Try our new research platform with insights from 80,000+ expert users
Cisco Secure Firewall Logo

Cisco Secure Firewall Reviews

Vendor: Cisco
4.1 out of 5
13K followers
Start review

What is Cisco Secure Firewall?

Cisco Secure Firewall stands as a robust and adaptable security solution, catering to organizations of all sizes. It's designed to shield networks from a diverse array of cyber threats, such as ransomware, malware, and phishing attacks. Beyond mere protection, it also offers secure access to corporate resources, beneficial for employees, partners, and customers alike. One of its key functions includes network segmentation, which serves to isolate critical assets and minimize the risk of lateral movement within the network.

Get the Cisco Secure Firewall Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about Cisco Secure Firewall, Fortinet FortiGate, Netgate pfSense and more!
Cisco Secure Firewall is the #6 ranked solution in top Cisco Security Portfolio solutions and #7 ranked solution in best firewalls. PeerSpot users give Cisco Secure Firewall an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. Cisco Secure Firewall is most commonly compared to Fortinet FortiGate: Cisco Secure Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate. Cisco Secure Firewall is popular among the midsize enterprise segment, accounting for 51% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a educational organization, accounting for 42% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Secure Firewall
May 2025
Get the report
Helped 853,271 peers since 2012

Featured Cisco Secure Firewall reviews

Read more reviews

Cisco Secure Firewall video interviews

Watch video interviews with real Cisco Secure Firewall users to learn how the Firewalls solution helped improve their organization. The videos include info about the challenges and benefits of implementing Cisco Secure Firewall.

Cisco Secure Firewall mindshare

Product category:
Firewalls
As of May 2025, the mindshare of Cisco Secure Firewall in the Firewalls category stands at 6.0%, up from 5.5% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Firewalls

PeerResearch reports based on Cisco Secure Firewall reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryFirewallsMay 29, 2025Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersMay 29, 2025Download
ComparisonCisco Secure Firewall vs Netgate pfSenseMay 29, 2025Download
ComparisonCisco Secure Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGateMay 29, 2025Download
ComparisonCisco Secure Firewall vs OPNsenseMay 29, 2025Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
Fortinet FortiGate4.221.4%90%341 interviewsAdd to research
Netgate pfSense4.313.3%93%217 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

Cisco Secure Firewall offers robust features like advanced malware protection and powerful anti-intrusion capabilities with VPN options. Its user-friendly ASDM interface provides seamless configuration and management. The integration with Cisco's security ecosystem, like Talos, enhances threat intelligence and response. High reliability, stability, and scalability are emphasized, alongside ease of rule creation and administration. The system’s real-time monitoring and packet inspection offer valuable network visibility, supporting detailed security policies and traffic control. Cisco Secure Firewall's security performance is widely trusted.
  • "Some of the most valuable features of the Cisco Secure Firewall are that they are easy to deploy, which is a very important thing to highlight."
  • "I would rate this solution as ten out of ten."
  • "The technical support for Cisco Secure Firewall once you have the SmartNet is very good."

Room for Improvement

Cisco Secure Firewall shows room for improvement in several areas such as support for dynamic routing protocols, multicast routing, and VPNs when operating in multiple modes. Users highlight difficulties arising from the complexity of the configuration interface, reliant on command-line knowledge. Cisco Secure Firewall's high cost is also a recurring concern, alongside the lack of integration and centralized management capabilities. The graphical interface is often seen as outdated and cumbersome, with suggestions for broader application visibility and improved reporting features.
  • "Sometimes the ID is nice around Cisco, but another area they need to improve is the capability to manage multiple devices. The FMC manages many devices, but if I put too many, around 300 devices, it becomes very slow, and the system becomes heavy."
  • "Cisco could improve their firewall by providing better support when issues arise, such as during an attack, to help resolve problems more efficiently."
  • "Trying to renew the partnership with them became challenging as they were requesting numerous things on our side, and since we are a very small business, it wasn't possible to get through that verification."

