In this article, we’re going to show you how to use ChatGPT to write a blog post. If you’re new to using AI content generators, don’t worry. We will be walking you through the entire process step-by-step.
ChatGPT is a game-changer for marketers and bloggers—in fact, pretty much anyone that does anything online, in fact, ChatGPT can even help you brainstorm. And although it might sound like AI will take everyone’s jobs, we should embrace AI technology and use it to create better content more quickly.
Before we jump into this topic, it’s worth noting here that it is highly likely that OpenAI will be adding a digital watermark to content generated by ChatGPT.
If you intend to publish this content online, you should either rewrite the output in your own words or use a more comprehensive AI writing tool like Jasper to write or rewrite the paragraphs for you, based on the outline and ideas generated by ChatGPT (and check out our thoughts on the future of white-collar work in the age of AI here)
Writing a blog post is somewhere ChatGPT can excel. But the thing is, it won’t simply produce the perfect blog post at the click of a button. ChatGPT needs detailed instructions to produce good content.
And of course, when it comes to creativity and original ideas, you will still need to add a human touch.
That being said, ChatGPT can be used for pretty much every part of the writing process when guided carefully by a human writer.
Often, blog articles are relatively short and focused pieces that center primarily around one topic. Because of this, Chat GPT will happily suffice for short blog posts on simple topics.
However, a higher standard can often be achieved by augmenting the process with Jasper’s AI writing capabilities.
Here’s how to use ChatGPT to write a blog post.
BRAINSTORM TOPICS AND TITLE IDEAS
Chat GPT has emerged as a useful brainstorming tool. It’s becoming increasingly popular with bloggers and copywriters to help them with writer’s block.
It offers a quick and convenient way of generating relevant topics and title suggestions. To get started, you must create a free account with OpenAI. There is a paid version available, too—ChatGPT Plus.
In this guide, we’re going to be using the free version, but you can use either.
Once you’re signed in, you can enter a prompt in the chat box at the bottom of the page. For example: “Generate 12 new topic ideas and titles for a dog training blog.”
If you’re happy with the generated text, you can move on to the next step. Alternatively, you can also ask ChatGPT to regenerate the response for more ideas.
USE CHATGPT TO HELP YOU WRITE A SOLID OUTLINE
Once you have established a topic, the next step is to use ChatGPT to write an outline for your blog post.
Doing this manually can be a time-consuming process. But the good news is, ChatGPT will make it a lot easier.
It will provide you with a detailed outline which you can then edit or add to yourself with your own ideas.
First, you will need to enter your command into ChatGPT.
Command example: Create a detailed outline for a blog post titled “Mastering Recall: Tips and Techniques for Training Your Dog to Come When Called”.
ChatGPT will then provide you with a detailed outline that you can tweak as needed.
Now that you’ve got an outline, you can either use ChatGPT, or another tool like Jasper to create content for each section of your blog post.
HOW TO USE CHATGPT TO HELP WRITE EACH SECTION OF YOUR BLOG POST
If you want to use ChatGPT to write a blog post, you’re going to need to break down what you want into different sections and categories. That way, you can ask ChatGPT to write each section for you as you go.
After that, you can piece them all together at the end to create a long-form blog post you can publish.
If you’re writing a shorter piece of content of up to 500 words, then technically, you could just ask it to write a whole blog post in one go.
However, in general, breaking this down into sections is the best way to go about this. This will ensure that the topic is covered thoroughly and in the appropriate order.
Doing this is also essential if you want to create long-form content.
ASK CHATGPT TO WRITE YOUR INTRODUCTION
A strong start to any blog post is a must. This is why you want to start by asking ChatGPT to write your introduction for you.
Ask ChatGPT to write an introduction to your blog post.
Example prompt:
Write an introduction for a blog post titled “Mastering Recall: Tips and Techniques for Training Your Dog to Come When Called”.
And here’s what ChatGPT generated based on that prompt:
As you can see, it has done a pretty good job in just a few seconds.
You can now tweak this introduction if required. This is a good time to add your own expertise and introduce yourself as an authority on the topic.
ENTER EACH SUBHEADING IN CHATGPT AS A QUESTION
The next step is to create content for each subheading detailed in your outline.
ChatGPT is designed to be an AI chatbot rather than exclusively an article writer. Because of this, it works well if you enter your prompts as questions.
If you make the headings within your article a question, then you can ask GPT to answer this question for you. Then you can use the answer it generates as a basis for each paragraph of your blog post.
So for the first subheading, “Explanation of the importance of recall training”, you would enter a prompt of “Explain the importance of recall training for dogs”.
ChatGPT will then respond to this prompt, providing another section of your blog post.
Note: If you intend to publish this content online, you should either rewrite the output in your own words. You could also use a more comprehensive tool like Jasper to write or rewrite the paragraphs for you, based on the outline created by ChatGPT.
Ending any blog post on a high is a great idea. Once you are certain your blog post has thoroughly covered the topic at hand, it’s time to close things off.
Simply ask ChatGPT to create a conclusion based on the topic you’re already writing about. You can even go one step further and ask it to include things like a call to action or next steps.
You might want to change things a little to ensure your brand and/or name is mentioned. However, asking ChatGPT to write you a conclusion paragraph gives you a solid starting point.
When you start by asking ChatGPT to write you a conclusion, it will tell you that it needs to know the topic of the blog and the main points you have mentioned in the post, so it can conclude your blog post accurately.
REVIEW AND EDIT YOUR BLOG POST
Just because ChatGPT (or indeed any AI writing software) has created a post for you, that doesn’t mean you should use it as it is. It’s important to thoroughly review and edit the content. Make sure that it reads well and keeps in line with your existing brand voice.
Most people won’t respond well to content they think has been auto-generated, so putting across your voice and ensuring that it sounds in line with the rest of your content is essential.
This is something that you should be double-checking in the review stage of your blog post.
FACT-CHECKING
ChatGPT’s knowledge generally ends in the latter part of 2021. This means that some of the facts it gives may be outdated and, therefore, inaccurate.
Before you publish a post, while you’re reviewing it, you should make sure that any facts mentioned are accurate and edit them if they’re not.
It’s all well and good having a well-written article, but if the information within it is inaccurate, it could destroy any trust you have built with your readers or audience.
Instead, spend some time checking all of the facts for yourself. This way, you can be sure that the content you are putting out there is going to be well received by its intended audience.
CHECK FOR PLAGIARISM WITH GRAMMARLY
While your text should be unique when generated with ChatGPT, that’s not always true. It’s always a good idea to double-check it. Grammarly is a popular free tool for checking spelling and grammar in written content, and it has a built-in plagiarism checker.
It’s worth spending a couple of minutes copying and pasting your AI-generated content into Grammarly’s Plagiarism Checker just to give it the once over before it goes live.
Overall, ChatGPT is a super useful tool for digital marketers and bloggers to have as part of their content creation toolkit.
You can use it for everything from blog writing to writing a meta description and even generating social media captions. It can also be used for keyword research and to help you generate new keyword ideas.
The main thing to bear in mind is that it’s likely that content generated with ChatGPT is watermarked or soon will be.
This means that Google and other search engines, along with AI content detection tools like Originality.ai, will usually be able to tell if your content is AI-generated.
However, that doesn’t mean you should dismiss ChatGPT altogether. But it does mean you need to be savvy and do what you can to get the most out of the tool.
Teaming up ChatGPT with other tools like Jasper can be a great way to get the most out of your content marketing efforts. This can also help you to get around the potential ‘Watermarking’ issues that you may come across in the future with Chat GPT.
ChatGPT isn’t really designed for long-form content writing, so you probably won’t use it to create entire blog posts in one go. However, there’s nothing to say that facility won’t come in the future. And there are already awesome courses like AI for blogging that are helping students profit from this new technology.
What it does is offer a quick and easy way to get blog post ideas, expand on ideas you already have, and even get an idea of what other people might be writing about within your niche.
You can then use the information you have gathered from ChatGPT in Jasper to create a unique, high-quality long-form blog post that you would be proud to publish on your platform.
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly becoming targets for cyber attacks. According to Verizon, about 61 percent of SMBs reported at least one cyber attack in 2021. Worse, Joe Galvin, chief research officer at Vistage, reported that about 60 percent of small businesses fold within six months of a cyber attack.
To protect your network from potential threats, you need a reliable and effective firewall solution. This tool will act as the first line of defense against unauthorized access and can help prevent malicious attacks from infiltrating a business’s network.
We reviewed the top SMB firewall solutions to help you determine the best one for your business.
Founded in 2018, Perimeter 81 is a cloud and network security company that provides organizations with a secure and unified platform for accessing and managing their applications and data.
It provides many security solutions, including firewall as a service (FWaaS), secure web gateway (SWG), zero trust network access (ZTNA), malware protection, software-defined perimeter, VPN-alternative and secure access service edge (SASE) capabilities, to ensure that data is secure and accessible to authorized personnel. It also provides centralized management and user access monitoring, enabling organizations to monitor and control user activity across the network.
Perimeter 81 provides granular access control policies that enable organizations to define and enforce access rules for their network resources based on the user’s identity, device type, and other contextual factors—making it easy for employees to access the company’s resources without compromising security.
Pricing
Pricing plans
Minimum users
Cost per month, plus gateway cost
Cost per year, plus gateway cost
Cloud firewall
Agentless application access
Device posture check
Essential
10
$10 per user, plus $50 per month per gateway
$8 per user, plus $40 per month per gateway
No
2 applications
No
Premium
10
$12 per user, plus $50 per month per gateway
$15 per user, plus $40 per month per gateway
10 policies
10 applications
3 profiles
Premium Plus
20
$16 per user, plus $50 per month per gateway
$20 per user, plus $40 per month per gateway
100 policies
100 applications
20 profiles
Enterprise
50
Custom quotes
Custom quotes
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Features
Identity-based access for devices and users.
Network segmentation.
OS and application-level security and mutual TLS encryption.
Enable traffic encryption enforcement, 2FA, Single Sign-On, DNS filtering, and authentication.
Pros
Provides visibility into the company network.
Allows employee access from on-premise.
Automatic Wi-Fi security.
30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
Low and mid-tiered plans lack phone support.
Limited support for Essential, Premium, and Premium Plus.
pfSense
Best open-source-driven firewall
pfSense is an open-source firewall/router network security solution based on FreeBSD. Featuring firewall, router, VPN, and DHCP servers, pfSense is a highly customizable tool that can be used in various network environments, from small home networks to large enterprise networks.
The tool supports multiple WAN connections, failover and load balancing, and traffic shaping, which can help optimize network performance. pfSense can be used on computers, network appliances, and embedded systems to provide a wide range of networking services.
Pricing
pfSense pricing varies based on your chosen medium—cloud, software, or hardware appliances.
For pfSense cloud:
pfSense on AWS: Pricing starts from $0.01 per hour to $0.40 per hour.
pfSense on Azure: Pricing starts from $0.08 per hour to $0.24 per hour.
The tool’s open-source version support is limited to community or forum. It lacks remote login support, private login support, a private support portal, email, telephone, and tickets.
Complex initial setup for inexperienced users.
Comodo Free Firewall
Best for Windows PCs
Comodo Firewall is a free firewall software designed to protect computers from unauthorized access and malicious software by monitoring all incoming and outgoing network traffic.
The firewall features packet filtering, intrusion detection and prevention, and application control. It also includes a “sandbox” feature that allows users to run potentially risky applications in a protected environment without risking damage to the underlying system.
