Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are the backbone of the global economy, but they are increasingly becoming prime targets for cybercriminals. A firewall is your first line of defense against growing threats, including malware, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats (APTs).
This article will explore the key considerations for SMBs when selecting a firewall and the essential features that provide optimal protection.
The Current State of Cybercrime
According to Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime is predicted to cost the world $9.5 trillion in 2024, making it the third-largest economic force globally, after only the United States and China. This staggering figure reflects the collective costs of:
- Data breaches resulting in financial losses and reputational damage
- Ransomware attacks crippling critical systems
- Intellectual property theft costs businesses billions annually
- Operational disruptions causing severe revenue losses
Why Cybercrime Targets SMBs
Several factors contribute to the exponential growth of cybercrime, especially in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the rise of platforms:
1. Increased Digitalization
As businesses and services migrate online, the attack surface expands with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driving advancements like IoT, AI, and cloud services.
The increasing reliance on digital platforms for communication, transactions, and operations presents more opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities.
2. Sophisticated Attack Methods
Cybercriminals leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and machine learning. These technologies enable attackers to execute more precise and large-scale attacks. The rise of platforms that aggregate vast amounts of user data further increases the risk of cybercrime.
3. Lack of Preparedness
Many organizations fail to implement adequate cybersecurity measures, making them easy targets. As digitalization and the platform economy continue to grow, the pace of technological change often outstrips the development and adoption of necessary security protocols.
Why SMBs Need a Strong Firewall
Many SMBs mistakenly believe their smaller size makes them less of a cyberattack target. However, the reality is quite different. According to cybersecurity reports, cybercriminals increasingly target SMBs because they often lack the resources and expertise to defend against sophisticated attacks.
Firewalls play a vital role in securing SMB networks by:
- Blocking unauthorized access and filtering harmful traffic.
- Protecting against external threats like malware, phishing, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
- Controlling access to websites and applications.
A strong firewall is an initial barrier, protecting internal systems from outside threats and safeguarding data, intellectual property, and customer information.
Key Considerations for SMB Firewall Selection
Before I discuss choosing the right firewall brand, I should mention that most firewall manufacturers use the same operating system, algorithms, and detection methods across all their products or models.
The differences between models relate to bandwidth and performance, the number of concurrent connections, and hardware.
For example, you can see three categories on the Fortinet Fortigate firewall website: entry-level, mid-range, and high-end.
I mention this because you can save money by selecting the right model. When selecting a firewall for your business, SMBs should prioritize the following factors:
1. Ease of Use and Management
SMBs often lack dedicated IT staff, so ease of management is crucial. A firewall with a user-friendly interface and simplified configuration tools can save time and reduce the chances of errors.
Centralized management options that allow administrators to configure multiple firewalls across branches from a single console can make it easier to enforce security policies.
2. Comprehensive Security Features
a. Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
- Blocks malicious traffic in real-time
- Identifies and prevents network intrusions
- Analyzes traffic patterns for threat detection
b. Web Filtering
- Blocks access to harmful websites
- Prevents non-productive web usage
- Reduces security risks from malicious sites
c. VPN Support
- Secures remote worker connections
- Supports IPsec and SSL VPN protocols
- Enables safe access to network resources
d. Application Control
- Manages software usage permissions
- Enforces role-based access policies
- Prioritizes business-critical applications
e. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)
- Examines complete data packets
- Identifies hidden threats
- Detects malware in encrypted traffic
f. Traffic Monitoring and Logging
- Tracks network activity
- Enables security incident investigation
- Supports compliance requirements
Firewalls must handle both current and future demands. They should secure your network and provide sufficient throughput to manage the bandwidth required by SMBs.
Performance becomes critical as businesses grow and rely on cloud services, video conferencing, and file sharing.
Before selecting a firewall, you should have enough information about your network. To do so, you should monitor your network for the following parameters:
Key Factors to Measure Network Performance:
- Session Count: Determine how many concurrent sessions your network handles during peak working hours.
- Traffic Type: Analyze the proportion of traffic that is TCP vs. UDP to ensure the firewall is optimized for your specific traffic mix.
- Protocol Usage: Identify your network's most commonly used protocols and ensure the firewall supports them efficiently.
- User Count: Determine the number of users accessing the network and ensure the firewall can handle their volume and activity levels.
- Bandwidth Utilization: Measure the average and peak bandwidth usage to confirm that the firewall can manage your network's demands.
- Application Behavior: Assess which applications consume the most resources to ensure the firewall provides sufficient processing power.
Tools to Measure Network Performance:
- SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor: Provides insights into network traffic, bandwidth usage, and overall health.
- PRTG Network Monitor: Helps measure traffic and performance metrics in real-time.
- NetFlow Analyzer: Monitors bandwidth usage, traffic patterns, and session information.
- Built-in Firewall Tools: Some existing firewalls may already have traffic and performance monitoring tools you can leverage.
