Check Point Harmony SASE (formerly Perimeter 81) vs Smoothwall Firewall comparison

Fortinet FortiGate excels in providing integrated VPN, firewalling, and Unified Threat Management (UTM) with centralized management and high availability. It supports remote access and comprehensive threat protection, making it a preferred choice for securing networks.

Fortinet FortiGate offers a robust security platform with features such as strong intrusion prevention, application control, and web filtering. Its integration with Active Directory and SD-WAN functionality provides scalable solutions for large networks. Users appreciate its ease of use through centralized management interfaces, ensuring robust security with flexible configurations. However, FortiGate could enhance its graphical interface and technical support responsiveness, address firmware bugs and costly licensing, improve logging, integrate better with third-party tools, and strengthen scalability and memory for log storage. Complexity in configuration and the need for intuitive features are noted challenges, and there's a demand for advanced security, zero-trust capabilities, and AI integration.

• VPN: Secure remote access and connectivity.
• Firewalling: Protects networks from unauthorized access and attacks.
• UTM: Offers a comprehensive approach to threat management.
• SD-WAN: Optimizes traffic routing for efficient network performance.
• Web Filtering: Controls and monitors web access and ensures Internet security.

• Centralized Management: Simplifies administration and monitoring.
• High Availability: Ensures consistent security and network availability.
• Scalability: Adapts to the needs of growing networks.
• Comprehensive Threat Protection: Provides robust security measures.
• Ease of Use: Minimizes the complexity of security management.

Fortinet FortiGate is widely implemented across industries like education, finance, and government. Companies use it for firewall protection, VPN, and SD-WAN capabilities, ensuring secure perimeter and data center security. It facilitates remote access management and traffic routing optimization, offering reliable security and connectivity solutions.

Check Point Harmony SASE, formerly Perimeter 81, offers robust security features like split tunneling, MFA, and Zero Trust Network Access focused on secure remote access and optimized connectivity for remote teams.

Check Point Harmony SASE delivers advanced security through a user-friendly interface, efficient VPN connections, and a centralized management console. It enhances security with real-time threat intelligence from ThreatCloud and traffic management via built-in optimization. Firewall as a Service and Secure Web Gateway safeguard against unauthorized access and phishing. While users seek enhanced networking customizations and better integration with identity providers, there's an emphasis on improving reporting, real-time analytics, and policy management. Requests also include a Chrome extension, traffic balancing, and simplified configuration to address some resource-intensive aspects.

What are the key features of Check Point Harmony SASE?

• Split Tunneling: Manages internet traffic more efficiently by routing only necessary data through the VPN.
• MFA: Provides an additional layer of security through multi-factor authentication.
• Zero Trust Network Access: Ensures secure connections by validating every user and device.
• ThreatCloud: Enhances protection with real-time threat intelligence.
• Firewall as a Service: Protects against unauthorized access and threats.
• Secure Web Gateway: Prevents phishing attacks and unauthorized internet access.

How can organizations benefit from using Check Point Harmony SASE?

• Improved Security: Real-time threat intelligence and robust authentication minimize risks.
• Centralized Management: Simplifies control over network security and policies.
• Optimized Connectivity: Efficient traffic routing enhances user experience.
• Flexible Integration: Seamlessly integrates with existing IT infrastructure, enhancing strategic security deployment.

Check Point Harmony SASE is used across industries for secure remote access and connectivity, protecting sensitive data, and managing access to corporate resources. It is ideal for those with hybrid cloud models and requires comprehensive security measures combined with existing IT infrastructures to meet specific industry demands.

Smoothwall Firewall ensures network safety and compliance through robust content filtering, safeguarding educational institutions by providing appropriate online access and effective threat protection.

Smoothwall Firewall focuses on content filtering and network security for educational institutions, ensuring students access appropriate online resources while protecting against cyber threats. It offers detailed internet usage reports and helps maintain seamless network performance. Users find its ease of management and advanced threat protection beneficial, although some note complexities in setup and reporting features.

• Content Filtering: Exceptional capabilities to ensure safe and appropriate online access.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Keeps constant vigilance over network usage and threats.
• Robust Security: Offers advanced threat protection to safeguard network environments.
• Ease of Use: Simplifies management with an intuitive interface and responsive customer support.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Provides detailed reports on internet usage and security threats.
• Customizable Filtering: Tailors security measures to meet specific requirements.

• Enhanced Safety: Protects against cyber threats and ensures safe online access.
• Compliance: Helps institutions adhere to internet usage policies efficiently.
• Ease of Management: Simplifies the administration of network security.
• Detailed Insights: Provides comprehensive reports on network and internet usage.
• Customizability: Offers tailored security settings to meet specific needs.

Smoothwall Firewall is widely used in educational sectors to enhance network security and manage internet usage. Its content filtering and monitoring capabilities ensure a protected and compliant online environment. Though implementation can be complex, its robust security and comprehensive support make it a valuable choice for institutions focusing on safeguarding their networks.