A firewall is an essential security device for any business. It prevents malicious attacks from outside sources by creating a barrier between your internal networks and the Internet. This keeps sensitive data, such as customer accounts, protected from criminals and hackers who may try to access it. Firewalls can filter traffic, so only the safe connections get through. With a secure firewall in place, you can ensure that your corporate networks remain protected from outsiders who might be attempting to gain access without permission. Investing in a quality firewall will help secure your network and all the confidential information you store on it.
How to choose the best firewall hardware device for your business
Choosing the best firewall hardware device for your business can be a complicated decision to make. You need to consider how your device will interact with your existing networks and systems, and you need to thoroughly research different models and manufacturers. Also, remember that some devices come with subscription-based software, which includes automatic updates, an extra layer of security, and other important features. With the right information, you can weigh the options available to decide on the best device for your specific business needs.
The benefits of using a firewall for your business
Running a business in the digital age provides ample opportunities for success, but it also can make your company more vulnerable to malicious activity. Fortunately, businesses have access to a powerful tool that can help protect their data and systems: firewalls. Firewalls act as virtual gatekeepers between your computer network and the internet by monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic, aiming to block anything malicious while permitting all legitimate requests. By using firewalls in conjunction with other security measures, companies can greatly reduce the risk of their systems being corrupted or accessed without authorization. Additionally, scalable firewalls offer enterprise-level features designed specifically for larger organizations that need higher levels of protection from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. With so many benefits, businesses of all sizes should strongly consider implementing firewalls within their IT infrastructure for improved cybersecurity.
How to set up a firewall for your business
A firewall is a crucial component for businesses, both large and small, to maintain secure digital operations. Setting up a firewall correctly is paramount, protecting critical data from malicious access and preventing unregulated applications from accessing your system. The process may seem intimidating, but it’s relatively straightforward once you understand the necessary steps. To begin, determine the size and specific needs of your business to decide on the right type of firewall that meets those individual requirements. Because there are too many types, researching your options thoroughly will make choosing one easier. Once selected, installation should be done by a professional with firewall expertise to properly configure the settings and connect all existing network devices properly. This will establish a secure internal environment where users can operate without worrying about compromising confidential information.
Top 10 firewall hardware devices for businesses in 2022
Businesses need to be up-to-date on the latest technology to stay secure, and nothing is more important than having a reliable firewall. In 2022, many options exist for businesses looking for top-quality firewall hardware. From dedicated appliances to software solutions, the best firewall devices can be used to protect networks from malicious actors. Knowing which hardware is the most reliable and secure can help businesses make informed decisions about their security needs and ensure that their data remains safe for years. Evaluating features like port segmentation and server segmentation will help organizations select the best firewall hardware device for their particular network environment. With so many choices available, organizations have the necessary tools to build the strongest defences against cyber attackers in 2022.
1. WatchGuard Firebox T35, T55
WatchGuard Firebox is an excellent choice for companies looking to secure small offices with minimal setup time. Its AI-powered sandboxing technology keeps your network safe from even the most advanced threats.
A standalone firewall hardware device for small offices and sites, WatchGuard packs all the features you would expect in a unified threat management solution. It supports up to 10 VPNs, 4G/LTE failover, and secure Wi-Fi.
Key features:
- Support for up to five 1 Gbps Ethernet ports and optional PoE+ port
- Advanced detection of advanced threats with AI-powered sandboxing
- Integrated Wi-Fi access point, LTE modem, or cellular dongle
- Built-in cloud sandboxing technology
USP: WatchGuard’s Layer 7 application-level intelligence allows you to detect and block malicious traffic before it reaches your network. Additionally, the device supports up to 10 VPN tunnels for securely connecting remote users and sites.
Pricing: Prices start at $1,895 for the T35 and $2,795 for the T55. Your final pricing will depend on features, user requirements, and other variables.
2. Cisco Meraki MX Security Appliance
The Meraki MX Security appliance is a powerful all-in-one device that provides next-generation firewall protection and cloud management capabilities. It’s ideal for businesses of any size requiring high performance and easy scalability.
