
ESET Endpoint Security
ESET Endpoint Security software is a cloud-based and on-premises application for internet security and malware protection. It has a global user base that comprises businesses of every size. Cloud sandbox technology enables users t...Read more
Perimeter 81 is the first Cybersecurity Experience Platform to streamline SASE through its groundbreaking ease-of-use and unified network security stack. With a global network of PoPs, Perimeter 81 offers secure network capabiliti...Read more
Developed for small to mid-sized businesses, Flextivity offers web-based security software that features web-security, a two way firewall, antivirus protection and more. ...Read more
Modshield SB is a web application firewall (WAF), which helps small to large businesses filter and monitor traffic and protect data from malicious attacks. Features bot/crawler protection, compliance metrics, custom rules, log for...Read more
Lightspeed Filter™ is the best-in-class solution that protects students from harmful material to ensure their online safety. Our solution leverages human review by data scientists and machine learning to block inappropriate sites—...Read more
Sonicwall Network Security Manager (NSM) is a centralized firewall management solution that enables IT administrators to manage all firewalls, connected switches, and access points in one place. With Zero-touch provisioning, admin...Read more
WatchGuard Firebox is a unified security platform that gives IT professionals the network visibility tools to ensure enterprise-grade security. With cloud and virtual firewalls, AI-powered malware protection, and enhanced network ...Read more
XG Firewall is a network security solution that helps businesses streamline endpoint detection and response, firewall security and compliance management operations. The application enables employees to detect cyber threats, block ...Read more
Forcepoint Web Security is a network protection solution that provides businesses in healthcare, retail, finance and other sectors with protection against web threats including viruses, malware, data loss and phishing attacks. The...Read more
Cisco Meraki is a firewall solution designed to help businesses in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, finance, education and government sectors secure and manage software-defined networking in a wide area network (SD-...Read more
pfSense Plus is a cloud-based solution that provides businesses with security tools to monitor networking processes and prevent cyberattacks. Professionals can use the administrative dashboard to access the blacklist database of b...Read more
NG Firewall is a cloud-based network security solution that helps businesses monitor network activities and view the status of firewall servers. The application enables managers to gain insights into the activities of remote worke...Read more
Qualys Cloud is a network security management software designed to help businesses monitor IT assets and prioritize threats in real-time. Administrators can receive alerts regarding vulnerabilities, suspicious activities and attac...Read more
FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall, part of the Fortinet Security Fabric, is a firewall solution with automated threat protection. It is designed to protect organizations from both internal and external threats, such as attacks, m...Read more
Your business network and devices such as computers and laptops are connected to the internet, making them potential targets for viruses, malware, ransomware, and other types of cyberattacks. Firewall software can help protect your systems against such cyberthreats and unauthorized access by acting as a gatekeeper.
It offers features such as traffic filtering, network monitoring, threat inspection, intrusion prevention, and reporting to continuously monitor your systems and provide real-time protection. For most businesses like yours, firewall protection is a basic component of their network security mechanism.
Firewall software is closely related to network security and web security software. So, it can be confusing and time-consuming to differentiate between these and select the right one for your business. This buyers guide has all the information you need to choose software that best fits your security needs.
Here's what we'll cover:
Firewall software is a software solution installed on computer systems to protect them from cyberthreats such as viruses, malware, ransomware, hacking attempts, and unauthorized network intrusions. It monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic—based on a set of security rules—in real time. Any traffic data that doesn't meet the predefined security criteria gets blocked by the software.
Setting custom firewall rules in Modshield SB (Source)
These are the common features most buyers seek when purchasing a firewall system:
Internet protocol (IP) filtering |
Use packet filtering firewalls to manage network access and monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic. Allow or block data packets based on their source or destination IP addresses and protocols. |
Network monitoring |
Scan your networks regularly, and identify malicious activity or policy violation using a combination of threat and intrusion detection methods. |
Reporting/analytics |
Generate reports that provide detailed records of security incidents, network activity, activity time, access attempts, and security failures, among others. Use the reports for analysis, record-keeping, and compliance purposes. |
Security/authentication rules |
Configure firewall settings and authentication rules to let only authorized users access your networks. Rules can include network security policies, firewall protection levels, IP address blacklisting, and compliance assessments. |
Alerts/notifications |
Receive instant alerts and notifications in case of any firewall security breach or intrusion. Real-time alerts allow your IT team to identify potential hackers and take preventive steps. |
Task automation |
Automate repetitive or time-consuming tasks such as monitoring systems, testing rules, setting notifications, and filtering false positives. |
Virtual private network (VPN) |
Implement site-to-site encryption and anonymize your IP address so that hackers can only see that you’re connected to a VPN server, without knowing what you’re looking at or doing on the internet. |
Before you start evaluating firewall software options, you'll want to know which buyer category you belong to. Most buyers belong to one of the following categories:
Let’s go through some of the key benefits of using firewall software:
Listed below are some important considerations to keep in mind when purchasing firewall software:
Here’s a recent firewall software market trend you should be aware of:
Note: The application selected in this guide is an example to show a feature in context and is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation. It has been taken from sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication.