If your organization has network vulnerabilities that contribute to poor network security, you’re at risk for cyberattacks that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair the network.
To avoid the detrimental consequences of a cyberattack, it is important you improve network security. Next-gen Firewalls and Firewall as a Service can be reliable security solutions that improve network security.
It is important to understand the differences between NGFW and FWaaS so you can determine which solution is the best choice for your organization to improve network security.
Coeo knows how important reliable network security is to an organization and has delivered thousands of network security solutions to organizations to help them avoid the consequences of a cyberattack.
We want you to understand the differences between NGFW and FWaaS so you can determine which solution is a better choice for your organization.
By the end of this article, you will understand what NGFW is, what FWaaS is, the differences between them, and which one is a better option for your organization.
What is NGFW
Next-gen Firewall (NGFW) is a network security solution that combines advanced security features with traditional firewall capabilities.
These advanced features include IP reputation and filtering and URL reputation and filtering. A next-gen firewall is a web filtering security service ensuring that employees can’t access websites that they shouldn’t have access to.
What is FWaaS?
Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), also known as a cloud firewall, is a cloud-based firewall that provides network security functions such as traffic inspection.
Because of the cloud-based technology, a FWaaS solution enables organizations to deploy, manage, and scale firewall security without the need for expensive on-premise hardware and infrastructure.
FWaaS enables you to secure your network no matter where you are or what device it is being accessed from.
This makes it a safer technology for remote work because it can secure employees working from any remote location.
The differences between NGFW and FWaaS
Next-gen Firewall (NGFW) and Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) are two reliable network security solutions that will enable your organization to secure your network.
However, there are differences between the two that can be important for you to understand so you can determine which solution is best for your organization.
The differences between NGFW and FWaaS include:
Delivery
The main difference between NGFW and FWaaS is the way the solutions are delivered.
FWaaS is strictly a cloud-based service that delivers security over the cloud while NGFW can be delivered on-premises, virtual, or cloud-based.
Control and management
FWaaS is a service that is typically provided and managed by a provider giving your organization limited control of your network solution.
Some providers offer a co-managed solution where the provider and organization manage the solution together.
NGFW can be provided and managed in multiple ways. Your organization can manage the solution internally giving your organization granular control of your solution, co-managed both internally and by your provider, or managed fully by your provider.
NGFW helps many different organizations with varying needs for their solution and allows you to choose the best option to benefit your organization.
Scalability and flexibility
A FWaaS solution can offer better scalability and flexibility since the solution is cloud-based.
With a cloud-based solution, there is little to no hardware equipment involved making it easier to add or remove users and for employees working remotely.
However, depending on how your NGFW solution is delivered, it may not be as scalable or flexible as an FWaaS solution.
If your NGFW solution is delivered as an on-premise or even a virtual solution, it will require more technology to be installed as hardware or software to your organization’s office location making it much less flexible when adding or removing users or in a remote work environment.
If your NGFW solution is delivered as a cloud solution, you may receive the same level of scalability and flexibility as you would with a FWaaS solution.
Is NGFW or FWaaS a good solution for your organization?
Now you know the differences between an NGFW solution and FWaaS. However, it is also important to understand which solution is the better fit for your organization.
If your organization is looking for a flexible cloud-based solution, an FWaaS solution may be the better fit for your organization.
Depending on the delivery of your NGFW, it is less scalable and flexible so if you have a growing organization that operates in a remote work environment, an FWaaS may be a better fit.
However, if your organization is looking to have more control over your solution and your network security, an NGFW solution may be the right fit.
Depending on your provider, FWaaS is fully managed by your provider whereas NGFW can be managed in multiple different ways depending on how much control your organization would like over the solution.
Determining which solution is best for your organization
Now you know what NGFW is, what FWaaS is, the differences between the two, and which one is a better fit for your organization.
This will help you determine which security solution your organization should invest in.
Cyberattacks can cause consequences that can be detrimental to your business and can cost your organization hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair your network.
This makes reliable network security important to prioritize in today’s world.
NGFW and FWaaS solutions are both reliable network security solutions that can improve the network security of any organization.
However, understanding the differences between the two solutions will help you determine which solution is the right fit for your organization.
Coeo understands how important reliable network security is to an organization and has delivered thousands of network security solutions to organizations to help them improve their security and avoid cyber attacks.
We want you to know the differences between NGFW and FWaaS so you can determine which solution is the best fit for your organization.
If you would like to speak with our team to learn more about NGFW, FWaaS, or other network security solutions, or ask any questions you may have you can schedule an appointment.
Now that you understand the differences between NGFW and FWaaS, check out this article to learn more about the network initiatives your organization should focus on:
