Firewall Buyer’s Guide: Sophos, Cisco, Fortinet and SonicWall (Comparison)
Looking for a feature-rich, reliable and user-friendly firewall to keep you secure? See how the big names measure up against each other.
As with any security solution, there are a lot of options when it comes to firewalls. Do you know which one you should choose?
Servcom USA will show you the features offered by each of the leading firewall brands, and how they stack up against one another.
Next-Gen Firewall Feature Comparison
NEXT-GEN FIREWALL FEATURES
| SOPHOS | CISCO | FORTINET | SONICWALL | |
| Firewall Rule and Web Policy Test Simulator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Dual Antivirus Engines | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| FastPath Packet Optimization | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Intrusion Protection System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Application Control | ✓ | Partial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Synchronized App Control (using Endpoint telemetry) | ✓ | |||
| Shadow IT Cloud App Visibility | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Block Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Web Protection and Control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web Keyword Monitoring and Enforcement | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| User and App Risk Visibility (User Threat Quotient) | ✓ | Partial | ||
| SSL Inspection Mode – TLS 1.3 Version Support | ✓ | IPS Engine Only | ✓ |
ADVANCED THREAT PROTECTION FEATURES
| SOPHOS | CISCO | FORTINET | SONICWALL | |
| Advanced Threat Protection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Compromised System Detection | ✓ | Add* | ||
| Compromised System Isolation | ✓ | Add* | ||
| Lateral Movement Protection | ✓ | |||
| Sandboxing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
SERVER AND EMAIL PROTECTION
| SOPHOS | CISCO | FORTINET | SONICWALL | |
| Full-Featured WAF | ✓ | ✓ | Add* | Add* |
| Complete Email: Antivirus, Anti-Spam, Encryption, DLP | ✓ | Add* | Add* |
CONNECTING USERS & REMOTE OFFICES
| SOPHOS | CISCO | FORTINET | SONICWALL | |
| IPSec and SSL VPN | ✓ | No SSL VPN | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Mesh Networks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plug and Protect Remote Office Security (RED) | ✓ | |||
| SD-WAN | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
EASE OF DEPLOYMENT & USE
| SOPHOS | CISCO | FORTINET | SONICWALL | |
| Flexible Deployment (HW,SW,VM,IaaS) | ✓ | HW Only | No SW | NO SW |
| Integrates with Other IT Security Products (e.g. Endpoint) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Synchronized Security in Discover (TAP) Mode Deployments | ✓ | |||
| Free Historical Reporting | ✓ | Add* | Add* | |
| Free Central Management | ✓ | ✓ | Partial | |
| Central Management for Partners | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| User Self-Serve Portal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
*These features are only available with the purchase of an additional product or service.
Which Firewall Is Right For You?
The fact is that today’s cybercriminals have a vast arsenal of weapons to choose from when they target an organization like yours. You need a firewall that offers a multi-layered defense to keep you secure.
As you can see from the comparison above, Sophos’ next-gen firewalls have more features than the competition and offer a better user experience. Whereas other options may be limited, or require you to invest in add-on services and products, Sophos’ offers every protection you need with one solution.
Servcom USA Will Manage Your Firewall For You
While you may understand that you need a next-generation firewall, now you have to go about getting one. It’s a lot of work to handle it on your own – but you don’t have to.
Instead, you can choose to work with a trusted, expert IT services company like Servcom USA. We have experience working with firewalls, cybersecurity technology, and organizations like yours – we can help you make the right choice, and handle the set-up for you from beginning to end.
Getting the firewall you need can be done in three simple steps:
- Book a cybersecurity consultation with our team at a time that works for you.
- Find out how Sophos’ firewalls can better secure your IT environment.
- Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re secure.
