Security Engineer at a individual & family service with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Ensures all of our emails, files coming through, and attachments are secure
Pros and Cons
  • "It seems like it works all the time. We have never had an issue. We have never had something go undetected, anything major. All in all, it works pretty well."
  • "I would like to see some speed improvements, e.g., how quickly you can get through all the menus. It crashes sometimes because we push so much through it. Therefore, I would like to see more small things behind the scenes, such as, back-end stability in terms of the management application."

What is our primary use case?

We use it as a method to ensure with all of our emails and the files coming through have secure attachments and no known issues: No malware, no known vulnerable hashes, nor anything malicious.

How has it helped my organization?

SandBlast has improved my organization in the way that we no longer have to worry as much about attachments which come in. Previously, it was a pretty frequent occurrence when we would get something malicious. So, it made it so that we could focus on other tasks and not have to worry nearly as much.

What is most valuable?

It seems like it works all the time. We have never had an issue. We have never had something go undetected, anything major. All in all, it works pretty well.

What needs improvement?

I would like to see some speed improvements, e.g., how quickly you can get through all the menus. It crashes sometimes because we push so much through it. Therefore, I would like to see more small things behind the scenes, such as, back-end stability in terms of the management application.

I would also like to improve the usability of the application to improve the quality of life of our users. 

Buyer's Guide
Check Point SandBlast Network
May 2024
Learn what your peers think about Check Point SandBlast Network. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2024.
770,292 professionals have used our research since 2012.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It seems very stable. We haven't seen any issues with it. The quality is great. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is definitely scalable. We have a massive amount of endpoints that it's working through right now, and it's definitely taking care of us.

How are customer service and support?

We are a Diamond partner, so we have a dedicated support rep who is always available and with a quick response and remediation. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

When I came onboard, this solution was already implemented.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was pretty straightforward and simple. We tested a few things to see how we could make it run a little better.

What about the implementation team?

We deployed it ourselves.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate it an eight out of ten because it is stable and works well. We have never run into an issue with it. It is frequently updated and our support rep goes through the findings and lets us know what type of stuff is being blocked and if we want to make any small configuration changes. 

It's definitely a good way to go just because it's so simple. Once you have it set up, you don't really have to touch it.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Information Security Engineer (Core Network Security) at NEX4 ICT Solutions
Real User
Top 5
Good technology, excellent performance, and decent quality
Pros and Cons
  • "The technology is impressive in general."
  • "They need to improve the GUI interface."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution for advanced threat protection. We use it for email security. 

What is most valuable?

The quality is very good. 

I really like the Excel and Secure Access features. 

The performance is quite good. 

We like that we can tune in on the firewalls. We can look at our CPU and tune the firewalls.

The technology is impressive in general. 

It is scalable. 

Technical support is decent. 

What needs improvement?

They need to improve the GUI interface. It should be easier to configure.

The initial setup can be a bit complex. 

It could be a bit cheaper in terms of price.  

For how long have I used the solution?

I've used the solution for two to three years. I haven't really used it for that long. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is stable and reliable. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is easy to scale. It's not a problem to expand. Check Point is known for its ability to scale. 

We have three or four clients using the product.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support is fine. We haven't had any issues with them. I can open a ticket if I need to, and most of the engineers are good. Sometimes it needs to be escalated to more knowledgeable engineers, however. 

How was the initial setup?

The solution is not straightforward to set up. It is a little bit complex. 

In our last project, we did a migration, not a straight new deployment. It tends to take two to three months to migrate. 

In the deployment, we needed two or three gateways, and we needed a security management server. We deployed via a cluster. 

In our project, we had one or two engineers handling the deployment. 

What about the implementation team?

I'm a system integrator. I can assist clients with the initial setup. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution requires a license. That tends to be a yearly subscription. It could be cheaper. I'd describe the pricing as not cheap and yet not overly expensive either. 

What other advice do I have?

I'm an integrator. We are using the latest version of the solution. 

I'd recommend the solution to other users.

On a scale from one to ten, I'd rate the solution at an eight. We are happy with its capabilities. 

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Check Point SandBlast Network
May 2024
Learn what your peers think about Check Point SandBlast Network. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2024.
770,292 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Sr Network Engineer at Columbus Regional Airport Authority
Real User
We put in high availability clusters and had zero downtime
Pros and Cons
  • "We didn't really have any IPS before. So, Check Point has improved our security posture. People get used to doing things certain ways, which might not be the best or most secure way, and they can't do that now, which just requires more education of the user base. With the endpoint client, we've started to use Check Point for remote access."
  • "There have been a couple of things that we've tried where we read through the documentation, and we were really looking for some help in implementing, and technical support wanted me to try it first, then call them if it breaks. It would be nicer if they would hold my hand a bit more. It makes me nervous in production, as I don't have a lab."

What is our primary use case?

Check Point is our main perimeter firewall vendor. We have several Check Point clusters doing different things within our environment.

How has it helped my organization?

We didn't really have any IPS before. So, Check Point has improved our security posture. People get used to doing things certain ways, which might not be the best or most secure way, and they can't do that now, which just requires more education of the user base. With the endpoint client, we've started to use Check Point for remote access.