The software works seamlessly with other Comodo products, such as Comodo Antivirus and Comodo Internet Security.
Pricing
Comodo is free to download and use. The vendor recommends adding its paid antivirus product (Comodo Internet Security Pro) to its firewall for added security. The antivirus costs $29.99 per year for one PC or $39.99 per year for three PCs.
Features
Auto sandbox technology.
Cloud-based behavior analysis.
Cloud-based allowlisting.
Supports all Windows OS versions since Windows XP (Note: Windows 11 support forthcoming).
Website filtering.
Virtual desktop.
Pros
Monitors in/out connections.
Learn user behavior to deliver personalized protection.
Real-time malware protection.
Cons
Lacks modern user interface.
Pop-up notifications—some users may find the frequent alerts generated by the software annoying and intrusive.
ManageEngine Firewall Analyzer
Best for log, policy, and firewall configuration management
It provides real-time visibility into network activity and helps organizations identify network threats, malicious traffic, and policy violations. It supports various firewalls, including Cisco ASA, Palo Alto, Juniper SRX, Check Point, SonicWall, and Fortinet.
Firewall Analyzer helps monitor network security, analyze the security posture of the network, and ensure compliance with security policies. It also provides reports, dashboards, and automated alerting to ensure the network remains secure.
Pricing
The amount you will pay for this tool depends on the edition you choose and the number of devices in your organization.
You can download the enterprise edition’s 30-day free trial to test-run it and learn more about its capabilities. It’s available in two versions: Windows OS or Linux. You can also download it for mobile devices, including iPhone devices and Android phones or tablets.
Standard Edition: Starts at $395 per device, up to 60 devices.
Professional Edition: Starts at $595 per device, up to 60 devices.
Enterprise Edition: Starts at $8,395 for 20 devices, up to 1,200 devices.
Regulatory compliance with standards such as ISO, PCI-DSS, NERC-CIP, SANS, and NIST.
Network behavioral anomaly alert.
Security reports for viruses, attacks, spam, denied hosts, and event summaries.
Historical configuration change tracking.
Bandwidth report for live bandwidth, traffic analyzer, URL monitor, and employee internet usage.
Compatible with over 70 firewall versions.
Pros
Excellent technical support.
Users praise its reporting capability.
In-depth auditing with aggregated database entries capability.
VPN and security events analysis.
Cons
Complex initial setup.
Users reported that the tool is occasionally slow.
Fortinet FortiGate
Best for hybrid workforces
Fortinet FortiGate is a network security platform that offers a broad range of security and networking services for enterprises of all sizes. It provides advanced threat protection, secure connectivity, and secure access control. It also provides advanced firewall protection, application control, and web filtering.
Business owners can use Fortinet’s super-handy small business product selector to determine the best tool for their use cases.
Small and mid-sized businesses may find the following FortiGate’s model suitable for their needs:
IPS
NGFW
Threat Protection
Interfaces
Series
FortiGate 80F
1.4 Gbps
1 Gbps
900 Mbps
Multiple GE RJ45 | Variants with PoE, DSL,3G4G, WiFi and/or storage
Multiple GE RJ45 | Variants with internalstorage | WiFi variants
FG-60F, FG-61F, FWF-60F, and FWF-61F
FortiGate 40F
1 Gbps
800 Mbps
600 Mbps
Multiple GE RJ45 | WiFi variants
FG-40F, FG-40F-3G4G, FWF-40F, FWF-40F-3G4G
Fortinet FortiGate is compatible with several operating systems and can easily be integrated into existing networks.
Pricing
Unfortunately, Fortinet doesn’t publish their prices. Reseller prices start around $335 for the FortiGate 40F with no support. Contact Fortinet’s sales team for quotes.
Features
Offers AI-powered security services, including web, content, and device security, plus advanced tools for SOC/NOC.
Continuous risk assessment.
Threat protection capability.
Pros
Top-rated firewall by NSS Labs.
Intrusion prevention.
Cons
According to user reviews, the CLI is somewhat complex.
Complex initial setup.
SonicWall TZ400 Security Firewall
Best for advanced threat protection
The SonicWall TZ400 is a mid-range, enterprise-grade security firewall designed to protect small to midsize businesses. It supports up to 150,000 maximum connections, 6,000 new connections per second, and 7×1-Gbe.
The TZ400 features 1.3 Gbps firewall inspection throughput, 1.2 Gbps application inspection throughput, 900 Mbps IPS throughput, 900 Mbps VPN throughput, and 600 Mbps threat prevention throughput.
Pricing
This product’s pricing is not available on the Sonicwall website. However, resellers such as CDW, Staples, and Office Depot typically sell it in the $1,000–$1,500 range. You can request a quote for your particular use case directly from Sonicwall.
Fast performance with gigabit and multi-gigabit Ethernet interfaces.
Protects against intrusion, malware, and ransomware.
High-performance IPS, VPN, and threat prevention throughput.
Efficient firewall inspection and application inspection throughput.
Cons
Support can be improved.
It can be difficult to configure for inexperienced users.
Cisco Meraki MX68
Best for small branches with up to 50 users
The Cisco Meraki MX68 is a security appliance designed for SMBs. It’s part of the Cisco Meraki MX series of cloud-managed security appliances that provide network security, content filtering, intrusion prevention, and application visibility and control.
The MX68 is equipped with advanced security features such as a stateful firewall, VPN, and intrusion prevention system (IPS) to protect your network from cyber attacks. The MX68 has a variety of ports and interfaces, including LAN and WAN ports and a USB port for 3G/4G failover. It also supports multiple WAN uplinks, providing redundancy and failover options to ensure your network remains online and available.
