto offers numerous pricing options, from $1,300 to $38,640,000 for three-year contracts.
Smaller NGFW needs have simpler pricing, while bigger enterprises have more options but also more bargaining power. Licenses usually last 1-3 years, with volume discounts as users increase. It's wise not to pay full price, especially by timing purchases around month- or quarter-end to take advantage of sales pressures.
Currently, HP TippingPoint is the sole NGFW vendor that doesn't offer a free trial version. However, all other vendors provide a downloadable full virtual appliance or virtual machine (VM) version for a free 30-day trial. Juniper stands out by offering potential customers a trial version lasting 30 to 90 days, allowing them to thoroughly test it on their network.
The key strategy for defending enterprise network environments against attacks always revolves around assessing risk. The level of protection, or controls, should align with the value of the assets at risk. When considering implementing a NGFW for protection, it's crucial to understand the various NGFW vendor products and models that best suit your organization and business model.
For instance, a small to medium-sized business might not find McAfee NGFW suitable, as its SMB appliance offers limited features with only a Firewall License. Similarly, Barracuda offers separate appliances and licenses for large enterprises and SMBs.
Among the vendors evaluated, Check Point, Palo Alto, Fortinet, and Cisco emerged as notable choices in the April 2015 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Network Firewalls, particularly for large enterprises. Other NGFW products may fall under "niche players," primarily catering to SMBs. Some clients have noted features available in their chosen NGFW but haven't activated them due to time constraints or lack of knowledge.
Selecting the right NGFW vendor and model involves several steps: identifying potential vendors, creating a shortlist, conducting a proof of concept, seeking references, considering costs, gaining management approval, and negotiating contracts. Total cost of ownership (TCO) is a critical factor in decision-making.
Additionally, it's important to consider the skill set of your staff and the growth expectations for your enterprise when making your decision. These factors all play a significant role in choosing the most suitable NGFW solution.
For instance, a small to medium-sized business might not find McAfee NGFW suitable, as its SMB appliance offers limited features with only a Firewall License. Similarly, Barracuda offers separate appliances and licenses for large enterprises and SMBs.
Among the vendors evaluated, Check Point, Palo Alto, Fortinet, and Cisco emerged as notable choices in the April 2015 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Network Firewalls, particularly for large enterprises. Other NGFW products may fall under "niche players," primarily catering to SMBs. Some clients have noted features available in their chosen NGFW but haven't activated them due to time constraints or lack of knowledge.
Selecting the right NGFW vendor and model involves several steps: identifying potential vendors, creating a shortlist, conducting a proof of concept, seeking references, considering costs, gaining management approval, and negotiating contracts. Total cost of ownership (TCO) is a critical factor in decision-making.
Additionally, it's important to consider the skill set of your staff and the growth expectations for your enterprise when making your decision. These factors all play a significant role in choosing the most suitable NGFW solution.