What is most valuable?

Check Point met all of our criteria that we were looking for in a firewall vendor as far as remote access capabilities, as far as IPS and intrusion detection, the SandBlast and the threat extraction pieces that we were looking at to help limit our attack vectors. They're top rated and have been for a long time. Those were all important things that we were looking at when we were looking at replacing what we currently had with Check Point. 

What needs improvement?

The number one thing that's a little bit frustrating is we implement two-factor authentication for remote access. We thought we were going to be able to pick users or groups to do two-factor against, and some did not do two-factor against. We found out that we can only do that either in the mobile access blade in which we can have it all do two-factor or not, and then the remote VPN all do two-factor or not. For our own internal employees, I want them to have an option to either do clientless or client depending on the situation.

One of the main reasons why we picked Check Point was because we needed a clientless option for third-parties who don't have our hardware. Check Point is not doing two-factor authentication for that. This is something that we've been really asking about and we'd like to be able to do: Two-factor authentication off blade based groups (or something else). We know it is on the roadmap.

For how long have I used the solution?

One to three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We put in high availability clusters and had zero downtime, even with upgrades. It's been rock solid, we're very pleased. It hasn't been disruptive to the business.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We're small. The new Maestro option is impressive. It is nice to know that we could move into this Maestro product and move away from an Active-Passive firewall cluster to an Active-Active, then if we needed it for computer bandwidth, we could easily add something. That is very awesome.

How are customer service and technical support?

We have premium support currently. Several times a month, I call them to ask them stuff. Some of it is not necessarily because I have a problem, but being very new to Check Point, Check Point does things differently than other firewall vendors, so there is a learning curve if you're not used to the way Check Point does things. We use support for that as well, making sure that we're doing things right. 

My experience with them has been good. There have been a couple of things that we've tried where we read through the documentation, and we were really looking for some help in implementing, and technical support wanted me to try it first, then call them if it breaks. It would be nicer if they would hold my hand a bit more. It makes me nervous in production, as I don't have a lab.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We replaced our Cisco ASAs with our Check Points. Our version of the Cisco ASA was at end of life, and we would have needed to move to the next-generation of it.

I was the decision-maker. Our company also has some security teams, software teams, an operations team, and a service desk.

What about the implementation team?

We used a partner for the integration. We used CBTS. We've had a partnership with them, not for just what we've done for Check Point, but with several other products that we've bought over the years, and they've been a good partner. I don't really have any complaints with them.

What was our ROI?

We have seen our return on investment, and I think our security guys would agree with that. It's opened up the eyes of the security, and even the organization, regarding risks to say, “Wow, there is really a lot of stuff going on that we didn't know about.”

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We looked at the gamut of products out there, since there are a lot of firewall players. However, Cisco has consistently been in the top for a long time.

We also looked at Cisco and Palo Alto. We looked at what the NGFW Cisco ASAs looked like.

What other advice do I have?

Nothing is perfect, but Check Point is pretty close to perfect. Check Point is an anomaly in the industry as they only do security. They have been doing this for 25 years and are a pillar of what they do. 

I would rate it a nine out of ten. It consistently performs well, and independent third-parties agree. They are really good at what they do.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Eduardo Barcelos - PeerSpot reviewer
Sales Engineer at Tempest Security Intelligence
Real User
Top 5
Useful sandboxing functionality, quick support, and reliable
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature of Check Point SandBlast Network is the sandboxing of PDF and Microsoft system files."
  • "Check Point SandBlast Network can improve the integration with third-party vendors, such as EDR or CRM products. For example, IBM Curator."

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of Check Point SandBlast Network is the sandboxing of PDF and Microsoft system files.

What needs improvement?

Check Point SandBlast Network can improve the integration with third-party vendors, such as EDR or CRM products. For example, IBM Curator.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Check Point SandBlast Network for approximately two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability of Check Point SandBlast Network is good.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Check Point SandBlast Network is scalable.

We have approximately 5,000 users using this solution.

How are customer service and support?

The support from Check Point SandBlast Network is good. The support helps us very quickly.

What about the implementation team?

We have two people for the deployment of the Check Point SandBlast Network.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The cost of Check Point SandBlast Network is annually, and there is only a standard license.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Check Point SandBlast Network an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Network & Cyber Security Specialist at HKICL
Real User
Top 5
It updates the threat signatures often, but other solutions scan faster and are more scalable
Pros and Cons
  • "SandBlast updates the threat signatures frequently."
  • "SandBlast takes longer than FortiSandbox to complete a scan."

What is our primary use case?

SandBlast is an email protection solution.

What is most valuable?

SandBlast updates the threat signatures frequently.

What needs improvement?

SandBlast takes longer than FortiSandbox to complete a scan.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have used SandBlast for five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate SandBlast seven out of 10 for stability. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate SandBlast seven out of 10 for scalability. SandBlast is more difficult to scale than FortiSandbox.

How was the initial setup?

Setting up SandBlast is straightforward. 

What about the implementation team?