ROI

Users report varied returns on investment from Cisco Secure Firewall. Some highlight its longevity and stability, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Many appreciate the reduction in downtime and security incidents. Several note integration benefits and cost savings. However, some mention high maintenance costs and complex calculations of the exact financial benefits. Errors prevented by Cisco Secure Firewall are valuable, though quantifying their financial impact is challenging for several users.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers have found the Cisco Secure Firewall to have a complex and region-dependent pricing and licensing structure, often perceived as expensive. Many users highlight high setup and maintenance costs, recommending strong negotiation with partners to manage expenses. Costs vary significantly between subscription models for features like anti-virus and advanced malware protection, with smart licensing offering some flexibility. While some options are seen as pricey, the overall solution is valued for performance, reliability, and strong support services.
  • "Pricing depends on partnerships and certifications."
  • "Pricing is high."
  • "The solution’s pricing is competitive."

Popular Use Cases

Cisco Secure Firewall is used for network security, particularly as edge or data center firewalls. Organizations often deploy it for VPN services, perimeter defense, and traffic filtering. It's utilized for securing various environments, managing remote access, and integrating with existing Cisco systems. Companies use it to protect sensitive data from external threats, aid in regulatory compliance, and enhance security protocols, often as part of a multi-layered defense strategy.

Service and Support

Cisco Secure Firewall support is generally responsive and effective, though experiences vary. Some describe Cisco TAC engineers as knowledgeable and reliable, while others note inconsistent service. Accessing adept support can sometimes be prolonged, especially during peak periods. Many appreciate comprehensive issue resolution and swift part replacements. Satisfaction levels are high when support includes a service contract. Cisco’s extensive documentation aids in resolving queries internally without frequent need for external assistance.

Deployment

The initial setup experience with Cisco Secure Firewall varied among users. Some found it straightforward due to Cisco's documentation and training resources, while others struggled with complexity, especially when transitioning from other platforms. Experienced users appreciated the ease of deployment, but newcomers faced learning curves. Configuration challenges arose, particularly when migrating policies. Overall, deployment efficiency often depended on user expertise and familiarity with Cisco technologies.

Scalability

Cisco Secure Firewall is renowned for being adaptable, supporting organizations of varying sizes. While many describe it as easy to expand, some mention issues with throughput limitations. Firepower models, especially in higher series, offer robust scalability options like clustering. Challenges with scalability are sometimes due to model-specific constraints. Cisco accommodates diverse needs through a broad hardware range that fits different organizational scales, ensuring flexibility for expanding infrastructure.

Stability

Cisco Secure Firewall is highly stable, reliably meeting users' expectations. Multiple entities report exceptional performance without experiencing crashes or glitches. Known for its strong reputation, it consistently delivers dependable security with minimal issues. Some users encountered initial stability problems, but recent updates have improved reliability. The support from Cisco's technical team ensures prompt resolution of any bugs. Users appreciate its resilience, making it a preferred choice for enterprise-level security needs.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our Cisco Secure Firewall Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Educational Organization
42%
Computer Software Company
13%
Manufacturing Company
4%
University
4%
Government
4%
Financial Services Firm
4%
Comms Service Provider
3%
Healthcare Company
3%
Retailer
2%
Energy/Utilities Company
2%
Construction Company
2%
Real Estate/Law Firm
2%
Media Company
2%
Hospitality Company
1%
Insurance Company
1%
Non Profit
1%
Wholesaler/Distributor
1%
Outsourcing Company
1%
Legal Firm
1%
Transportation Company
1%
Performing Arts
1%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
1%
Consumer Goods Company
1%

Compare Cisco Secure Firewall with alternative products

Go!

Learn more about Cisco Secure Firewall

The core features of Cisco Secure Firewall are multifaceted:

  • Advanced threat protection is achieved through a combination of intrusion prevention, malware detection, and URL filtering technologies.
  • For secure access, the firewall presents multiple options, including VPN, remote access, and single sign-on.
  • Its network segmentation capability is vital in creating barriers within the network to safeguard critical assets.
  • The firewall is scalable, effectively serving small businesses to large enterprises.
  • Management is streamlined through Cisco DNA Center, a central management system.

The benefits of deploying Cisco Secure Firewall are substantial. It significantly reduces the risk of cyberattacks, thereby enhancing the security posture of an organization. This security also translates into increased productivity, as secure access means uninterrupted work. Compliance with industry regulations is another advantage, as secure access and network segmentation align with many regulatory standards. Additionally, it helps in reducing IT costs by automating security tasks and simplifying management processes.

