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Over the years, I’ve witnessed firewalls completely transform the security of worldwide enterprises. They’ve evolved into the most important part of our defense against a wide variety of hazards. Without a robust defense, networks are more likely to be compromised by malicious viruses and unanticipated forms of cyberattack. Firewalls are used to secure sensitive data and complex IT systems by monitoring the traffic coming into and going out of the network.
Since the technological landscape has evolved, security processes need to be updated, particularly those pertaining to cloud solutions. Firewall as a Service, abbreviated FWaaS, has arrived. With the implementation of FWaaS, the next-generation firewall (NGFW) has been migrated from a physical device to the cloud. NGFW and UTM solutions are improved with FWaaS, which enables current IT environments to have a higher level of protection.
Using a centralized FWaaS solution, businesses are able to protect their dispersed users, cloud applications, and on-premises network resources. There are a lot of advantages to using FWaaS rather than traditional firewalls. These include a reduction in management complexity, an increase in scalability, an increase in both visibility and control, protection for remote workers, and cost-effectiveness. My observations have shown that the security of any organization can be improved by implementing these benefits.
What is a firewall as a service?
With Firewall as a Service, also known as FWaaS, the functionality of the firewall is moved to the cloud, rather than remaining at the traditional network boundary. An company has the potential to improve their finances, their network’s performance, and their level of network security by utilizing cloud computing. The original purpose of firewalls was to protect local firm networks from outside threats; however, as more and more companies moved their data and apps to the cloud, firewalls had to evolve to keep up.
Because to “firewall as a service,” also known as FWaaS, companies are now able to offer firewalls as an element of their cloud infrastructure to their customers. It does, however, come with a few distinct advantages, such as the capability to scale almost fast in order to accommodate a developing network.
Best FWaaS Providers Comparison Table
Enterprise network security is built on the foundation of firewalls as a service providers, also known as FWaaS. A firewall is an important component in the security of networks. It monitors network traffic coming into and going out of the system and decides whether or not to accept or reject data packets based on the security policies it has in place. Here’s the table with the rows and columns exchanged:
Feature | Deployment | Supported devices | Features | Strengths | Website Link |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Perimeter 81 | Cloud-based | All devices | Secure web gateway, next-generation firewall, zero trust network access, cloud security | Easy to use, affordable, strong customer support | Visit Website |
Zscaler Internet Access | Cloud-based | All devices | Secure web gateway, next-generation firewall, zero trust network access, cloud security | Consistent performance, regular cloud enhancements, robust safeguarding of applications | Visit Website |
Cisco Umbrella | Cloud-based | All devices | Secure web gateway, next-generation firewall, cloud security | Global network, comprehensive security features, integration with Cisco products | Visit Website |
Cloudflare Magic Firewall | Cloud-based | All devices | Secure web gateway, next-generation firewall, cloud security, DDoS protection | DDoS protection, flexible access specifications, secure connections to data centers | Visit Website |
SecurityHQ Managed Firewall | Cloud-based | All devices | Secure web gateway, next-generation firewall, cloud security, managed firewall service | Managed firewall service, expertise in securing complex networks | Visit Website |
Best FWaaS Providers
Enterprise network security relies heavily on FWaaS, or firewalls as a service. A network’s safety is ensured by a firewall. It monitors both incoming and outgoing network traffic, deciding whether to allow or reject packets based on security regulations.
Perimeter 81

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Secure Remote Access | Provides secure access for remote workers |
Zero Trust Network | Implements a Zero Trust architecture |
User-friendly Interface | Intuitive and easy-to-use management |
Scalability | Scales with your organization’s needs |
Multi-platform Support | Works on various devices and platforms |
Because it provides an all-encompassing solution for network security, Perimeter 81 has been a game-changer at the company where I work. The Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) characteristics that it possesses have enabled it to provide secure access to on-premises as well as cloud-based resources. This has not only improved the quality of our remote connectivity, but it has also reaffirmed our dedication to the safety of our staff members and the electronic equipment they use.
The Good
- Strong emphasis on security with Zero Trust
- User-friendly interface for easy management
- Scalable to adapt to growing businesses
The Bad
- May be relatively expensive for smaller companies
- Some advanced features might require additional setup
Zscaler Internet Access

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Cloud-Based Security | Offers cloud-based security and web filtering |
Threat Protection | Protects against a wide range of cyber threats |
Scalable Architecture | Suits businesses of all sizes |
Real-time Visibility | Provides real-time insights into network data |
Secure Web Gateway | Secures web traffic for remote users |
The cloud-native internet security and web gateway solutions provided by Zscaler have significantly improved our organization’s access to the internet and cloud applications. It has not only established a safe and straightforward route for our users, but it has also served as an impregnable barrier against dangers posed by the internet. The additional advantages of policy enforcement and visibility have provided us with a better degree of control over the safety of our network.
The Good
- Cloud-based, reducing the need for on-premises hardware
- Strong threat protection and real-time visibility
- Scalable for businesses of different sizes
The Bad
- Costs can add up for larger enterprises
- May require additional integration with existing system
Cisco Umbrella

