The Difference Between Managed Firewall Services and Traditional Firewalls

In today’s increasingly digital world, securing your online presence has become more critical than ever. With cyberattacks on the rise—Cybersecurity Ventures predicts global cybercrime costs will hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025—firewalls are a vital line of defense for businesses. However, the type of firewall you choose can significantly impact your organization’s security posture.

When it comes to firewalls, the two main options businesses face are managed firewall services and traditional firewalls. But which one is right for your organization? In this article, we’ll explore the differences between managed firewall services and traditional firewalls, helping you decide which option best suits your security needs and business goals.

What Are Traditional Firewalls?

A traditional firewall is a hardware or software-based security system designed to monitor and control the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Essentially, they act as a barrier between your internal network and the external world, filtering traffic to prevent unauthorized access.

Key features of traditional firewalls:

On-site installation: These firewalls are typically installed on the premises of the organization and managed by the in-house IT team.

Customizable rules: Traditional firewalls allow you to set specific security rules and policies for controlling traffic.

Less reliance on third-party services: Since they are usually managed internally, there is no need for a third-party service provider.

Initial Setup Cost: They may have a higher initial setup cost for hardware and software, and they require ongoing maintenance from your in-house team.

What Are Managed Firewall Services?

On the other hand, managed firewall services are cloud-based solutions provided by a third-party vendor that handle your organization’s firewall management. Instead of installing and managing a physical firewall on your premises, the vendor takes on the responsibility of configuring, monitoring, and updating your firewall remotely.

Key features of managed firewall services:

Cloud-based: Managed firewall services are hosted off-site in a cloud environment, and the service provider is responsible for maintaining the firewall’s integrity.

24/7 monitoring and management: These services are continuously monitored, meaning your business has a team of cybersecurity experts working around the clock to protect you.

Scalability: Managed firewall services are highly scalable, making them ideal for businesses experiencing rapid growth or fluctuating traffic volumes.

Automatic updates and patches: Security updates and patches are automatically applied, ensuring your network stays protected without needing to manually intervene.

Subscription-based cost: Rather than a hefty upfront investment in hardware, managed firewall services typically charge on a subscription basis, which can be easier for businesses to budget for.

Comparing Managed Firewall Services and Traditional Firewalls

While both managed firewall services and traditional firewalls serve the same purpose—protecting your network—there are several key differences to consider when choosing between them:

Control and Customization

Traditional firewalls offer more control over the configuration and rules. You can fine-tune the settings as per your organization’s specific needs.

Managed firewall services typically offer less direct control because they are managed by a third-party provider, but they come with pre-configured settings that are regularly optimized for performance.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

Traditional firewalls require ongoing management and regular updates from your internal IT team. This can be time-consuming and challenging, especially if you don’t have the resources or expertise.

Managed firewall services handle the maintenance, monitoring, and updates for you. With 24/7 support and monitoring, they significantly reduce the burden on your internal team.

Cost Structure

Traditional firewalls involve higher upfront costs due to the purchase of hardware and software, along with the ongoing costs for maintenance, upgrades, and the in-house team to manage them.

Managed firewall services operate on a subscription basis, making it easier for businesses to budget for cybersecurity. They also eliminate the need for costly hardware and in-house experts.

Scalability

Traditional firewalls can be difficult to scale because adding more hardware or upgrading your current firewall can be complex and costly.

Managed firewall services are much easier to scale, as the service provider can quickly adjust resources to match your growing business needs.

Expertise and Support

With traditional firewalls, the onus is on your IT team to manage and troubleshoot any issues. This means having the right cybersecurity expertise in-house.

Managed firewall services come with access to a dedicated team of security professionals who are ready to handle any issues and ensure your system stays protected.

Conclusion

When it comes to protecting your organization’s network, both traditional firewalls and managed firewall services have their pros and cons. Traditional firewalls provide greater control and customization but come with higher upfront costs and require dedicated in-house expertise. Managed firewall services, on the other hand, offer a more convenient, scalable solution with ongoing support, automatic updates, and lower upfront costs.

If your business lacks the resources to manage firewalls effectively or you’re looking for a more flexible, cost-effective option, managed firewall services might be the best choice. However, if you need greater control and have a dedicated IT team to handle maintenance and monitoring, traditional firewalls may still be the better option.

Ultimately, the choice between managed firewall services and traditional firewalls depends on your business size, traffic, technical expertise, and long-term security goals. Whichever option you choose, remember that having a robust firewall in place is essential for safeguarding your network and maintaining business continuity in today’s cyber threat landscape.