The vendor deployed SandBlast. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

SandBlast is expensive. The only additional cost is support. 

What other advice do I have?

I rate Check Point SandBlast Network six out of 10. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Network Engineer at a hospitality company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
It's expandable across the cloud but the initial setup was complex
Pros and Cons
  • "In terms of the scalability, it's expandable across the cloud."
  • "The initial setup was complex because of the lack of information from the consultant."

What is our primary use case?

Our primary use case of this solution is for security in our data centers.

How has it helped my organization?

I am still learning the product.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I am still looking into the product's stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

In terms of the scalability, it is expandable across the cloud.

How are customer service and technical support?

I haven't had to contact technical support yet.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We switched because we were using Cisco and were moving away from using Cisco firewalls.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was complex because of the lack of information from the consultant.

What about the implementation team?

I used Check Point and a consultant for the deployment. My experience with them was so-so. 

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We looked at the big three: Palo Alto, Checkpoint, and Cisco.

I had a little bit of input in the decision-making process.

What other advice do I have?

Always try the product out first.

I would rate it about a six out of ten until I figure the product out.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
PeerSpot user
Technology consultant at a tech services company with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
Helps to understand the exact daily email traffic flow but monitoring Queues and related operations are very complex
Pros and Cons
  • "Check Point SandBlast Network Solution provides signature-based as well as zero-day threat protection. Also sandboxing can be performed on an on-premise device, cloud as well as the combination of both. Threat emulation is done on multiple OS & verdict is provided."
  • "Many Important controls are only available in CLI & very very complicated. All tecli command features should available on GUI so that it will become easy for normal users to monitor & control queue."

What is our primary use case?

We have Implemented Check Point SandBlast Network Solution at the email Gateway provider where our primary use case was to clean email attachments. We have also enabled Anti-Virus & Antibot blades. We want to convert each & every document should convert into the PDF file With all their active content for example links etc neutralized or disabled.

Also, we are using on-premises as well as cloud sandboxing at the same time. Means particular file format sandboxing will happen on cloud & remaining on the private cloud means on-premise box.

How has it helped my organization?

Check Point SandBlast Network Solution works well if ignore 2 -3 points. All emails are getting scanned for signatures & Threat emulation works well. Check Point SandBlast Network Solution helps to understand the exact daily email traffic flowing. Threat extraction also works quite good help to neutralized or block any malicious attachment received depending upon the severity.

Cacheing & static analysis really reduces the time taken for scanning & sandboxing the same file for potentially less dangerous files. 

What is most valuable?

Check Point SandBlast Network Solution provides signature-based as well as zero-day threat protection. Also sandboxing can be performed on an on-premise device, cloud as well as the combination of both. Threat emulation is done on multiple OS & verdict is provided.

Static analysis as per checkpoint its a python code that helps to provide verdict without emulating every single attachment which results in an increase in performance.

Every scan email will automatically add text which helps us to understand email has been scanned or malicious content has been removed. we can also customize the same.

What needs improvement?

Firstly, performance in our case daily many emails were queued for scanning & among that 30% emails were getting skipped means delivered without scanning. Some times queue was so large that we need to flush or dump emails.

Many Important controls are only available in CLI & very very complicated. All tecli command features should available on GUI so that it will become easy for normal users to monitor & control queue.

Threat Emulation device HA Configuration is also CLI based.

Monitoring Queues and related operations are very complex as it needs to check on CLI.

For how long have I used the solution?

Two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I have worked on R80.20 & R80.10 I have seen bugs but the TAC team provided hotfixes.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Overall scalability has been a good experience. 

How are customer service and technical support?

For Threat Emulation Security team is responsible & those are I think limited no of peoples are available. The checkpoint should increase the skill set on TE. 

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was a complex task need to configure MTA & Configuring & troubleshooting needs good CLI.

What about the implementation team?

I have implemented it with my team.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Cost is on the higher side though ill suggest buying a bigger box than required.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Other
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Security Architect at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
The forensics reports and the ability to sandbox malware are its most valuable features
Pros and Cons
  • "The forensics reports and the ability to sandbox malware are its most valuable features."
  • "Using it in the beginning was difficult because I had never used anything similar. In terms of navigating the UI, it was all not too bad, but there is definitely a learning curve."

What is our primary use case?

Our primary use case is using it to virtualize environments or create a sandbox in which we can use it to test malware.

What is most valuable?

  • The forensics reports
  • The ability to sandbox malware.

What needs improvement?

Using it in the beginning was difficult because I had never used anything similar. In terms of navigating the UI, it was all not too bad, but there is definitely a learning curve. If I had gone through additional training, it would have been helpful.

For how long have I used the solution?

Less than one year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It seems scalable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It seems scalable.

How are customer service and technical support?

I have not yet used technical support.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We were not using another vendor previously.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is pretty straightforward.

What about the implementation team?

The third-party partner handled most of the setup. We observed, and they taught us the basics. Our experience was very good.

What other advice do I have?

Try it out. Demo it. See it in use was helpful.

I have been involved in giving input and feedback with the product to the company.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Check Point SandBlast Network Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: May 2024
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Check Point SandBlast Network Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.