Full Review Small Business Investing in the appropriate security measures is essential when it comes to safeguarding your small business’s sensitive data. In this evaluation of the best small business firewalls, we offer a detailed overview of the finest firewall technologies designed to satisfy the various requirements of small businesses.
This comprehensive and educational guide will assist you in locating the finest firewall for your small company needs based on the various needs of small business owners, from start-ups to mom-and-pop businesses.
Review of the Best Small Business Firewall in a Nutshell
- Perimeter 81 is the best for cloud protection.
- The SonicWall TZ400 Security Firewall is the best premium option.
- FortiGate 30E (FortiWiFi 30E) is the best entry-level NGFW.
- Integrated Threat Management: Meraki MX64/MX64W from Cisco
- Best WatchGuard Firebox T15 for Small Office/Home Office (SOHO)
Each of these firewalls has distinctive features that are appropriate for various situations; in the remaining sections of this thorough guide, we will further discuss what makes them unique and how to select the firewall that is best for your company.
Why Is It Important for Small Businesses to Have Strong Firewalls?
Strong firewalls are an essential component of small firms’ key business infrastructure; they serve as more than just a technological safety.
Firewalls are more important than ever in a time when small enterprises are the target of 43% of cyberattacks. They serve as the initial line of defense against nefarious invasions, malware, ransomware, and data breaches.
Notably, the increase in crippling ransomware attacks has highlighted the necessity for strong firewalls even more.
Small businesses frequently lack the sophisticated cybersecurity infrastructure that big firms do; as a result, a strong firewall can serve as an all-in-one solution, safeguarding the company network, securing data, and guaranteeing continuous business operations.
In order to keep customers’ trust, it aids in ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information.
Firewalls secure communications between diverse endpoints in an era where remote working is popular, blocking potential entry points for hackers.
Small firms are more vulnerable to debilitating attacks without effective firewalls, which can harm their reputations in addition to causing service delays and financial loss.
An crucial step towards security and peace of mind, investing in a powerful firewall is similar to investing in a reliable door lock for your company in the digital age.
What Firewall to Choose for Your Small Business
The following elements, which are based on the particular requirements of your company, must be taken into consideration when choosing the best firewall for your small business:
Firewall Type: You can select between a hardware or software firewall depending on the size of your network and the assets you’re defending. Software firewalls are restricted to certain hosts, whereas hardware firewalls frequently function better and protect all connected devices.
Budget considerations: There are a variety of alternatives available for various price points, but keep in mind that paying more for a premium option frequently results in more complete protection, more customizability possibilities, and easier use.
Scalability: Make sure the firewall can expand with your company and change to meet your changing needs.
Easy of Use: If you don’t have a dedicated IT staff, look for firewalls that have an intuitive user interface.
Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), Secure SD-WAN, Zero-touch provisioning, VPN, and Cloud services are a few examples of features and capabilities to take into account.
Five of the best small business firewalls are reviewed
Without further ado, let’s examine in more detail Business2Community’s selections for the top 5 small company firewalls.
Option 1: 81th kilometer
A cutting-edge security solution called Perimeter 81 provides thorough defense for both on-site and cloud applications.
This firewall delivers a seamless fusion of adaptability and security for small organizations using cloud-based services like Microsoft 365.
It presents a malware filter that works well for geographically dispersed organizations by offering a firewall-as-a-service module, Perimeter 81 protects individual applications and entire sites, allowing for granular control and robust security enforcement, and forming a secure access service edge (SASE) system that scans traffic at Layers 3 and 4.
In addition to performing standard firewall operations, it may also implement Zero Trust Access, a paradigm change in cybersecurity that starts with the premise that no person or system, inside or outside the business, is trustworthy.
It’s a crucial choice for companies seeking an integrated approach to security that addresses numerous network issues without sacrificing effectiveness and quality.
What else? Scalability is provided in accordance with company requirements by the flexible pricing, which includes the firewall capability in three higher editions.
SonicWall TZ400 Security Firewall, as an alternative
The SonicWall TZ400 Security Firewall is one of the top options for small enterprises. Due to its strong security, usability, and distinctive features that set it apart, this Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) is recognized as a premium solution.
The Network Security Manager and Zero-Touch Deployment (ZTD) are two features that offer a seamless administration and installation experience.
