Sophos Firewall Reviews

We use the solution as a VPN and for web filtering. It helps to connect sites to our data center. 

It's a competent solution. 

It's easy to deploy and connect.

The initial setup is not complex. 

We can scale the solution.

It is stable. 

It's reasonably, competitively priced. 

The solution could have a bit more functionality.

We'd like to have a log viewer. We'd like to have visibility to see what traffic has crossed the firewall. 

They need more local support and different language options available for when they need help.

I've used the solution for four or five years. 

The solution is stable, and the performance is pretty good. It's a good platform. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze.

We have between 2,000 and 2,500 users on the solution right now. 

The solution can scale. 

At this point, we have no plans to increase usage, although we may expand in about two years. 

Technical support has been okay. However, they need more local support. They need to, for example, speak French.

We also use Palo Alto. We've used it for about six months. It has more functionality than Sophos. 

The solution is very straightforward and simple. It's not overly complex. 

Originally, when we deployed, we migrated from another platform to Sophos. To do the migration took us two weeks. 

I'd rate the ease of setup a three out of five. 

We do have some maintenance tasks we need to perform after setup. For example, we need to do backups and some configurations. We have an internal team that can handle these tasks in terms of network infrastructure. 

The first time we deployed the solution, we did it via a third party, a partner.

The pricing is good and very competitive. 

The costs depend on what model of Sophos we take. A central firewall on the cloud with a cluster might be 70,000 to 80,000 euros for a three-year license. The price of the license and hardware are all under that pricing. You can integrate other features on top.

I'd rate the solution a four out of five in terms of affordability.

We are using the latest version of the solution. We're customers. 

I'd recommend the solution. It has pretty good functionality and good pricing. It's a good product.

I'd rate the solution a seven out of ten.

We typically use Sophos XGS for things like (UTM, acting as a proxy, managing routing, and for point-to-point connections.

The most valuable features of Sophos XGS for me are XGS IPS, SD-WAN, VPN setup, email protection, and integration with endpoint security.

Areas for improvement in Sophos XGS include better balance when handling high availability configurations, smoother firmware upgrades without the need for turning off devices, and simplified configuration after firmware updates.

In the next release of Sophos XGS, I would like to see improvements in log searching within the interface and more functionality available without needing to go to the command line, especially for troubleshooting purposes.

I have been working with Sophos XGS for five years.

Sophos XGS is stable and resilient, even in environments with power fluctuations and instability.

Scalability with Sophos XGS is generally good, but there can be frustrations with switches when setting up VPNs. I would rate the scalability as a four out of ten.

I believe the scalability of Sophos XGS can be improved, especially when compared to competitors like Palo Alto and Check Point. While it is a good product, there is room for enhancement to compete better in scalability challenges.

I would rate the technical support as a seven out of ten.

Neutral

Before Sophos XGS, I used Check Point, Palo Alto, and Cisco data solutions. I switched to Sophos because it is more affordable.

The initial setup of Sophos XGS is generally simple, especially for basic internet access with default features, but more complex configurations may have some difficulties. Overall, it is quick and stable.

It took less than an hour and a half to deploy Sophos XGS initially, including setting up internet access and basic firewall rules. However, migrating from older versions to the new setup took longer due to compatibility issues with the old settings.

Sophos XGS is quite affordable.

Overall, I would rate Sophos XGS as a seven out of ten. I would recommend it to others.

My clients use Sophos XG for deploying firewalls at corporate office and branch offices. The branches connect via site-to-site VPN, allowing outbound traffic from the central location.

The firewall provides network visibility and reporting capabilities, constantly improving over time. It can be integrated with the cloud console, allowing centralized management of multiple firewalls. integration with endpoint security products ensures seamless traffic flow and rule enforcement, even when endpoints are not directly connected to the firewall.   

I've had experience with Sophos XG's threat intelligence features, and they provide good coverage, although I wouldn't say they're the best in the industry. The sandbox feature is available with top-tier subscriptions, allowing you to test content in a cloud sandbox.

One improvement I'd suggest for Sophos XG is to make certain functionalities, like CR functionality, part of the default firewalling rather than exclusive to premium subscriptions. Enhancing DLP capabilities at the gateway level could significantly boost security for organizations.

I have been using Sophos XG for the past 10 years. 

As for stability, I'd give it a high score, maybe a nine, because it keeps running without much downtime.

I'd rate them an eight for stablity It's not to say they're perfect, but generally, it's pretty good I'd recommend it for companies of all sizes.

