A firewall acts as the first line of defense that protects crucial information from hackers and stops them to bypass the protective security technology. But over the past few years, cyberattacks are causing huge data breaches and are becoming more adept at side-stepping traditional firewalls. 

Hence, organizations need to switch to next-gen firewalls to prevent data from hackers and track and block several persistent threats such as malware.

To make it easier for you, we have listed some of the top next-gen firewalls on the market. Also, we will discuss the top-rated and secure Forcepoint Next-Gen Firewall Product, its features, pros, and cons.

Forcepoint Next-Gen Firewall Product Overview

Forcepoint Next-Gen Firewall Product is one of the top-rated and secure platforms with a AAA rating by CyberRatings. The platform offers flexible networking, zero-touch deployment, faster incident response, and other features that help in cutting the complexities and time required for the smooth running of networks.

Key Features

• Centralized Management.
• Granular control.
• Reliable and Scalable Security Solution.
• IP Packet Fragmentation/TCP Segmentation.
• Supports False-positive testing.
• Protects against evasions.
• Supports HTTP evasions and other techniques.
• Zero-touch Deployment.
• Resilient Management.
• Integrated URL filtering.
• Advanced Malware Detection.
• Supports setting up role-based access.
• Endpoint Security.
• Better Visibility.
• Ransomware and Spam Protection.
• Spots anomalies.
• In-built intrusion prevention system.
• Faster Incident Response.
• Offers SD-WAN Control with Low-Cost Broadband.
• High Availability.

Why do we recommend it?

After deploying Forcepoint Next-Gen Firewall in our sandbox environment, we were particularly impressed by its centralized management capabilities and granular control. We put its faster incident response and in-built intrusion prevention system to the test and found these features invaluable for quickly identifying and mitigating network risks. However, potential users should be aware of its resource-heavy nature.

It is designed to connect and protect crucial data throughout the enterprise network while maintaining efficiency and security. Thousands of customers across the globe trust Forcepoint Next-Gen Firewall Product for its excellent features and security solutions. 

With the help of the Forcepoint NGFW security solution, administrators can also quickly deploy, track, and update several firewalls.

Who is it recommended for?

Forcepoint Next-Gen Firewall is best suited for medium to large enterprises that require a robust and scalable security solution. It’s particularly beneficial for network administrators who need to manage multiple firewalls and desire a unified console for easier control. Organizations focused on minimizing false positives, enhancing intrusion detection, and seeking advanced malware protection will find this solution particularly effective.

Forcepoint Next-Gen Firewall is a trusted security solution that offers best-in-class security and performance. Its centralized management console and exclusive features, including detection engine resistance, evasion technologies, etc., make it stand out from the rest.

Forcepoint NGFW Pricing

The pricing plan of the Forcepoint Next-Gen Firewall varies based on the desired capabilities and capacity. The starting price of the product is $1,000, best suitable for a small office. The Forcepoint NGFW 2105 tested by NSS Labs begins at $40,000 and offers effective security results, whereas the high-end 6200 series list range around $100,000.

It also supports a 30-day Free Trial of the Next-Generation Firewall.

Software Download Link

The product’s zero-trust network access controls and built-in other security features help in the easy management and maintenance of a secure network at scale. Further, the central console offers full visibility into networks that aid in quick risk identification. Automate and accelerate your network architecture with the trusted Forcepoint Next-Gen Firewall product. Download the product here.

Top Forcepoint NGFW Alternatives

No doubt Forcepoint Next-Gen Firewall is a great product that offers full protection to enterprise networks against modern online threats. But, most companies look for alternatives with advanced features, including packet filtering, SSL inspection, policy management, intrusion prevention systems, etc., for better performance.

Hence, we have shortlisted a few alternatives that will help in quick threat identification and blocking of suspicious activity.

1. Perimeter 81 FWaaS – ACCESS FREE DEMO

Perimeter 81 FWaaS is a top-notch solution when looking for a NextGen firewall as it provides full protection to endpoints, is flexible and comprises a wide range of edge services. With Perimeter 81, you do not have to worry about maintenance or protection as the hosting and firewall management are handled by its staff.

Why do we recommend it?

We installed the Perimeter 81 FWaaS demo and were impressed with its extensive range of edge services and its focus on endpoint protection. We specifically tested its granular traffic control and Advanced Threat Protection features, verifying their efficacy in preventing potential security breaches.

Firewalls act as a membrane and inspect networks in and out for authenticity. Also, it centralizes security inspection to a single accessible panel, unlike other tools.

The solution’s Firewall as a Service ensures that your network traffic remains secure and protects data flows across the organization. It also supports features like granular traffic control that prevent businesses from potential breaches.

The tools not only protect your company’s internal matters but ensure safety across hybrid clouds by allowing access to only authorized users. Administrators can also generate, customize, modify and apply network traffic policies as the organization grows.

