Here’s an alarming truth: cyber threats are on the rise as network traffic grows. If you want to protect your business from digital attacks, you must set up the right network firewall. There’s no other way around it. It shields your network from harmful traffic and programs. This helps to safeguard your business against malicious cyber practices.
But with measures come their expenses. At this point, you might be wondering how much setting up a network firewall costs. In this guide, we have answered this question. We will help you learn about firewalls, their importance, types, and costs. We have also discussed some tips at the end that will help you choose a cost-effective solution.
Your ultimate guide on network protection costs starts here!
What Is a Network Firewall?
Let’s start with a discussion about what a network firewall is. You see, it is a security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing traffic. It follows predetermined security rules and filters out suspicious programs and web traffic. As a result, it creates a barrier that protects your business from illegal network access.
The three basic types of network firewalls include hardware-based, software-based, and cloud-based options. We have discussed them in depth later on in this guide.
Why Do You Need a Network Firewall?
Let’s dive into more detail about why you need a firewall. It greatly improves your network security service. As we discussed above, it acts as a barrier that protects your network from external threats. This means malicious software, malware, spyware, viruses, and web traffic cannot gain access to your internal resources. This way, it protects your data and business against costly attacks.
A firewall is important not only to secure your network but also to maintain the trust of clients. It helps safeguard your client’s information. If your network falls victim to a cyberattack and your customer’s data gets stolen, it will spell trouble for your business. Lawsuits, fines, compliance with regulations—problems will pile up one after another. Having strong network security can protect you from this nightmare.
Types of Network Firewalls
As we mentioned above, there are three types of firewalls. Each has its own unique use case, as you can see below.
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Hardware-based Firewalls
These are physical devices that monitor and control incoming web traffic. They are installed between your computer network and the internet. As such, any traffic entering your network needs to pass through the safety net based on preset security rules. When you use a hardware-based option, you need to install the network cable into this device first instead of connecting it directly to the computer or server. This type of firewall can also be integrated into a router.
Hardware-based firewalls are more suited for larger businesses. Some examples include Bitdefender BOX, Cisco Firepower, and the Fortinet FortiGate series.
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Software-based Firewalls
It is a program that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic. While a hardware-based firewall is a physical device, a software variant is installed on a computer or server. It applies security rules to ensure that only safe data packets pass through to your network. This means the data processed by your firewall endpoint needs to be cleared before it can access your network. As a result, software-based firewall technology protects data, workloads, and applications.
This form of cyber protection is ideal for smaller businesses. Some good examples include Windows Firewall and Cisco Secure Firewall.
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Cloud-based Firewalls
The third type of firewall is cloud-based. It acts like a virtual barrier that monitors and controls traffic to and from cloud-based systems. This follows a network firewall advanced inspection traffic processing protocol. In other words, the security features of cloud-based options include advanced techniques that inspect and analyze the data packets entering and leaving your internal network connections. Only the packets that are authorized and legitimate can pass through. As a result, cloud-based protection blocks potential threats.
This option works great for growing businesses. Amazon Web Services and CloudFlare WAF are popular examples.
Network Firewall Pricing
Now that we have covered the basics, let’s look at how much firewall vendors can bill you. We have broken down the firewall manager pricing into three parts to help you understand it better.
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Initial Costs
These costs are the purchase or setup fees. When you buy a hardware-based firewall device or software-based program, the amount you pay counts as the initial cost. For example, hardware pricing options for a small business can run anywhere between $700 and $1,000 . On the other hand, software-based options can start at around $350-$400 . For cloud firewalls, you can find both free and subscription-based varieties.
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Recurring Costs
These are the running costs that arise when you use network firewalls. Some vendors run subscription packages for firewall capabilities and data processing charges. An example is the Microsoft Azure Virtual Network Manager, which has a $0.10 hourly rate for advanced inspection.
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Hidden Costs
Firewall ownership comes with hidden expenses that impact the price. Licenses, upgrades, and maintenance work can act as additional costs. If you plan on managing your own firewall, chances are that you are going to pay IT experts for the task. This can act as another form of hidden cost. Moreover, firewalls lose value over time. This means you need to upgrade to newer, updated versions in the future. This drops another round of additional expenses on your hands.
Consider Business Size and Needs
When exploring pricing options, keep your business size and needs in mind. For example, software- or basic cloud-based firewalls are good, budget-friendly options for small companies. For medium-sized operations, you can consider more scalable and feature-rich protection options. If you own a large business, it’s best to opt for powerful hardware-based firewalls. These provide robust security, which makes them the best network firewalls for corporations.
Keep an eye on your business’ number of users, type of data, and future growth plans. The more your users, the more data there is. This will require more powerful protection solutions.
Tips for Choosing a Cost-Effective Firewall
You can follow some tips and tricks to choose a cost-effective firewall. These tips can help you save money and maximize network protection for your business. We recommend practicing the following:
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Compare Prices
It is a good idea to compare vendors and their pricing information. You can find multiple firewall service providers who can charge different amounts. Spend time on their pricing page for more details and see pricing comparisons. This can help you get a good idea about market rates and choose the option that fits your needs and budget.
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Choose Scalable Solutions
Scalable firewalls are good solutions. These options can grow as needed alongside your business. This means if you level up your operations, these firewall options will continue to protect your network. This will allow your business to run smoothly.
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Look for Bundle Packages
Bundle packages are great deals. You can find firewall options that include antivirus and other security tools. These are cost-effective solutions that provide solid protection overall.
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Read Customer Reviews
Another great practice is to read customer reviews. These can shed light on the effectiveness of firewalls. Success stories and positive reviews act as endorsements for firewall services, meaning you can go ahead and select that particular option.
Conclusion on Network Firewall Costs
Hopefully, this blog helped answer all your questions about network firewall costs. It is a crucial part of ensuring cybersecurity. It helps your business stay protected against threats and attacks online. As a result, your operations, data, and integrity stay safe from malicious intent. Consider your business size and needs when selecting a firewall. Keep in mind the initial, recurring, and hidden costs of using this protection. You can also follow some tips that can help you find the perfect balance of security and cost-effectiveness.
Looking for leading tech solutions for your business? Crown Computers is here to help! We are San Diego’s premium business tech support company. We can help you solidify your business’ cybersecurity features. From setting up firewalls to managing passwords and vulnerabilities, we can assist with it all.
Visit our website for more information, or give us a call to schedule an appointment today!