Integrating Sophos XG into existing infrastructure was quite easy and straightforward. There were hardly any complexities involved in the process.you can use both options - cloud-based or hardware-based firewalls. When I mention hybrid, it means having both options available. While cloud-based firewalls offer convenience, they can be more expensive compared to hardware ones. Although I haven't personally worked with the cloud version, it seems similar in appearance but may have different features. Cloud-based firewalls may seem like an overkill in terms of price, especially when considering the cost of operation over time. They become more beneficial when additional security layers like zero trust, DLP, or secure web gateway functionalities are added. This expands security beyond physical location constraints, making it accessible from anywhere.

I'd rate Sophos XG an 8. It's my first preference and confidently recommend it to other users.

I use the solution in my company for VPN connectivity and security purposes.

The most valuable feature of the solution stems from its ability to block websites.

The product's user interface has certain shortcomings where improvements are required.

I have been using Sophos XG for a year and a half.

There are no stability issues in the product.

The solution's technical support was good. I rate the technical support a ten out of ten.

Positive

I don't have experience with any other product apart from Sophos XG.

The product's initial setup phase was straightforward.

The solution can be deployed in two months.

The product doesn't help save time or money in our company.

Sophos XG can be considered as an averagely-priced tool in the market.

My company chose Sophos XG over other products in the market, considering that the solution provides its users with good support and a strong firewall.

Sophos XG has improved our company's network security.

The product's threat intelligence capabilities are very nice.

I am satisfied with the user interface of the product.

It is easy to manage the product.

The product has not been integrated with other tools.

I rate the tool a ten out of ten.

Sophos XG has greatly strengthened our network security and threat management. Its integrated EDR capabilities and seamless integration with firewalls, along with additional services like their NOC services, provide a comprehensive solution. With all these features working together, it is a complete package that ensures robust security for our clients.

One feature of Sophos XG that I found incredibly beneficial for threat prevention is its endpoint protection. It monitors all activities on our devices and effectively blocks any harmful files from infecting our machines. It has been a game-changer in preventing troubles for our customers.

While Sophos XG is a great product overall, there could be some room for improvement in its pricing since my clients usually feel like the product is on the expensive side.

I have been working with Sophos XG for five years.

Overall, the solution is stable, and we rarely encounter glitches. Any issues that arise are usually related to Microsoft updates rather than the Sophos software itself.

I would rate the scalability of the solution as an eight out of ten. The clients I work with who use Sophos are typically small enterprises.

I have worked with other firewalls like Cisco and Fortinet over my 20 years of experience. Comparing Sophos to other solutions, I have seen significant improvements over the years. While it may not have been the easiest or best software three years ago, it is continually getting better with updates. Overall, Sophos is moving in the right direction, becoming more competitive with its counterparts.

Installing Sophos XG is straightforward and typically takes around one hour for configuration, excluding the physical setup. Usually, only one person is needed to complete the installation and configuration process. It is quite easy to maintain it.

There was a time when our network faced a sophisticated malware attack that bypassed traditional security measures. However, with Sophos XG in place, it quickly detected and mitigated the threat before it could cause any damage. The seamless integration of software and hardware ensured there were no vulnerabilities or gaps in our defense.

The interface of Sophos XG is user-friendly and suitable for new users. It is continually improving, with updates addressing any issues promptly. 

Deploying Sophos XG has led to noticeable improvements in network performance. 

Overall, I would rate Sophos XG as an eight out of ten.

We are developing a software. We use the solution to protect our environment. Our main concern is to block users’ uploading.

Sophos XG is a fantastic solution. We achieved our security target after installing the solution. Our main concern was to block uploading. We were able to achieve that using the custom rules.

The product has all the latest features. It has malware protection, ransomware protection, and zero-day protection. It helps block everything.

The vendor doesn’t publish the price on the website. We must contact the agents to know the price. It is a lengthy process. It would be easier if the price details were provided on the website.

I have been using the solution for the last three years.

The tool’s stability is good. I rate the tool’s stability a ten out of ten.

We have 10 to 15 users in our organization. The tool’s scalability is high. I rate the scalability a ten out of ten.

The technical support is great.

Positive

The initial setup was difficult. We must learn everything before implementation. In the beginning, everything seems difficult. For someone who has worked on other firewalls before, Sophos XG is not that complicated to implement.

I prefer the on-cloud versions because we have control systems on the cloud. It will be much easier to handle things. If we have it on-premises, we must maintain and look after the equipment. The cloud version is much more secure and easier to maintain.

The pricing is very high. The product could be a little cheaper. It will help Sophos to compete with other brands in the market. I rate the pricing a ten out of ten.