Further, the tool supports features like single sign-on (SSO), two-factor authentication, Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), traffic encryption enforcement, granular traffic control, Bank-Level Encryption, DNS filtering, Network Segmentation, Private gateway deployments, etc., that make it a top choice when looking for NextGen firewall tools.

Who is it recommended for?

Perimeter 81 FWaaS is an excellent choice for smaller networks and enterprises that require a flexible yet robust NextGen firewall solution. It’s particularly advantageous for administrators looking to centralize their security controls and for companies aiming to ensure data security across hybrid cloud environments. The tool’s ease of use and object-based configurations make it accessible, even for teams with limited firewall management experience.

It is an ideal choice for smaller networks/enterprises, and its object-based configurations are quite easy to use. You can register for a free demo.

Perimeter 81 FWaaS Access the free demo

2. Barracuda CloudGen Firewall

Barracuda CloudGen Firewall is another top pick for organizations looking for a NextGen firewall solution. It supports advanced threat protection and other features that help detect and block malicious activity and ransomware attacks. 

Why do we recommend it?

After installing Barracuda CloudGen Firewall and navigating its interface, we put its advanced threat protection and in-built intrusion detection features to the test. The time-based one-time password security measures proved highly effective in our sandbox environment. However, we did note that initial configuration could be challenging for beginners.

The firewall solution is suitable for all business types and ensures that your business maintains continuity and performance using spyware protection, in-built intrusion detection and prevention systems, and time-based one-time password security features.

No matter where your data, user, or workloads reside, the solution uses sophisticated defense techniques to balance threat detection with fast response times. Global threat intelligence helps gain quick protection against the latest threats.

Who is it recommended for?

Barracuda CloudGen Firewall is suitable for businesses of all sizes that require robust threat protection and intrusion prevention. It’s especially useful for organizations looking for secure SD-WAN capabilities and quick, intelligence-driven responses to emerging threats. Given its somewhat complex initial setup, it may be best suited for companies with some level of in-house technical expertise.

Barracuda CloudGen Firewall supports easy-to-deploy configurations, secure SD-WAN capabilities, and other features that help manage and protect businesses from data breaches.

Further, it prevents probing and SQL injections, cross-site scripting, and DoS attacks using IDS/IPS settings. It also provides automated threat responses.

For a smooth running of the tool, you must install the CloudGen admin application. Also, remember beginners with less experience might find it difficult to configure a device at the initial stage.

Apart from a few disadvantages, many benefits make it a good choice. So, save your organizations from unwanted vulnerabilities and exploits, including cross-site scripting, denial of service attacks, spyware, etc., using its multi-layered security approach.

3. SonicWall Next-Generation Firewall 

SonicWall’s Next-Generation Firewall TZ Series is a great firewall solution for small and global enterprises. The solution provides advanced threat protection, control, and visibility needed for an effective cybersecurity posture. It allows you to quickly deploy devices to multiple locations using custom configuration templates.

Why do we recommend it?

We downloaded and deployed SonicWall’s Next-Generation Firewall TZ Series in our test environment and were particularly impressed by its Deep Memory Inspection for advanced threat prevention. We also verified its SSL/TLS decryption and content filtering services, finding them both effective and user-friendly. One minor critique is that while the tool offers extensive features, it might be overwhelming for smaller networks.

Further, it is designed for networks of all sizes and centrally manages all the infrastructure. 

SonicWall’s Next-Generation Firewall TZ Series comprises an intrusion prevention system, SSL/TLS decryption features, and offers content filtering services that make it one of the best choices for your organization’s security.

The rise in cyberattacks has caused organizations to look for firewall solutions that offer superior performance and advanced protection against threats. SonicWall’s Next-Generation Firewall TZ Series is a perfect match if you want to gain insight or control over application usage across your network, detect and protect from threats.

The easy-to-use, integrated security solution provides advanced Threat Prevention with Deep Memory Inspection. Further, its installation process is quick and easy with its zero-Touch Deployment. Also, its simplified centralized management feature makes it easy for the administrators to operate the tool.

Another key aspect of the powerful firewall solution is it allows administrators to inspect network streams simultaneously using deep packet inspection.

Who is it recommended for?

SonicWall’s Next-Generation Firewall TZ Series is well-suited for both small and large enterprises in need of comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. It’s particularly beneficial for administrators seeking to quickly deploy and centrally manage multiple devices with custom configurations. Organizations aiming for deep packet inspection and advanced threat protection, including defenses against zero-day threats, will find this tool highly advantageous.

If you are looking for a Next-Generation Firewall solution that protects against all types of threats, including ransomware and malware, look no further as it helps identify zero-day threats.

4. Sophos XG Series

Sophos XG Series is an all-in-one network protection solution that detects and blocks unknown threats using threat intelligence and intrusion prevention systems. It uses deep learning techniques to detect threats and provide automatic responses like quarantining suspicious content. 