With its comprehensive security capabilities and cloud-based management console, the Meraki MX Security appliance is an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes looking to secure their networks.
Key Features:
- Unified threat management and intrusion prevention system
- Advanced malware protection with Cisco’s Advanced Malware Protection (AMP)
- Integrated content filtering for controlling websites, applications, and user activity
USP: The MX Security Appliance is the only UTM product on the market that can be centrally managed via a cloud console. This gives you unparalleled visibility into your network, allowing you to detect threats quickly and reduce administrative overhead.
Pricing: Prices start at $1,197. Your final pricing will depend on features, user requirements, and other variables.
3. Sophos XG Firewall
The Sophos XG Firewall is an enterprise-grade firewall solution that protects your business from advanced threats. It has various features, including complete application control and deep packet inspection (DPI).
Sophos XG Firewall is the ideal solution for businesses with stringent security requirements. With its advanced threat protection capabilities and comprehensive application control, it provides the highest level of protection possible.
Key Features:
- High performance with up to 20 Gbps throughput
- Advanced threat protection with sandboxing and IPS/IDS capabilities
- Built-in web filtering for controlling user access to websites, applications, and content
USP: Sophos XG Firewall provides comprehensive application control that allows you to create granular policies for monitoring, controlling, and blocking specific applications or services. This gives you unparalleled control over your network’s application landscape.
Pricing: Prices start at $1,895. Your final pricing will depend on features, user requirements, and other variables.
4. Palo Alto Networks PA-220
The Palo Alto Networks PA-220 is an enterprise-grade firewall that protects your network from sophisticated cyber threats. It provides next-generation firewall protection with powerful threat prevention capabilities such as IPS, URL filtering, application control, and more.
With its comprehensive security capabilities and cloud-based management console, the Palo Alto Networks PA-220 is an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes looking to secure their networks against advanced cyber threats.
Key Features:
- High performance with up to 8 Gbps throughput
- Cloud-based management capabilities
- Advanced threat prevention with IPS, URL filtering, and application control
USP: The PA-220 is built on the industry-leading PAN-OS operating system. This gives you unparalleled visibility into your network, allowing you to detect threats quickly and respond accordingly. It also supports 25 VPN tunnels for securely connecting remote users and sites.
Pricing: Prices start at $1,095. Your final pricing will depend on features, user requirements, and other variables.
5. Fortinet FortiGate-60F
The Fortinet FortiGate-60F is a mid-range firewall designed to protect your network from threats. It features enterprise-grade security, with advanced threat prevention capabilities such as IPS, application control, and web filtering.
With its enterprise-grade security capabilities and integrated anti-virus and anti-spam protection, the Fortinet FortiGate-60F is an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes looking to secure their networks against threats.
Key Features:
- High performance with up to 5 Gbps throughput
- Integrated anti-virus and anti-spam for enhanced protection
- Advanced threat prevention with IPS, URL filtering, and application control
USP: The FortiGate-60F supports up to 100 VPN tunnels for securely connecting remote users and sites. It also includes preconfigured templates to make setup and deployment easy.
Pricing: Prices start at $1,145. Your final pricing will depend on features, user requirements, and other variables.
6. SonicWall TZ400
The SonicWall TZ400 is a mid-range firewall that protects your network from advanced threats. It features next-generation security, with powerful threat prevention capabilities such as IPS, URL filtering, application control, and more.
With its powerful threat prevention capabilities and built-in anti-malware protection, the SonicWall TZ400 is an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes looking to secure their networks against advanced cyber threats.
Key Features:
- High performance with up to 1 Gbps throughput
- Secure wireless access with Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2)
- Advanced threat prevention with IPS, URL filtering, and application control
USP: The TZ400 includes built-in anti-malware protection powered by ReaLTime Deep Memory Inspection (RTDMI). This technology allows the firewall to quickly detect and block zero-day threats.
Pricing: Prices start at $1,125. Your final pricing will depend on features, user requirements, and other variables.
7. Check Point 1550
Overview: The Check Point 1550 is a powerful, enterprise-grade firewall that protects your network from advanced threats. It provides next-generation security with advanced threat prevention capabilities such as IPS, URL filtering, application control, and more.