Pricing
The Cisco Meraki MX68 pricing isn’t listed on the company’s website, but resellers typically list it starting around $640. You can request a demo, free trial, or quotes by contacting the Cisco sales team.
Features
Centralized management via web-based dashboard or API.
Intrusion detection and prevention (IDS/IPS).
Next-generation layer 7 firewalls and content filtering.
SSL decryption/inspection, data loss prevention (DLP), and cloud access security broker (CASB).
Instant wired failover with added 3G/4G failover via a USB modem.
Pros
Remote browser isolation, granular app control, and SaaS tenant restrictions.
Support for native IPsec or Cisco AnyConnect remote client VPN.
Provides unified management for security, SD-WAN, Wi-Fi, switching, mobile device management (MDM), and internet of things (IoT)
Cons
The license cost is somewhat high.
Support can be improved.
Sophos XGS Series
Best for remote workers
Sophos XGS Series Desktop is a range of network security appliances designed to provide comprehensive protection for SMBs. These appliances combine several security technologies, including firewall, intrusion prevention, VPN, web filtering, email filtering, and application control, to provide a robust and integrated security solution.
Here’s a comparison table of the Sophos XGS series firewalls:
Firewall
TLS inspection
IPS
IPSEC VPN
NGFW
Firewall IMIX
Threat protection
Latency (64 byte UDP)
XGS Desktop Models
3,850 Mbps
375 Mbps
1,200 Mbps
3,000 Mbps
700 Mbps
3,000 Mbps
280 Mbps
6 µs
XGS 107 / 107w
7,000 Mbps
420 Mbps
1,500 Mbps
4,000 Mbps
1,050 Mbps
3,750 Mbps
370 Mbps
6 µs
XGS 116 / 116w
7,700 Mbps
650 Mbps
2,500 Mbps
4,800 Mbps
2,000 Mbps
4,500 Mbps
720 Mbps
8 µs
126/126w
10,500 Mbps
800 Mbps
3,250 Mbps
5,500 Mbps
2,500 Mbps
5,250 Mbps
900 Mbps
8 µs
136/136w
11,500 Mbps
950 Mbps
4,000 Mbps
6,350 Mbps
3,000 Mbps
6,500 Mbps
1,000 Mbps
8 µs
The Sophos XGS Series Desktop appliances are available in several models with varying performance capabilities, ranging from entry-level models suitable for small offices to high-performance models suitable for large enterprises. They are designed to be easy to deploy and manage, with a user-friendly web interface and centralized management capabilities.
Pricing
Sophos doesn’t advertise the pricing for their XGS Series Desktop appliances online, but they typically retail starting at about $520 from resellers.
Potential customers are encouraged to request a free trial and pricing information by filling out a form on the “Get Pricing” page of their website.
Features
Centralized management and reporting.
Wireless, SD-WAN, application aware routing, and traffic shaping capability.
SD-WAN orchestration.
Advanced web and zero-day threat protection.
Pros
Zero-touch deployment.
Lateral movement protection.
Users find the tool scalable.
Cons
Performance limitations.
Support can be improved.
Protectli Vault – 4 Port
Best for building your own OPNsense or pfSense router and firewall
The Protectli Vault is a small form-factor network appliance designed to act as a firewall, router, or other network gateway. The 4-Port version has four gigabit Intel Ethernet NIC ports, making it ideal for SMB or home networks.
The device is powered by a low-power Intel processor and can run a variety of open-source firewall and router operating systems, such as pfSense, OPNsense, or Untangle. It comes with 8GB DDR3 RAM and up to 32GB DDR4 RAM.
The Protectli Vault is designed to be fanless, silent, and compact, making it ideal for use in the home or office environments where noise and space may be an issue. It’s also designed to be energy-efficient, consuming only a few watts of power, which can save businesses considerable amounts of money on energy costs over time.
Pricing
The amount you will pay for this tool depends on the model you select and your desired configuration. The rates below are starting prices; your actual rate may vary based on your configuration. Note that all these items ship free to U.S. addresses.
VP2410 – 4x 1G Port Intel J4125: Starts at $329.
VP2420 – 4x 2.5G Port Intel J6412: Starts at $379.
FW4B – 4x 1G Port Intel J3160: Starts at $269.
FW4C – 4x 2.5G Port Intel J3710: Starts at $289.
Features
Solid-state and fanless tool.
Provides 2.5 GB ports unit.
AES-NI, VPN, and coreboot options.
Pros
A 30-day money-back guarantee.
Transparent pricing.
Coreboot support.
CPU supports AES-NI.
Cons
Steep learning curve.
OPNSense
Best for flexibility
OPNsense is a free and open-source firewall and routing platform based on the FreeBSD OS. It was forked from the popular pfSense and m0n0wall project in 2014 and was officially released in January 2015.
OPNsense provides a modular design that allows users to easily add or remove functionality based on their needs.
OPNsense is popular among IT professionals and network administrators who need a flexible and customizable firewall and routing platform that they can tailor to their specific needs. It’s also a good choice for small businesses and home users who want to improve their networks’ security without spending a lot of money on commercial solutions.
VPN (site-to-site and road warrior, IPsec, OpenVPN, and legacy PPTP support).
Built-in reporting and monitoring tools, including RRD Graphs.
Pros
Free, open source.
Traffic shaper.
Support for plugins.
Multi-language support, including English, Czech, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
Cons
Reporting capability can be improved.
The interface can be improved.
Key features of SMB firewalls
Firewalls designed for SMBs share many of the same characteristics as their enterprise-grade cousins—such as firewall rule and policy configuration, content filtering, reporting and analytics—while placing additional emphasis on affordability and ease of use.
Firewall rules and policies
Administrators should be able to set up firewall rules and policies that control traffic flow and block or permit traffic based on various criteria, such as source/destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols.
These rules and policies can be used to control the types of applications, services, and data that are allowed to traverse the network, as well as create restrictions on access.
Firewall rules and policies are essential to the security of a network, as they provide the first line of defense against malicious attacks.
Content filtering
Content filtering is the process of blocking or restricting certain types of content from entering or leaving a network. It can be used to block websites, applications, or data that may contain malicious or unwanted content, such as malware, viruses, or pornographic material.
Content filtering is typically implemented using a combination of hardware and software solutions. Hardware solutions, such as routers and switches, can be configured to block certain types of traffic or data or to restrict access to certain websites or applications. Software solutions, such as firewall rules and policies, can also be used to block or restrict certain types of content.
Reporting and analytics
Reporting and analytics are essential for any business network, as they provide important insights into the health and security of the network. Firewall reporting and analytics features allow network administrators to identify trends, detect potential threats, and analyze the performance of the network over time.
Reporting and analytics can also be used to identify any areas of the network that may be vulnerable to attack, as well as identify any areas where the network may not be performing optimally.
Affordability
For SMBs, affordability is a key factor when it comes to purchasing a firewall. SMB firewalls are typically more affordable than enterprise firewalls and can be purchased for as little as a few hundred dollars, so it is important to consider your budget when selecting a firewall.
Some SMB firewalls offer additional features for a fee, so consider what features are necessary for your network and the ones you can do without, as this will help you decide on the most cost-effective firewall solution. At the same time, be careful not to cut corners—your business’s data is too important to be insufficiently protected.
Ease of use and support
For SMBs, finding a firewall solution that is easy to use and has good support is essential. Firewalls should be easy to configure and manage so the network administrator can quickly and easily make changes as needed.
Additionally, good support should be available for any issues or questions that arise. This support should include an online knowledge base and access to technical support staff that can assist with any questions or problems, ideally 24/7.
How to choose the best SMB firewall software for your business
When shopping for the best SMB firewall software for your business, look for software that offers the features you need, easy installation and management, scalability to grow with your business, minimal impact on network performance, and an affordable price.
It’s also important to choose a vendor with a good reputation in the industry, backed up by positive reviews and customer feedback.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is an SMB firewall?
An SMB firewall is a type of network security device that is designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. It’s used to protect networks from unauthorized access, malicious attacks, and other security threats.
What features should I look for in an SMB firewall?
Above all you need a solution with a strong security profile. Look for specific security measures such as:
Intrusion prevention
Content filtering
Malware protection
Application control
Traffic shaper
Other factors to consider include ease of management, scalability, and cost.
Do small businesses need a firewall?
Yes, small businesses need a firewall. It provides an essential layer of network security that helps protect against unauthorized access, malware, and other security threats. Without a firewall, small businesses are vulnerable to attacks that could compromise sensitive data, cause network downtime, and damage their reputation.
How much does a firewall cost for SMBs?
The cost of an SMB firewall can vary widely depending on the features, capabilities, and brand of the firewall. Generally, SMB firewalls can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
How many firewalls do you need for a small business?
The number of firewalls needed for a small business will depend on the size and complexity of the network. In many cases, a single firewall may be sufficient to protect the entire network. However, in larger networks, it may be necessary to deploy multiple firewalls to provide adequate protection.
Factors such as network segmentation, geographic location, and compliance requirements may also influence the number of firewalls needed. It’s best to consult with a network security expert to determine the appropriate number of firewalls for your small business.
Methodology
We analyzed dozens of SMB firewall software and narrowed down our list to the top ten. We gathered primary data—including pricing details, features, support, and more—from each tool provider’s website, as well as third-party reviews. We selected each software based on five key data points: security, ease of use, affordability, quality of service, and user satisfaction.
Bottom line: Choosing an SMB firewall
The solutions we evaluated are some of the best SMB firewalls currently available on the market. They are designed to provide SMBs with advanced security features, easy management, and scalability at affordable rates.
In the fast-paced realm of cyberspace where threats continue to multiply, firewall software represents a critical line of defense for businesses of all sizes.
Such programs function as digital gatekeepers, regulating the flow of inbound and outbound network traffic according to a set of rules defined by the user.
With the continued rise of data breaches, investing in the best firewall software isn’t a mere consideration; it’s a necessity.
That’s why we researched, analyzed, and selected the best firewall software solutions for 2023:
Norton is a household name in cybersecurity that has long been delivering top-tier firewall software that signifies its wealth of experience in the sector.
The standout attribute of Norton is its comprehensive security suite, going beyond basic firewall protection to incorporate a smart firewall and intrusion prevention system (IPS), antivirus capabilities, identity theft protection, and even a VPN offering.
All that adds up to a holistic solution for businesses desiring a single-stop security software.
Pricing
Norton’s Smart Firewall is included in Norton 360, whose pricing plans at the time of writing are:
Deluxe: $49.99 for the first year for 5 PCs, Macs, tablets, or phones.
Select + LifeLock: $99.99 for the first year for 10 PCs, Macs, tablets, or phones.
Advantage + LifeLock: $191.88 for the first year for 10 PCs, Macs, tablets, or phones.
Ultimate Plus + LifeLock: $299.88 for the first year for unlimited PCs, Macs, tablets, or phones.
Features
Advanced smart firewall with customizable rules, allowing businesses to modify access based on their specific needs, thus providing a higher level of personalized security.
Integrated VPN for safe browsing ensures users can access the internet securely without worrying about potential threats or privacy breaches.
Identity theft protection is another vital feature, which helps safeguard sensitive personal and business data from potential hackers.
SafeCam feature prevents unauthorized access to your webcam, thwarting any potential spying or privacy intrusions.
Automatic updates ensure that your protection is always up-to-date, reinforcing defenses against new and evolving threats.
Pros
Norton offers a comprehensive security suite, providing a broad spectrum of protective measures beyond the typical firewall, creating a fortified line of defense against a myriad of cyber threats.
The interface is easy to navigate, making the process of setting up and managing the firewall less complex and more user-friendly, even for those with limited technical knowledge.
It provides 24/7 customer support, ensuring that you’ll have access to assistance whenever you need it, regardless of the hour or day.
Cons
While perfect for small to mid-sized businesses, Norton might not be as scalable for larger businesses with a vast network of devices, potentially limiting its effectiveness in such an environment.
Depending on your requirements, the subscription can become expensive with add-ons, which might be a drawback for businesses on a tight budget.
Fortinet
Best for scalability
Fortinet is a well-regarded player in the cybersecurity arena and its firewall software exemplifies its commitment to delivering high-quality solutions. FortiGate, Fortinet’s firewall offering, is recognized for its advanced firewall solutions that are scalable and robust.
Particularly useful for growing businesses, FortiGate brings forward top-notch features that can effortlessly adapt to the needs of expanding network infrastructures.
Pricing
Fortinet offers a variety of solutions priced broadly to accommodate all business sizes—from $250 for home office to $300,000 for large enterprises. Contact Fortinet for accurate pricing information.
Features
FortiGate offers an advanced firewall with extensive protection against incoming threats, thus maintaining the security of your network.
With scalability at its core, FortiGate can adapt and grow along with your business, addressing increasing security demands seamlessly.
Smooth integration with other Fortinet security solutions, enabling a comprehensive security ecosystem for your business.
FortiGate Cloud-Native Firewall offers high resiliency to ease security delivery across cloud networks and availability zones at scale.
Automatic updates keep the firewall current and equipped to deal with the latest threats, ensuring your network’s protection remains robust.
Pros
Fortinet’s robust firewall features deliver comprehensive security for your network, providing the necessary defenses to ward off potential threats.
With a strong focus on scalability, Fortinet is an ideal choice for rapidly growing businesses that need a security solution to match their expanding network.
The software’s high-performance nature means that it delivers robust security without hampering your network’s speed or efficiency.
Cons
Despite (or because of) offering a wealth of features, Fortinet’s interface may not be as user-friendly as some other options, potentially causing difficulties for those without substantial technical knowledge.
While Fortinet offers a range of pricing options, the cost can quickly escalate for larger networks or when additional features are included, which may not suit budget-conscious businesses.
Pricing information is not transparent and requires negotiation. Your mileage may vary.
GlassWire
Best for user-friendly interface
GlassWire is an elegant and visually appealing firewall software that provides comprehensive network monitoring capabilities.
It uniquely combines a network monitor and firewall, offering users a clear visual representation of their network activity. This functionality helps users to understand their online behavior and potential threats in a way that’s easy to interpret.
Pricing
GlassWire offers a tiered pricing model:
Free: provides limited features, perfect for individual users or small businesses.
Premium: Starts at $2.99 per month per license, paid annually. Its premium tier plans suitable for business range between 10 and 200 licenses.
Features
Real-time and detailed visualization of your current and past network activity, offering an intuitive and easy-to-understand representation of what’s happening on your network.
Built-in firewall that allows users to easily monitor applications using the network and block any suspicious activity, providing a comprehensive network security solution.
A unique “Incognito” mode for users who do not want certain network activities to appear on the network graph, ensuring user privacy.
Firewall profiles to instantly switch between different environments, such as public and private networks.
The network time machine feature allows users to go back in time up to 30 days to see what their computer or server was doing in the past.
Pros
GlassWire offers a beautifully designed, user-friendly interface that presents complex network security information in a visually appealing and understandable way.
Its comprehensive network monitoring capability allows users to understand their online behavior, identify patterns and detect anomalies.
The software’s built-in firewall offers users the flexibility to control which applications can access the network, enhancing the overall security of their systems.
Cons
The software requires a moderate amount of system resources to run efficiently, which might be an issue for systems with limited resources.
Although GlassWire’s visualizations are beautiful and informative, some users may find them overwhelming and would prefer a more traditional interface.
Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center
Best for centralized management and control
The Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center provides a comprehensive solution for centralized control and management of security policies. It enhances the overall efficiency of network administration by offering a unified platform to manage multiple Cisco security appliances.
Businesses that use a variety of Cisco security tools will find this a valuable addition to streamline operations and enhance control.
Pricing
Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center’s pricing depends on the scale of operations and the specific needs of a business. For detailed and customized pricing information, you can directly contact Cisco or its partners.
Features
A unified management console that can control a wide range of Cisco security appliances, reducing the complexity associated with managing multiple devices.
Advanced threat detection and analysis capabilities, enabling administrators to swiftly identify and respond to security incidents.
Flexible deployment options, including on-premises, virtual and cloud-based solutions, catering to various operational needs and preferences.
Comprehensive policy management, allowing administrators to efficiently establish and enforce security policies across their Cisco security infrastructure.
Integration with other Cisco security tools, such as Cisco Threat Response, provides a cohesive and powerful security solution.
Pros
The ability to manage multiple Cisco security appliances from a single platform is a significant advantage, especially for larger enterprises managing complex security infrastructures.
Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center offers advanced threat detection and analysis capabilities, aiding in swift and efficient incident response.
Its flexible deployment options cater to diverse operational needs, providing convenience and ease of setup to businesses of all sizes.
Cons
Although powerful, the platform may require a steep learning curve, particularly for those who are new to Cisco’s ecosystem.
Some users have reported a desire for more customization options within the management interface to meet their specific operational needs.
Pricing information is not transparent and requires negotiation. Your mileage may vary.
pfSense: Best open source solution
pfSense is an open-source firewall software solution that is highly customizable, suitable for tech-savvy businesses that prefer having the flexibility to tailor their firewall to specific needs. It’s built on the FreeBSD operating system, offering a comprehensive range of features for network management and security.
Pricing
As an open-source platform, pfSense is free to download and use. However, Netgate, the company behind pfSense, offers paid support and services, including hardware solutions integrated with pfSense software.
Features
A wide array of networking functionalities, including firewall, VPN, and routing services, ensuring comprehensive network protection.
Being open-source, it offers extensive customization options, allowing businesses to tailor the software to their specific needs.
Supports a large selection of third-party packages for additional features, granting more flexibility in expanding its capabilities.
Detailed network monitoring and reporting tools, allowing for granular insight into network traffic and potential security threats.
It has a community-backed development model, ensuring continuous improvements and updates to its features.
Pros
pfSense’s open-source nature allows for extensive customization, giving businesses control over how they want to configure their firewall.
The software provides a comprehensive set of features, ensuring thorough network protection and management.
Its support for third-party packages allows for the addition of further functionalities, enhancing its overall capabilities.
Cons
The configuration of pfSense can be quite complex, particularly for users without a strong technical background, which could pose a challenge for some businesses.
The user interface, while functional, may not be as polished or intuitive as some commercial firewall solutions.
As with many open-source projects, while there’s a supportive community, professional customer service might not be as accessible as with commercial solutions.
Sophos Firewall
Best for cloud-based management
Sophos Firewall brings a fresh approach to the way you manage your firewall and how you can detect and respond to threats on your network.
Offering a user-friendly interface and robust features, this product provides businesses with an effective and efficient solution for their network security needs. It’s a versatile solution that not only offers traditional firewall capabilities but also integrates innovative technologies to ensure all-round security.
Pricing
Sophos does not publicize pricing information, because their solutions are provided by resellers and can vary depending on the business’s size, needs, and location. You can contact them directly for accurate pricing information.
Features
All-in-one solution by integrating advanced threat protection, IPS, VPN, and web filtering in a single comprehensive platform, thereby providing robust security for your network.
Deep learning technology and threat intelligence, both of which work in synergy to identify and respond to threats before they can cause damage, offering advanced protection against malware, exploits, and ransomware.
User-friendly interface that simplifies configuration and management tasks, making it easier for users to set up security policies and monitor network activities.
Synchronized Security technology that facilitates communication between your endpoint protection and your firewall, creating a coordinated defense against cyber threats.
The Sophos Firewall comes with an effective cloud management platform, allowing administrators to remotely manage the system, configure settings, and monitor network activity.
Pros
A user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of setting up and managing network security policies, making it suitable for businesses with limited technical expertise.
It integrates advanced protection capabilities, such as threat intelligence and deep learning technology, to provide robust defense against sophisticated cyber threats.
This firewall software’s unique Synchronized Security feature offers a coordinated and automated response against threats, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your network security.
Cons
Some users have reported that while the user interface is intuitive, it might take some time to navigate due to the depth of features available.
The initial setup and configuration might require technical expertise, although Sophos provides comprehensive resources and customer support to guide users.
Although Sophos’ site advertises “Simple Pricing,” their costs are not in fact transparent and will require negotiating a quote. Your mileage may vary.
ZoneAlarm
Best for personal use
ZoneAlarm is an excellent choice for personal use and small businesses due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
With a robust set of features and an intuitive interface, it provides robust protection without requiring extensive technical knowledge. Its reputation as a reliable firewall solution makes it an attractive choice for users seeking to safeguard their systems from various threats.
Pricing
ZoneAlarm offers both free and premium versions of their firewall software. The free version provides basic protection, while the Pro Firewall version, which comes at a yearly subscription fee starting from $22.95 for 1 PC, offers advanced features such as zero-day attack protection and full technical support.
Features
Robust two-way firewall protection, preventing unauthorized access to your network while also stopping malicious applications from sending out your data.
Advanced privacy protection feature that protects your personal information from phishing attacks.
Unique ID Lock feature that keeps your personal information safe.
ZoneAlarm boasts an Anti-Phishing Chrome Extension that detects and blocks phishing sites, protecting your information online.
The premium version offers advanced real-time antivirus protection, ensuring that your system is continuously protected from threats.
Pros
ZoneAlarm offers a straightforward interface and setup process, making it an ideal choice for users who lack advanced technical skills.
The software provides a comprehensive suite of features, including robust firewall protection, advanced privacy tools and real-time antivirus capabilities.
ZoneAlarm’s ID Lock feature is a standout, helping to ensure the security of personal data.
Cons
While ZoneAlarm offers robust features, its protection level may not be adequate for large enterprises or businesses with complex network architectures.
Some users have reported that the software can be resource-intensive, potentially slowing down system performance.
Key features of firewall software
When choosing the best firewall software for your business, there are key features you should consider. These range from the extent of the security suite to scalability and cloud-based management, all of which play a significant role in how effectively the software will serve your needs.
Comprehensive security suite
A comprehensive security suite is more than just a basic firewall. It includes additional layers of security like antivirus capabilities, identity theft protection, and a VPN.
The best firewall software solutions should deliver this kind of comprehensive coverage, protecting against a wide variety of threats and helping you maintain the security of your entire network. Norton, Cisco, and Sophos firewalls excel in this area.
Scalability
Scalability is particularly important for businesses that are growing or plan to grow. As the size of your network increases, your security needs will change and become more complex.
Firewall software like FortiGate and pfSense are designed with scalability in mind, allowing them to adapt to the increasing security demands of your expanding network.
User-friendly interface
A user-friendly interface is crucial, especially for those who may not have a lot of technical expertise. Firewall software should be easy to navigate and manage, making the process of setting up and adjusting the firewall less daunting.
Norton excels in this area, with an intuitive interface that is straightforward to use. GlassWire, while not as intuitive, also offers an attractive and convenient interface.
