Best Cisco Firewalls for Small and Medium Businesses: Which One Protects You Best?

In today’s world, cybercriminals are becoming increasingly skilled and determined in Cisco cybersecurity. With the rise of hybrid work in the post-COVID era, people, devices, and endpoints are scattered beyond the conventional boundaries of a firewall, making it more difficult to protect against them.

IT and security teams must now manage a vast array of devices, from remote workers’ laptops and mobile devices to sensors, cameras, and IoT smart Cisco cybersecurity appliances. Everyone and everything must be protected.

As applications, data, devices, and people move through the network, security policies must be network-based, especially in hybrid work environments that require increased flexibility for those working outside of corporate headquarters. While businesses recognize the importance of network security, their efforts are not keeping pace with Cisco cybersecurity.

Data is more vital than ever to modern businesses, making it increasingly essential to protect it and safeguard consumer privacy.

Large-sized vs. small and medium-sized businesses

Large-sized businesses spend a huge amount to prevent cyber attacks and data breaches. They take several key IT steps to protect their network from cybercriminals and help their businesses run smoothly. But this isn’t possible for small and medium-sized businesses because they have tight budgets. They can only spend one or two things to protect their Cisco cybersecurity networks.

For small and medium-sized businesses, Cisco firewalls make an excellent choice. They provide comprehensive security features, advanced networking capabilities, flexibility, and scalability. Additionally, Cisco’s trusted brand reputation allows for seamless integration with other Cisco products.

Given its popularity, the company has launched a wide range of firewalls, each offering distinctive features. In this post, we will explore 10 Cisco firewalls that are particularly popular among small and medium-sized businesses.

Cisco Firepower 2100 Series

The Cisco Firepower 2100 Series is a group of four security platforms that prioritize threat defense to ensure business continuity.

• The Cisco FPR 2130 model stands out for its high performance when running advanced threat features. Utilizing a dual multicore CPU architecture, these platforms optimize firewall, cryptographic, and threat inspection functions simultaneously. This versatility allows the Cisco Firepower 2100 Series to accommodate use cases ranging from the Internet edge to the data center. Additionally, the platform complies with the Network Equipment Building Standard (NEBS). The designation FPR2130-NGFW-K9 refers to the Cisco Firepower 2130 NGFW Appliance, which features 1RU and 1 x Network Module Bay.

Cisco Firepower 2110

• The Cisco Firepower 2100 Series features four NGFW security platforms specializing in threat defense to enhance business resilience. When advanced threat functions are enabled, the Cisco FPR 2110 delivers outstanding sustained performance. This series offers a range of firewall throughput suitable for use cases that span from the Internet edge to the data center. Additionally, the Cisco Firepower 2100 Series complies with the Network Equipment Building Standards (NEBS). The model FPR2110-NGFW-K9 designates the Cisco Firepower 2110 NGFW Appliance, which occupies a space of 1RU.

Cisco Firepower 1140

• The Cisco Firepower 1140 NGFW Appliance, known as the FPR1140-NGFW-K9, features 8 x RJ45 and 4 x SFP interfaces. This appliance belongs to the Cisco Firepower 1000 Series, which includes three NGFW security platforms focused on threat defense to enhance business resilience. When you enable advanced threat functions, the Cisco Firepower 1140 delivers exceptional performance. Additionally, the series supports various use cases, ranging from small offices and home offices to remote branch offices and the Internet edge. Finally, Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) powers the platforms in the 1000 Series.

Cisco ASA 5525 Firepower

• The Cisco ASA5525-FPWR-K9 with Firepower Services stands out as a unique next-generation security solution that strengthens the Cisco ASA 5500-X Series Next-Generation firewalls. This appliance provides comprehensive protection against both known and advanced threats, including targeted and persistent malware attacks. Widely adopted in enterprises worldwide, the Cisco ASA firewall serves as a robust stateful firewall solution.

Cisco Firepower 1120

• The Cisco Firepower 1000 Series includes the FPR1120-NGFW-K9, a 1U NGFW appliance equipped with 8x RJ45 and 4x SFP interfaces. This family of three threat-focused NGFW security platforms enhances business resiliency through superior threat defense.

   

• When you enable advanced threat functions, the Cisco FPR1120 provides exceptional sustained performance. Its firewall throughput range suits various use cases, including small offices, home offices, remote branch offices, and the Internet edge. Additionally, the 1000 Series runs on Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD), offering robust security measures to safeguard networks against potential threats.

Cisco Firepower 1010

Author: AJ

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