Feature | Description |
---|---|
DNS Security | Provides DNS-layer security |
Threat Intelligence | Uses extensive threat intelligence for protection |
Integration Capabilities | Easily integrates with other Cisco products |
Reporting and Analytics | Offers detailed insights into network activity |
Global Network | Leverages a global network for fast response |
Our primary line of security against dangers posed by the internet is provided by Cisco Umbrella. This cloud security platform has been an able defender of our digital infrastructure by virtue of the Domain Name System (DNS) and secure web gateway services that it provides. Cisco Umbrella has been very helpful in protecting our data and resources by preventing potentially harmful domains from accessing our network and assisting us in enforcing our security policies.
The Good
- Strong DNS security layer
- Extensive threat intelligence
- Integration with other Cisco products
The Bad
- Might be complex for smaller organizations
- Pricing can be a barrier for some businesses
Cloudflare Magic Firewall

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Cloud-Based Security | Leverages Cloudflare’s global network for protection |
Zero Trust Approach | Implements a Zero Trust architecture |
DDoS Protection | Defends against Distributed Denial of Service attacks |
Bot Mitigation | Protects against malicious bots and automated attacks |
Web Application Firewall | Offers WAF capabilities for web apps |
Within the realm of Zero Trust Network Security, Cloudflare’s Magic Firewall is a welcome and much-needed addition. We were able to personalize our rule-based security policies as a result of its capability of securing connections on the basis of the identification and trustworthiness of the device. This agility is essential for meeting our ever-changing requirements for network security and for ensuring the safety of our applications and data.
The Good
- Cloudflare’s global network for robust security
- Zero Trust approach for comprehensive protection
- Effective DDoS and bot mitigation
The Bad
- Can be relatively costly for larger enterprises
- May require a learning curve for some users
SecurityHQ Managed Firewall

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Managed Security | Offers fully managed firewall services |
24/7 Monitoring | Provides round-the-clock security monitoring |
Customized Solutions | Tailored solutions for specific business needs |
Compliance Support | Assists with regulatory compliance |
Incident Response | Rapid incident response for security breaches |
The managed firewall services provided by SecurityHQ have had a substantial influence on the level of protection afforded to our company. Our firewall infrastructure has been subjected to meticulous management, monitoring, and maintenance, which has resulted in the creation of a solid perimeter defense. Because we take such a proactive approach to detecting and responding to threats, we can rest assured that we are always one step ahead of any potential security problems.
The Good
- Fully managed firewall services for peace of mind
- 24/7 monitoring and incident response
- Tailored solutions and compliance support
The Bad
- Costs may not be suitable for all budgets
- Limited control for businesses wanting more hands-on management
Key Features to Look for in FWaaS Providers
It is vital to search for critical characteristics and capabilities when evaluating potential Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) providers for your organization. This will allow you to ensure that your network is both secure and able to run optimally. The following are important aspects to take into consideration:
- Protection against advanced threats: For the best FWaaS, look for companies that offer advanced threat protection, such as intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), malware detection, and threat intelligence feeds.
- Filtering at the application layer: Being able to filter and manage data at the application layer lets you decide which services and apps to allow or block based on your company’s rules.
- Cleaning up URLs: URL filtering features let you limit or control access to websites and types of web content. This helps keep you from going to harmful or inappropriate websites.
- Reporting and keeping logs: With full logging and reporting tools, you can see network activity and security events in real time. These reports help find threats and make sure rules are followed.
- Controlling access and verifying users: Single sign-on (SSO) and integration with identity providers are features for user authentication and access control that let you set very specific access rules.
- Help for Multiple Clouds: It can set up firewall services in more than one cloud environment, so it works for businesses that use various clouds or a mix of clouds.
- Ability to grow: It is important to make sure that the FWaaS system can grow with your business and handle more traffic without slowing down.
- Plenty of backups and high availability: Redundancy features, like failover and load balancing, to make sure high uptime and little downtime.
- Filtering by geo-IP: Being able to filter traffic based on where it comes from can help reduce threats. This lets you control access from certain areas or countries.
How to Implement FWaaS in Organization?
There are several steps you need to take to make sure that Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) works well with your company and improves network security. This is a guide on how to set up FWaaS:
- Write down your goals: To start, make sure you have a clear understanding of your protection goals and needs. Learn about the unique threats and problems with security that your company faces.
- Pick an FWaaS provider: Find a trustworthy FWaaS company that meets the needs of your business in terms of features, scalability, cost, and support.
- Check out your network: Take a close look at the network design, traffic patterns, and security infrastructure of your company. Find the places where threats and weaknesses could happen.
- Explain the security rules: Write down your security policies and rules that will be used to adopt FWaaS. Set rules for controlling applications, blocking URLs, and finding threats.
- Integration with Security Tools You Already Have: If your company already has other security tools, like intrusion monitoring systems or SIEM solutions, plan how the FWaaS will work with them so that threats can be found and dealt with centrally.
- Pick Out Deployment Models: Find the deployment plan that works best for your business. FWaaS can be set up in the cloud, on-premises, or a mix of the two. Pick the model that works best with your network and meets your protection needs.
Questions and Answers
A next-generation firewall, often known as an NGFW, is equipped with a particular set of security features. A firewall that is hosted in the cloud and provided as a service is referred to as a “cloud firewall,” which is another name for the type of firewall that is described by the acronym “firewall-as-a-service,” or FWaaS. A next-generation firewall (NGFW) can be hosted in the cloud, and FWaaS can have next-generation features.
Palo Alto Technologies has emerged as the industry’s preeminent supplier of WAN edge infrastructure solutions and network security appliances because to the company’s comprehensive portfolio of network security products and services.