In practical scenarios, Cisco Secure Firewall finds diverse applications. It's instrumental in protecting branch offices from cyberattacks, securing remote access for various stakeholders, safeguarding cloud workloads, and segmenting networks to isolate sensitive areas.

User reviews from PeerSpot reflect an overall positive experience with the Cisco Secure Firewall. Users appreciate its ease of configuration, good management capabilities, robust protection, user-friendly interface, and scalability. However, some areas for improvement include better integration capabilities with other vendors, maturity, control over bandwidth for end-users, and addressing software bugs.

In summary, Cisco Secure Firewall is a comprehensive, versatile, and reliable security solution that effectively meets the security needs of various organizations. It offers a balance of advanced protection, user-friendly management, and scalability, making it a valuable asset in the realm of network security.

Cisco Secure Firewall was previously known as Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Firewall, Cisco ASA NGFW, Adaptive Security Appliance, Cisco Sourcefire Firewalls, Cisco ASAv, Cisco Firepower NGFW Firewall.

Cisco Secure Firewall customers

There are more than one million Adaptive Security Appliances deployed globally. Top customers include First American Financial Corp., Genzyme, Frankfurt Airport, Hansgrohe SE, Rio Olympics, The French Laundry, Rackspace, and City of Tomorrow.

Related questions

  • 1,076
What Is The Biggest Difference Between Cisco ASA And Fortinet FortiGate?
  • 52
Cisco Firepower vs. FortiGate
  • 31
How do I convince a client that the most expensive firewall is not necessarily the best?
  • 200
What are the biggest differences between Cisco Firepower NGFW and Fortinet FortiGate?
  • 963
What Is The Biggest Difference Between Cisco Firepower and Palo Alto?
  • 191
Would you recommend replacing Cisco ASA Firewall with Fortinet FortiGate FG 100F due to cost reasons?
  • 1,951
What are the main differences between Palo Alto and Cisco firewalls ?
  • 46
A recent reviewer wrote "Cisco firewalls can be difficult at first but once learned it's fine." Is that your experience?
  • 25
Which is the best IPS - Cisco Firepower or Palo Alto?
  • 43
Which product do you recommend and why: Palo Alto Networks VM-Series vs Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Virtual (FTDv)?

Product Categories

Product Categories
Firewalls
Cisco Security Portfolio
Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)
Firewall Solutions for Enterprises

Popular Comparisons

Popular Comparisons
Fortinet FortiGate vs Cisco Secure Firewall Logo
Fortinet FortiGate vs Cisco Secure Firewall
Netgate pfSense vs Cisco Secure Firewall Logo
Netgate pfSense vs Cisco Secure Firewall
OPNsense vs Cisco Secure Firewall Logo
OPNsense vs Cisco Secure Firewall
Sophos XG vs Cisco Secure Firewall Logo
Sophos XG vs Cisco Secure Firewall
Cisco Umbrella vs Cisco Secure Firewall Logo
Cisco Umbrella vs Cisco Secure Firewall
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs Cisco Secure Firewall Logo
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs Cisco Secure Firewall
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls vs Cisco Secure Firewall Logo
Palo Alto Networks NG Firewalls vs Cisco Secure Firewall
Check Point NGFW vs Cisco Secure Firewall Logo
Check Point NGFW vs Cisco Secure Firewall
Azure Firewall vs Cisco Secure Firewall Logo
Azure Firewall vs Cisco Secure Firewall
WatchGuard Firebox vs Cisco Secure Firewall Logo
WatchGuard Firebox vs Cisco Secure Firewall
SonicWall TZ vs Cisco Secure Firewall Logo
SonicWall TZ vs Cisco Secure Firewall
Juniper SRX Series Firewall vs Cisco Secure Firewall Logo
Juniper SRX Series Firewall vs Cisco Secure Firewall
Fortinet FortiGate-VM vs Cisco Secure Firewall Logo
Fortinet FortiGate-VM vs Cisco Secure Firewall
SonicWall NSa vs Cisco Secure Firewall Logo
SonicWall NSa vs Cisco Secure Firewall
Sophos XGS vs Cisco Secure Firewall Logo
Sophos XGS vs Cisco Secure Firewall
See all alternatives
 

Cisco Secure Firewall reviews

Sort by:
Carlos Reis - PeerSpot user
Network Security Engineer at a computer software company with 501-1,000 employees
Verified user of Cisco Secure Firewall
May 28, 2025
Proven reliability and strong support spark trust but system updates slow and complex

Pros

"Some of the most valuable features of the Cisco Secure Firewall are that they are easy to deploy, which is a very important thing to highlight."