With its advanced threat prevention capabilities and cloud-based management console, the Check Point 1550 is an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes looking to secure their networks against advanced cyber threats.
Key Features:
- High performance with up to 10 Gbps throughput
- Advanced threat prevention with IPS, URL filtering, and application control
- Integrated anti-virus for enhanced protection
USP: The Check Point 1550 includes cloud-based management capabilities for easy setup and deployment. It also supports up to 50 VPN tunnels for securely connecting remote users and sites.
Pricing: Prices start at $1,495. Your final pricing will depend on features, user requirements, and other variables.
8. Barracuda NextGen Firewall F-Series
The Barracuda NextGen Firewall F-Series is a powerful, enterprise-grade firewall designed to protect your network from threats. It provides next-generation security with advanced threat prevention capabilities such as IPS, URL filtering, application control, and more.
With its advanced threat prevention capabilities and cloud-based management console, the Barracuda NextGen Firewall F-Series is an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes looking to secure their networks against threats.
Key Features:
- High performance with up to 10 Gbps throughput
- Integrated anti-virus and anti-spam for enhanced protection
- Advanced threat prevention with IPS, URL filtering, and application control
USP: The F-Series includes cloud-based management capabilities for easy setup and deployment. It also supports up to 1000 VPN tunnels for securely connecting remote users and sites.
Pricing: Prices start at $1,495. Your final pricing will depend on features, user requirements, and other variables.
9. Cisco Meraki MX84
The Cisco Meraki MX84 is a mid-range firewall designed to protect your network from threats and control access to applications and cloud services. It provides next-generation security with advanced threat prevention capabilities such as IPS, URL filtering, application control, and more.
With its advanced threat prevention capabilities and cloud-based management console, the Cisco Meraki MX84 is an ideal solution for mid-sized businesses looking to secure their networks against threats while controlling access to applications and cloud services.
Key Features:
- High performance with up to 5 Gbps throughput
- Integrated anti-virus and anti-spam for enhanced protection
- Advanced threat prevention with IPS, URL filtering, and application control
USP: The MX84 includes cloud-based management capabilities for easy setup and deployment. It also supports up to 500 VPN tunnels for securely connecting remote users and sites.
Pricing: Prices start at $2,295. Your final pricing will depend on features, user requirements, and other variables.
10. Bitdefender BOX
The Bitdefender BOX is an internet security appliance designed to protect your network from threats and malicious activity. It provides comprehensive threat protection with advanced security features such as a firewall, content filtering, anti-virus, and more.
With its comprehensive security protection and cloud-based management capabilities, the Bitdefender BOX is an ideal solution for homes and small businesses looking to secure their networks against malicious activity.
Key Features:
- Integrated firewall for controlling incoming/outgoing traffic
- Content filtering to block malicious or inappropriate websites
- Integrated anti-virus and anti-spam for enhanced protection
USP: The BOX includes cloud-based management capabilities for easy setup and deployment. It also supports up to 250 devices for connecting multiple users and devices on the same network.
Pricing: Prices start at $179. Your final pricing will depend on features, user requirements, and other variables.
FAQs about firewalls for businesses
Firewalls are an important security measure for businesses to protect their data and infrastructure. They form a virtual barrier between internal networks, like private intranets, and the public internet, creating an extra layer of protection against cyber attacks. For companies of all sizes, it’s important to understand the basics of firewalls to properly secure confidential files and keep operations running smoothly. What kind of firewall should be used? How can they be configured? Does everyone need the same access privileges? Knowing the answers to these types of FAQs is essential for setting up strong defences against cyber threats and malicious software that could potentially compromise user data or system resources.
Conclusion
While there are many different types of firewall hardware devices on the market, not all will be the best fit for your business. By understanding why you need a firewall and how to choose the best device, you can ensure that your business is protected from cyber threats. The benefits of using a firewall are clear, and with the right setup, you can rest assured that your data is safe from hackers. Have any questions about firewalls? Leave them in the comments below, and we’ll do our best to answer them.