Why do we recommend it?

After installing the free trial of Sophos XG Series, we tested its deep learning techniques for threat detection and its intrusion prevention systems. The tool quickly identified and quarantined suspicious content in our sandbox environment. While its feature set is robust, some users may find its extensive options slightly complicated to navigate initially.

They are a series of next-gen firewalls that offer best-in-class Unified Threat Management (UTM) protection and save from Layer 7 web-based attacks. Further, the solution is easy to manage and supports on-box reporting along with other capabilities.

Get access to improved visibility, protection, and response with Sophos XG Series. It is a single cloud-based platform that can be accessed from any location and provides instant alerts on detecting malicious content. It uses a VPN client to connect with remote workers and log into networks from any location.

The main purpose of designing the tool was to expose hidden risks, block threads, and respond to incidents faster.

You can also stop the latest hacks and attacks with high-performance IPS and ATP. No doubt, Sophos XG Series is a good anti-spam solution that protects email inboxes against phishing attacks and other threats.

Using this tool, administrators can perform an in-depth analysis of all network files, track health, and detect and block zero-day file-based threats easily. It provides various features, including Synchronized Security, reverse proxy authentication, built-in reporting, SSL and IPSEC support, Lateral Movement Protection, Web Protection, High-performance traffic scanning, Application Control and QoS, Email filtering, sandboxing, etc.

Who is it recommended for?

Sophos XG Series is ideal for organizations that require an all-in-one network protection solution with robust Unified Threat Management (UTM) capabilities. It’s especially beneficial for remote work setups, as it provides VPN client support for easy access to network resources. Businesses looking for high-performance traffic scanning, application control, and quality email filtering will find Sophos XG Series to be a comprehensive solution. Given its extensive feature set, it may be best suited for organizations with a certain level of technical expertise.

If you are looking for a firewall solution that protects the private network and web-based threats, opt for the Sophos XG Series.

5. Juniper Networks SRX Series

Juniper Networks SRX Series is an SD-WAN solution that protects your data center and cloud applications with its wide range of firewalls. It helps identify and block all known and unknown threats and is suitable for all private, hybrid, and public cloud environments.

Why do we recommend it?

After setting up Juniper Networks SRX Series in a sandbox environment, we were particularly impressed by its machine learning and AI techniques for detecting and blocking malware. The centralized security management allowed us to easily configure and maintain security settings across multiple locations, a significant plus for scalability. While it offers a comprehensive range of features, the user interface could be more intuitive for beginners.

Further, the firewall solution runs deep packet inspection to detect viruses and other malicious attachments. Using its centralized security management features, administrators can run advanced malware analysis and easily manage the security settings of multiple locations from one interface.

It also provides a wide range of products that help deliver uncompromised flexibility, effectiveness, and performance in different environments.

Juniper Networks SRX Series is a low-latency next-generation firewall ideal for small and medium-sized data centers. Most of its products offer consistent protection across the diverse environment by identifying and remediating threats.

The product uses machine learning and AI techniques to detect and prevent malware and delivers unified management at all levels. It further supports SD-WAN, SSL Inspection, URL filtering, centralized security management, Inline decryption, user-based security policies, and segmentation.

Who is it recommended for?

The Juniper Networks SRX Series is suitable for businesses of all sizes, particularly those operating in diverse cloud environments—private, hybrid, or public. Its low-latency performance makes it ideal for small to medium-sized data centers requiring fast response times. Companies seeking advanced features like SD-WAN support, SSL Inspection, and centralized security management will find this firewall solution to be very effective. It’s also well-suited for organizations that prioritize granular control over applications and devices.

If you are looking for a Next-Gen firewall solution that will defend against day-one threats, we recommend Juniper Networks SRX Series. Its advanced features like granular control of applications and devices, etc., make it a great choice.

For price details, users need to send a request to the seller.

Conclusion

A next-gen firewall is an upgraded level of traditional firewall solution that supports the advanced level of the intrusion protection system and uses threat intelligence to identify and remediate threats. These can be easily accessed from a single console and offer multi-layered protection to applications, users, and devices.

Forcepoint Next-Gen Firewall Product is one of the top-rated and secure solutions that helps prevent data theft and manages encrypted traffic without compromising performance. It is a bit slower but comprises various features that make it a good choice.

However, we have also listed a few alternatives to Forcepoint Next-Gen Firewall Product that can also be advantageous for several businesses. Perimeter 81 FWaaS, Barracuda CloudGen Firewall, SonicWall’s Next-Generation Firewall TZ Series, Sophos XG Series, and Juniper Networks SRX Series are a few alternatives you can choose from. 

Compare features, pros, and cons of each above-listed next-gen firewall solution before making a final call for your business.