Cons

"Sometimes the ID is nice around Cisco, but another area they need to improve is the capability to manage multiple devices. The FMC manages many devices, but if I put too many, around 300 devices, it becomes very slow, and the system becomes heavy."

What is our primary use case?

One of the companies I'm working with is in the medical sector and medical vertical.

What is most valuable?

Some of the most valuable features of the Cisco Secure Firewall are that they are easy to deploy, which is a very important thing to highlight. Everybody says that about cloud, and I agree with that. If you have an account on AWS, for example, you can quickly deploy one of those devices. There are many benefits to that, and they don't require a lot of resources. They won't overwhelm your cloud, and they work very efficiently. I'm impressed with how they work on the cloud. They work as a real firewall. I don't see much difference.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (925 words)
Maharajan S - PeerSpot user
VSO at a computer software company with 501-1,000 employees
Verified user of Cisco Secure Firewall
Jan 26, 2025
Enhances security with precise access control but has integration challenges

Pros

"Most firewalls have a challenge of identifying keywords and providing restricted access, which I encountered. However, Cisco Firewall has very good features, like trusted applications and restricted access for users based on keywords."

Cons

"The integration, especially for APIs or with other firewall products, is a challenge for me."

What is our primary use case?

I implemented the product which provides end-to-end networking and security features. It starts with secure tunneling, and I performed micro-segmentation in the firewall specific to a particular customer environment. It offers comprehensive security as well as networking features that I have enabled.

What is most valuable?

The software was mainly the highlight. Most firewalls have a challenge of identifying keywords and providing restricted access, which I encountered. However, Cisco Firewall has very good features, like trusted applications and restricted access for users based on keywords. I could access it appropriately, unlike some firewalls where this is a challenge. Essentially, the restricted access to websites has been exceptional. I was in the life science industry, focusing heavily on compliance. This product meets compliance requirements, and the security process has improved. Stability and consistent performance are critical components of Cisco's product.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (590 words)
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Secure Firewall
Download free report
Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco Secure Firewall. Updated May 2025
853,271 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Dibyendu Roy - PeerSpot user
Senior Network Administrator at iib
Verified user of Cisco Secure Firewall
Jan 10, 2025
Delivers strong threat prevention and good VPN but has configuration complexity

Pros

"The VPN functionality is consistent, and the performance is good."

Cons

"Cisco Firewall is not user-friendly."

What is our primary use case?

The solution is used in a normal enterprise-level configuration. It has effectively worked as a perimeter firewall. Our VPN was also configured on it.

What is most valuable?

The threat prevention is better than FortiGate, but it is less effective than Palo Alto. The VPN functionality is consistent, and the performance is good.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (422 words)
Ramish Ali - PeerSpot user
Assistant Director IT at Punjab Education Foundation
Verified user of Cisco Secure Firewall
Apr 15, 2025
Product version discussed: Cisco ASA 5510 5516X
Strong threat protection improves server reliability and needs better management

Pros

"The most valuable features of Cisco Secure Firewall include the next-generation firewall and its strong anti-malware capabilities."

Cons

"Cisco Secure Firewall could improve in areas like user-friendliness and cost-effectiveness, as it is very costly and difficult to manage. I would rate it seven out of ten, but I would recommend other firewalls due to its high cost and complexity."

What is our primary use case?