By carefully measuring these factors before selecting and ordering a firewall, SMBs can ensure they choose a solution that meets their current needs and scales effectively for future growth.
IMPORTANT: Review firewall datasheets carefully. Published performance numbers are often ideal-scenario metrics. Real-world performance, especially with all security features enabled, is typically lower than the datasheet specifications.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
SMBs often operate with tight budgets. While premium firewalls offer advanced features, affordable solutions can provide robust protection for smaller businesses. Consider initial and long-term operational expenses, including support and licensing fees.
5. Vendor Support and Reliability
SMBs typically don’t have the luxury of 24/7 in-house IT teams. Look for firewalls with reliable vendor support and regular software updates to address emerging security threats.
6. Documentation and Community Support
Access to detailed documentation and technical resources can significantly improve an SMB's ability to utilize and maintain its firewall.
- Good Documentation: Ensure the firewall vendor offers in-depth product documentation, including setup guides, advanced configuration manuals, and troubleshooting instructions. Vendors like Fortinet and Cisco provide exhaustive resources tailored for SMBs.
- Official Blogs: Vendor blogs can provide valuable updates on security threats, software patches, and tips for getting the most out of the firewall.
- Q&A Platforms: Community forums enable SMBs to ask questions and receive answers from other users or experts.
- Troubleshooting Guides: Comprehensive troubleshooting guides help SMBs quickly address common issues without constant vendor support.
- For instance, Palo Alto Networks’ Knowledge Base offers a wealth of resources for resolving errors and optimizing performance.
7. Vendor Integration Benefits
Choosing a firewall that integrates seamlessly with other products from the same vendor can provide significant benefits for SMBs.
Integration ensures smooth interoperability, reduces complexity and enables centralized management of various security solutions.
For example:
Fortinet Ecosystem
- FortiAnalyzer for centralized logging
- FortiManager for policy management
- FortiAP and FortiSwitch integration
Palo Alto Networks
- Cortex XDR integration
- Advanced threat detection
- Streamlined incident response
Sophos Integration
- Intercept X synchronization
- Unified endpoint protection
- Coordinated security response
Cisco Environment
- Identity Services Engine (ISE) integration
- Switch and router compatibility
- Network-wide security management
Best Firewalls for SMBs in 2025
In 2025, several firewall solutions will provide excellent value for SMBs. Here are some of the best options:
Palo Alto’s firewalls are known for their granular control over traffic and applications. The PA-400 series provides SMBs with advanced threat protection, perfect for companies with higher security requirements.
- Best for: Companies requiring enterprise-grade security
- Known for: Granular traffic and application control
- Features: Advanced threat protection
Fortinet’s FortiGate series offers comprehensive security features, including deep packet inspection, VPN support, and intrusion prevention. These firewalls are designed for businesses looking for robust protection with a simple interface.
- Best for: Businesses wanting simple but robust protection
- Includes: Deep packet inspection, VPN support
- Notable: User-friendly interface
Cisco Firepower 1010 offers enterprise-level security at a suitable price for SMBs. It’s ideal for businesses that need high-end protection with real-time threat intelligence.
- Best for: Enterprise-level security needs
- Offers: Real-time threat intelligence
- Advantage: Strong vendor support
4. Sophos XGS 87
Sophos XGS 87 is a powerful yet affordable firewall that combines network protection and endpoint security. It’s ideal for SMBs looking for a complete cybersecurity solution.
- Best for: Complete cybersecurity solution
- Features: Integrated endpoint security
- Benefit: Affordable pricing
5. WatchGuard Firebox T40
WatchGuard’s Firebox T40 is excellent for SMBs due to its reliable security and high-speed performance. It’s a cost-effective solution that offers a wide range of features.
- Best for: Cost-effective performance
- Provides: Reliable security features
- Notable: Good speed-to-price ratio
Refer to Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Network Firewalls for more information about which brands are market leaders.
Professional Firewall Services
Need expert help with your network security? Our certified team provides:
- Complete firewall solution assessment and selection
- Professional implementation and configuration
- Network security design and best practices
- Ongoing support and maintenance
- Staff training and documentation
Don't have in-house cybersecurity experts? No problem. Please feel free to contact us. Our professional team aims to be with you at every stage. We can offer everything you need, from scratch to advanced level.
Conclusion
Choosing the proper firewall is one of the most critical decisions an SMB can make when securing its network. With cyber threats constantly evolving, SMBs must invest in firewalls that offer comprehensive protection, ease of management, and scalability.
The firewalls mentioned above, Palo Alto Series, Fortinet FortiGate, Cisco Firepower Sophos XGS, and WatchGuard Firebox, are excellent for SMBs in 2025. Each solution balances security features, performance, and affordability, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Remember General Patton's wisdom: "Do not try to make circumstances fit your plans. Make plans that fit the circumstances." This means:
- Understand your specific environment
- Assess your unique security needs
- Avoid one-size-fits-all approaches
- Choose a solution that can grow with you.
