Cisco IOS Security Reviews

Cisco IOS Security provides a secure and stable solution, resulting in a positive return on investment. The solution effectively reduces attacks, saving time and offering ongoing protection. 

The pricing for Cisco IOS Security varies depending on specific business requirements and locations. Some users find the pricing to be reasonable and average, while others believe it could be lower compared to other solutions. Despite not being the most cost-effective option, users acknowledge that the quality of the product justifies the price. Cisco offers a range of licensing options, including smart licenses for different durations and perpetual licenses. Additional fees may apply for support and advanced services.

• "You can get a better price if you commit to a longer-term license. Three years, five years, or even seven or ten years will be cheaper than a three-month or one-year term."
• "The solution's pricing is very good."
• "The product is expensive."

The primary use case of Cisco IOS Security is to secure data centers for clients and to segregate IT and OT environments. It is used for firewall protection and intrusion protection for customers. 

The product fully integrates with the BMA and ISE to manage all traffic in data centers and protect them from internal users and outside traffic. It is also used as a firewall for internet traffic security and for integration purposes with Cisco features and devices in organizations. Additionally, it is used for enterprise and NAC connectivity, providing flexible security features for any size organization. 

Cisco IOS Security can be used as a simple switch to connect network devices with embedded security features such as port security and can be used for endpoint security, including protection against spyware, firewall breaches, and application vulnerabilities.

Some customers have praised the technical support team, mentioning that they respond promptly and have certified engineers. Others have expressed dissatisfaction, mentioning that the support team lacks a broad knowledge base and that dealing with them can be complicated, especially due to time zone differences. 

The initial setup for Cisco IOS Security varies in terms of ease and complexity. Some users find it relatively straightforward, while others consider it difficult and in need of training. 

The deployment time also varies, ranging from a quick thirty minutes to a few weeks, depending on the requirements and familiarity with troubleshooting. Integration with other solutions and merging rules can add complexity and time to the setup process. 

However, some users find the installation straightforward and easy, especially for IT users.

The solution of Cisco IOS Security is described as scalable. Users mention that it can be used for both small companies and large enterprises with thousands of users. 

Scalability seems to depend on the size of the box, as mentioned by a reviewer who has no issues with scalability with their current appliance. While all Cisco products are acknowledged as scalable, the pricing model is not straightforward. 

Cisco IOS Security is consistently described as stable and reliable. However, a few reviewers mention that when FirePOWER is integrated into the solution, there may be some stability gaps compared to legacy solutions like SFR and ASA.