We use Cisco Secure Firewall for our servers, protecting data centers, and limiting the ports and threats. We have various web servers hosted in our data center, and to protect them from external threats, we use the firewall.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of Cisco Secure Firewall include the next-generation firewall and its strong anti-malware capabilities. These features protect internal servers from external threats, such as denial of service threats, viruses, and malware. Additionally, Cisco checks and stops traffic containing new threats, taking steps to mitigate them. When our servers are secure, their speed is very good using Cisco Secure Firewall. We do not face any kind of delay or issues, allowing more users to connect seamlessly.
*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (424 words)
GR
Principal Consultant at Epitome Infotech Solutions (P) Ltd
Verified user of Cisco Secure Firewall
Apr 17, 2025
Exceptional performance and purpose-built architecture enable threat prevention with great support

Pros

"Customer service and support are excellent. I would rate their support 10 out of 10."

Cons

"The configuration might be slightly difficult compared to other players in the market like Fortinet or WatchGuard."

What is our primary use case?

Our primary use case for Cisco Secure Firewall is for enterprise customers. We primarily work on Cisco Meraki switching and wireless. We also engage with Cisco Secure Firewall for threat prevention and information security.

What is most valuable?

The Cisco Secure Firewall appliances are primarily ASIC-based, which makes them fast and purpose-built. They stand out because they are not Intel-based systems, and in terms of performance and stability, they are among the best. Scalability is another strong point, as I have not encountered any issues in terms of scalability. Everything is in a cluster and can operate in active standby, active-active, or active-passive mode. Additionally, Cisco's support is excellent, which adds further value to their solutions.
*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Read full review (510 words)
AR
Team Lead at WM Group
Verified user of Cisco Secure Firewall
Jan 26, 2025
Great performance with advanced features yet management system needs updating

Pros

"There is a good relationship between real throughput, meaning the root performance, and the data sheet performance."

Cons

"The management usability and security of Cisco Firewall are based on Firepower Management Center, which is quite out of date compared to other vendors."

What is our primary use case?

I am a system engineer, and I've been looking for some details and competitive information regarding the standards of this firewall and similar technologies.

What is most valuable?

There is a good relationship between real throughput, meaning the root performance, and the data sheet performance. When comparing it to other vendors, the data sheet performance is often more than expected and more than the real performance. It includes features like IPS, malware protection, and other security features.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (350 words)
WF
Ing. Preventa Cloud at Puntonet S.A.
Verified user of Cisco Secure Firewall
May 19, 2025
Unified console and seamless integrations improve security management

Pros

"I would rate this solution as ten out of ten."

Cons

"Cisco could improve their firewall by providing better support when issues arise, such as during an attack, to help resolve problems more efficiently."

What is our primary use case?

Regarding the use cases for the Cisco Secure Firewall, the Firepower is used in enterprise corporations, DMZ sites, perimeter security, and IPS applications.

What is most valuable?

The valuable features of the Cisco Secure Firewall include the unified console and compatibility with other solutions such as Duo Mobile with DAC and EDR. The single solution allows users to see one dashboard, and the compatibility solution provides better dashboard integration.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Read full review (385 words)
SA
Director at RMON ITSEC LTD
Verified user of Cisco Secure Firewall
May 14, 2025
Reliability and extensive support schemes enhance security integration while cost and policy changes pose challenges

Pros

"The technical support for Cisco Secure Firewall once you have the SmartNet is very good."

Cons

"Trying to renew the partnership with them became challenging as they were requesting numerous things on our side, and since we are a very small business, it wasn't possible to get through that verification."

What is our primary use case?

Until a couple of years ago, everything was fine regarding my main use cases for Cisco Secure Firewall. I didn't have any problems with the equipment, quality, or support. However, in the last couple of years, they started making our lives difficult. Trying to renew the partnership with them became challenging as they were requesting numerous things on our side, and since we are a very small business, it wasn't possible to get through that verification.

Until a couple of years ago, everything was fine regarding my main use cases for Cisco Secure Firewall.

What is most valuable?

They are definitely reliable, and regarding positive features, once you get through with the purchasing of this equipment they offer their special support schemes, SmartNet support schemes, which are quite useful.

They offer their own software, and regarding integration capabilities, it's not wise to have only one vendor. One might get Cisco Secure Firewall for the outside drone and then get some other software from other companies such as ESET or Panda for the PCs and the servers, and that's how it's typically done.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: reseller
Read full review (636 words)
Hey, I use Cisco Secure Firewall here at GTT. Want to hear about my experience?
OusaidAbaz - PeerSpot user