A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules Firewalls are commonly used to protect networks from malicious activities, such as malware, hacking, and denial of service attacks. Firewalls can be either hardware- or software-based, and they can range from simple to complex.
The five best firewalls currently available on the market are:
1. SonicWall TZ. SonicWall's TZ solutions are all-in-one, next-generation firewalls that feature deep packet inspection and application control. This firewall series is ideal for small to medium businesses, as it offers comprehensive network protection and is easy to configure and manage.
2. FortiGate. FortiGate is a comprehensive suite of solutions from Fortinet that provides advanced protection against cyber threats. FortiGate firewalls are available in both hardware and virtualized options and offer advanced features such as web application control, secure mobility, and cloud-based management.
3. Check Point. Check Point's firewall solutions offer fast and reliable network protection with stringent security policies. These solutions are available in both hardware and software form and offer advanced features such as application intelligence, user identity, and sandboxing technologies.
4. Palo Alto Networks. Palo Alto Networks' firewall solutions provide a unified security platform with advanced features such as application identification, content inspection, user identity, and threat prevention. These solutions offer excellent scalability and performance, making them ideal for small to large enterprises.
5. WatchGuard. WatchGuard's firewall solutions are designed to provide maximum protection and performance with their durable, easy-to-deploy hardware and intuitive cloud-managed software. These solutions offer a wide range of features, such as deep packet inspection and application control, making them ideal for protecting against advanced threats.