We also use Sophos Intercept X. It is a fantastic tool. It protects PCs from malware attacks. Overall, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.

The most valuable features of Sophos XG are the ease of management and good out-of-the-box reporting.

Sophos XG requires a bit more restarting than Cisco. The main difficulty is to keep up with the current threats. The solution should have the ability to be up to date with the most recent threats.

I have been using Sophos XG for five years.

I rate the solution an eight out of ten for stability.

Sophos XG is not a scalable solution. Depending on what you want to do, you choose the right model. You cannot buy one model and upgrade it to provide higher capacity. This is true for all firewalls, where you price it up according to current plus a percentage for future capacity. Most of our clients for Sophos XG are small to medium-sized companies.

On a scale from one to ten, where one is difficult and ten is easy, I rate the solution’s initial setup a nine out of ten.

In most small to medium-sized companies, the solution's deployment takes about a day. However, planning and setting up the architecture might take longer than that. Especially in live environments, you do everything in advance and don't leave a lot to chance.

Sophos XG is a reasonably priced solution.

The solution has the ability to customize user-defined entries for more control over what you can actually set. With Sophos XG, you can use your own definitions or point to another service that uses slightly customized definitions.

Users have a tendency to go for the cloud version of Sophos XG. Over the past year, prices have unfortunately gone up with anything related to the cloud, and it's probably increasing overhead costs. The problem with the cloud is that it can be costly if you don't properly control it. You also risk ending up with nothing if you can no longer afford to pay the monthly cost.

I would recommend Sophos XG to clients who want it or specifically request it. I don't have anything against using the solution.

Overall, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.

For network security and filtering through our infrastructure, we rely on Sophos Firewall, specifically using Connect Sophos Cloud in our branches. 

Endpoint protection is crucial, so we integrate with DuoSet, and the system allows for VPN connections with various devices like SaaS, Alibaba, Fortinet, and Cisco, supporting encryption detection and more.

It's crucial for our company, as well as other companies and customers. When our customer licenses expire, they request to renew or make changes to their Sophos XGS boxes. This process is significant and managed by our technical team or engineers.

The Sophos XGS product is highly versatile and well-suited for various companies, including small, medium, and large enterprises. Its effectiveness lies in its inspection firewall capabilities, making it a commonly chosen option in our country due to its reasonable pricing. Sophos Firewall's support for VPN encryption and thorough inspection makes it a suitable choice for many companies, and I recommend it accordingly.

At the moment, I can't propose any new features. The primary concern is traffic stability, which needs improvement. Although the traffic stability is generally good, it has been noted that it can impact RAM and CPU, affecting workflow and inspection.

In my view, Sophos operates effectively in a reactive mode, focusing on static detection and forwarding traffic. However, Fortinet takes a more proactive approach, blocking both connection and route connections. While Sophos forwards any connection in both inbound and outbound traffic, I believe this is a positive aspect, especially in a country with various sizing considerations. This is my perspective, emphasizing the significance of Sophos XGS in software work.

I have been using Sophos XGS for two years. 

It's a stable solution. I would rate it around nine. There is room for improvement, especially in terms of support. As I mentioned earlier, when the CPU and memory reach their maximum capacity, the tool forwards traffic. This is a critical aspect—no inspection, no traffic, and no log.

It is a highly scalable solution. I can't provide an exact count because I work with multiple solutions, including Sophos XGS, Fortinet, and Palo Alto. Counting all the users across these platforms is challenging.

Positive

In the last two years, I have worked with Sophos Firewall, and it is an excellent firewall. It's easy to set up with encryption and inspection features. In my view, it's well-suited for all.

The initial setup of Sophos XGS has been quite smooth and user-friendly. Unlike my experience with Fortinet and Palo Alto, which posed challenges, Sophos XGS stands out for its ease of use. End users can handle the setup themselves without requiring an engineer to configure the firewall or register the device.

It's highly effective and well-suited for medium and small companies. The pricing is attractive, and our customers find it suitable for regular license renewals.

We are resellers.

The SD-WAN feature stands out as the most valuable aspect.

Fortinet surpasses Sophos in terms of support, particularly with its comprehensive five-one feature console. 

Additionally, there are notable differences between appliance models, including variations in hardware, utility, and product offerings. 

It is essential to compare these aspects to ensure optimal performance and functionality. 

While Sophos may not excel in the support aspect, it still provides satisfactory performance overall. 

However, other solutions may offer better support and resource availability.

I have been working with Sophos XG for three years.

Sophos XG is a stable solution.