A multi-engine sandbox and Real-Time Deep Memory Inspection (RTDMITM) are two features of its Capture Advanced Touch Protection (ATP), which goes beyond standard security precautions.
With optional additions like PoE/PoE+ support and 802.11ac Wi-Fi, SonicWall TZ400 brings scalability and security to small businesses or branch locations without the hassles of managing enterprise-level firewalls. It also integrates Secure SD-WAN, adding a layer of intelligent routing and cost-saving.
It is an option for those who want uncompromising protection that is simple to use.
Option 3: FortiWiFi 30E and FortiGate 30E
An entry-level application-centric Secure SD-WAN NGFW appliance developed specifically for compact areas is the FortiGate or FortiWifi 30E.
With Layer 7 Deep Packet Inspection, malware and malicious site security, it is a complete solution for small offices.
The FortiGate 30E has a small, fanless form factor, uses a purpose-built security processor for high-performance threat detection, and delivers powerful protection without losing speed with throughputs of 150 Mbps for threat prevention and 160 Mbps for SSL inspection.
FortiGuard Security Service and other services like its management console offer real-time intelligence and assistance.
Access to AI-driven operations, dynamic cloud security, zero-trust network access, and endpoint protection are made possible by integration with Fortinet’s Security Fabric.
Its simplicity of installation and use, combined with scalable subscription options, make it a good option for companies who require thorough security without the complexity.
Option 4: MX64/MX64W Cisco Meraki
For small organizations wishing to include Secure Access Secure Edge (SASE) into their network, Cisco’s Meraki MX64W provides an intuitive option.
This desktop-sized secure SD-WAN equipment combines advanced features like application-layer filtering, auto-VPN, and Cisco Advanced Malware Protection with Next-Generation Firewall functionality.
A tech-savvy approach to security is provided by its SD-Branch Cloud platform and ML-powered Advanced Analytics, which automatically connect branches and deliver insightful recommendations.
The MX64 and MX64W variants differ in their WIFI capability, which adds flexibility depending on company needs. It offers reliable performance with support for up to 50 clients, a stateful firewall throughput of 250Mbps, and a VPN throughput of 100Mbps.
The Meraki MX64W from Cisco combines efficiency and innovation, making it ideal for tech-driven enterprises that need sophisticated, integrated security features.
WatchGuard Firebox T15, option 5.
The WatchGuard Firebox T15 is a network security appliance with a tiny form factor that was created specifically for SOHO (tiny Office/Home Office) settings.
This firewall expands its capabilities beyond basic security by giving features like application proxying, URL filtering, data loss prevention, and a single visibility platform. It also provides central Unified Threat Management (UTM) capabilities.
Performance is guaranteed without sacrificing security thanks to built-in Secure SD-WAN and throughput of up to 400 Mbps for Firewall, 150 Mbps for VPN, and 90 Mbps for UTM.
RapidDeploy technology included into the Cloud makes deployment easier while enabling remote configuration and management. An optional integrated wireless module and extension for WIFI compatibility increase its adaptability. Additionally, excellent logging and reporting aid in monitoring and enhancing security posture.
WatchGuard Firebox T15 is a strong and useful option for SOHO setups thanks to its price and wide range of features.
Is It Worth It For My Business to Purchase the Best Firewall?
Choosing the finest firewall for your small business is a strategic move that goes above and beyond simple regulatory compliance. It is a vital commitment to protecting priceless corporate assets, both material and intangible.
The foundation of your cybersecurity architecture is a good firewall solution, which maintains data integrity, business continuity, and customer trust.
Selecting the best firewall becomes a strategic business decision in a digital environment that is continually changing and where cyber threats are growing more sophisticated.
A variety of features, scalability, ease of use, and cost are revealed when solutions like Perimeter 81, SonicWall TZ400, FortiGate 30E, Cisco Meraki MX64W, and WatchGuard Firebox T15 are compared.
It’s important to understand that choosing the appropriate firewall is an investment in the long-term success of your company, even though budgetary concerns should still factor into your decision-making process.
It will not only operate as a security buffer against outside threats but also as a declaration of your dedication to ethical business conduct, boosting the legitimacy of your brand in the eyes of clients, partners, and stakeholders.
By selecting the appropriate firewall technology, you can build a strong digital foundation for your company and move confidently and safely across the online world.