Sophos appliances typically offer a fixed level of throughput, which means their scalability may be limited compared to more flexible solutions. 

It is important to consider this aspect when implementing Sophos for your organization. 

Technical support is good.

When considering master gold names, it is evident that they offer a competitive package.

I would rate technical support an eight out of ten.

Microsoft's protection has received positive feedback and strong on-site support from both customers and partners. 

Their response to cases, including targeted remediation, has been prompt and efficient. 

In certain instances, there is a reliance on Microsoft's expertise and direct involvement to ensure a satisfactory resolution.

The initial setup is straightforward. It is easy.

The price is reasonable.

The licensing cost in the final currency amount, is 163,080, with three years of support. 

Support costs are approximately 50 percent.

As for advice on implementing Sophos, it would depend on your specific requirements and the desired features you seek in a security solution.

Evaluating factors such as support, performance, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness is essential when making a decision.

It is recommended to carefully assess your organization's needs and consult with Sophos representatives or IT professionals to determine if Sophos is the right fit for your environment.

It is recommended to carefully assess your organization's needs and consult with Sophos representatives or IT professionals to determine if Sophos is the right fit for your environment.

I would rate Sophos XG an eight out of ten.

Sophos XG primarily serves as a means to regulate user traffic, enabling control over internet usage and website accessibility. It also facilitates the connection of branches and conducts malware scans on network traffic. These are the main purposes typically associated with servers. In terms of features, Sophos XG excels in catering to customers seeking a comprehensive network security solution. It incorporates various functionalities that would otherwise require the purchase of multiple solutions from other cybersecurity vendors. This unified threat management platform encompasses a firewall, IPS, web proxy, mail gateway, web application firewall, sandbox, and DLP module. From the customer's perspective, Sophos XG offers an all-in-one solution for network security needs. However, it is primarily designed for small and medium businesses rather than enterprises.

One of the standout features of Sophos XG is its proprietary VPN technology known as RID (Remote Internet Device). This unique technology provides efficient branch connectivity without the need to invest in additional firewalls for each branch. By utilizing an affordable device called RED, users can effectively control and establish connections in a cost-effective manner. Additionally, the solution is feature-rich.

Sophos XG boasts an extensive and finely-tuned proxy that offers impressive capabilities. Its comprehensive database of malicious websites is remarkably vast.

The support from the vendor needs to be improved.

I have been using Sophos XG for approximately six years.

I rate the stability of Sophos XG a six out of ten.

The scalability of the solution is limited to three nodes and may not be sufficient for extensive scaling. It is well-suited for small to medium-sized organizations. However, when it comes to large enterprises, particularly those with a distributed structure, Sophos can effectively cater to their needs. Distributed enterprises, characterized by numerous branches and a small employee count per branch, can benefit from Sophos XG capabilities. However, for larger enterprise customers with high network loads, Sophos XG may not meet the necessary requirements in terms of handling the network's capacity.

Most of our customers are small to medium-sized.

I rate the scalability of Sophos XG a five out of ten.

The support could improve. This is due to recent acquisitions. The time it takes to resolve an issue takes too long.

The response time from Sophos is deemed unacceptable by users. When opening a support case with any vendor, an automated email is typically received. However, in the case of Sophos, this automated email, lacking a personal touch, can take up to a week to arrive. Such delays are considered highly unsatisfactory. Consequently, the quality of their support has significantly deteriorated. As a result, users are reluctant to open support cases and would rather reinstall an appliance themselves than go through the support process.

I rate the support from Sophos XG a one out of ten.

Negative

The initial setup process of Sophos XG may pose some challenges. However, once configured, Sophos XG proves to be remarkably user-friendly. The activation of the appliance may require a reliable internet connection and can be a bit cumbersome. Nevertheless, once activated, the overall experience becomes significantly smoother.

The process of installation can take one to seven days. However, the time depends on many factors, such as customer size, and overall environment.

I rate the initial setup of Sophos XG a seven out of ten.

The price of the solution is reasonable when compared to the market.

You have to buy the appliance and pay for the license that matches your needs.

I rate the price of Sophos XG a seven out of ten. 

The solution had stability issues in the past but they have been resolved.

Before making a purchase, it is advisable to emphasize the importance of account managers and support from the vendor. In the past, the common practice was to involve the vendor's on-site personnel, such as the country manager in Saudi Arabia, when opening a support case. By opening the support case and sharing the support ID with the country manager, they could facilitate faster escalation and assistance behind the scenes. Essentially, contacting the sales representatives can help expedite the support process.

I rate Sophos XG a nine out of ten.