Robust features
Having robust features in firewall software is key to ensuring comprehensive protection. This includes an advanced firewall with extensive customizable rules, IPS, and threat detection capabilities.
The most robust firewall solutions include Norton, FortiGate, Cisco, and Sophos, as well as pfSense, although you’ll have to do some legwork to program the latter in particular.
Cloud-based management
Cloud-based management is a significant advantage in today’s digital landscape. It allows for the remote configuration and monitoring of your firewall, making it easier to manage and adjust as needed. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses with remote workers or multiple locations.
Norton, FortiGate, Cisco, Sophos, and ZoneAlarm all provide this capability.
Advanced firewall protection
Advanced firewall protection includes capabilities like deep packet inspection, which examines data packets to detect malware that could otherwise bypass standard firewalls. This kind of advanced protection is vital to secure your network from sophisticated threats. Most of the firewalls in this list offer advanced, next-generation capabilities.
Integration
Integration capabilities are crucial as they allow your firewall software to work in harmony with other security solutions you might have in place. Cisco firewalls, as you might expect, integrate seamlessly with other Cisco solutions, but can falter when trying to integrate with third-party solutions. On the other hand, thanks to its open-source nature, pfSense can be configured to integrate very broadly.
By considering these features when choosing your firewall software, you can ensure that you select a solution that meets the specific needs of your business, provides comprehensive protection and offers room for growth and adaptation as your business evolves.
Benefits of working with firewall software
Employing robust firewall software within your network infrastructure brings along a myriad of benefits that contribute to the overall security and efficiency of your business operations, from enhanced network security and data protection to reduced downtime and regulatory compliance.
Enhanced network security
Perhaps the most fundamental advantage of using firewall software is the enhanced network security it provides. Firewall software acts as the first line of defense against potential threats, including hackers, viruses, and other cyberattacks.
By monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, firewall software ensures that only safe connections are established, thus protecting your network.
Data protection
With the increasing incidence of data breaches and cyber theft, data protection is more crucial than ever. Firewall software plays a pivotal role in safeguarding sensitive data from being accessed or stolen by unauthorized users.
By blocking unauthorized access, it ensures the safety of important information and reduces the risk of data breaches.
Traffic management
Firewall software is not only about protection but also about managing and optimizing the network traffic. Features like bandwidth management can be leveraged to allocate network resources effectively and ensure the smooth functioning of your online operations.
Real-time security updates
With the constantly evolving threat landscape, maintaining up-to-date security measures is vital. Firewall software frequently receives real-time security updates, which help to protect your network against the latest threats. This ensures that your network remains secure against even the most recent forms of cyberattacks.
Reduced downtime
Downtime can be a significant issue for any business, leading to financial losses and damage to reputation. By proactively identifying and preventing potential threats, firewall software can significantly reduce the risk of system outages, leading to increased uptime and reliability.
Scalability
As your business grows, so does the complexity and the scope of your network. Scalable firewall software grows with your business, adjusting to the increased demands and providing consistent protection despite the expanding network size. This makes it a cost-effective solution that can support your business in the long term.
Regulatory compliance
Many industries have regulations in place requiring businesses to protect sensitive data. Firewall software helps meet these regulatory requirements by providing robust security measures that prevent data breaches and protect client and customer information.
Incorporating firewall software into your network infrastructure is a critical step towards securing your business in an increasingly digital world. The benefits it offers are invaluable, providing not just enhanced protection, but also efficiency and adaptability that can significantly contribute to your business’s success.
How to choose the best firewall software for your business
Choosing the best firewall software for your business involves a careful examination of your specific needs and security requirements.
Size and security level: The size and nature of your business, the sensitivity of your data, and the extent of your network operations are crucial factors that determine what kind of firewall software will be the most beneficial.
Comprehensive features: Moreover, you should consider firewall solutions that offer a comprehensive suite of security features, such as VPN services, antivirus protection, and advanced threat detection capabilities.
Scalability: The scalability of a firewall software solution is important, particularly for growing businesses. Opt for software that can seamlessly adapt to the expanding needs of your network, providing reliable protection irrespective of your business size.
Interface: Unless you have a robust, well-trained IT department, the interface of your chosen software will need to be user-friendly and easily manageable, even for those with minimal technical expertise.
Cloud-based management: Features that allow for remote configuration and monitoring are highly beneficial in the current era of remote work. These features offer the flexibility of managing your network’s security from any location, improving overall efficiency.
Integration: Your chosen software should integrate smoothly with your existing security infrastructure to create a comprehensive, effective security system.
Support: Solid customer support from the vendor is also crucial to navigating any issues that may arise during setup or throughout the software’s lifespan.
Choosing firewall software is an investment in your business’s security, so take the time to evaluate each option thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who should use firewall software?
Any individual, business, or organization that uses a network or the internet should consider using firewall software. Whether you’re a small business owner, a large corporation, or a home user, a firewall can provide essential protection against unauthorized access and various cyber threats.
Where are firewalls located on a network?
Firewalls are typically located at the edge of a network, serving as a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network, such as the internet. They can also be positioned between different parts of an organization’s networks to control access.
Are there any downsides to using a firewall?
While firewalls are essential for network security, they can occasionally block legitimate traffic if the security settings are too restrictive. Additionally, managing and maintaining a firewall can require technical expertise. However, the benefits of using a firewall far outweigh these potential challenges.
How often should a firewall be updated?
Firewall software should be updated regularly to ensure it can protect against the latest threats. Many firewall providers release updates regularly and many firewalls are set to update automatically. However, it’s a good idea to check for updates manually periodically to ensure your firewall is up-to-date.
What is firewall software’s role in regulatory compliance?
For many businesses, especially those in regulated industries like healthcare or finance, firewall software plays a critical role in meeting compliance requirements. Regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) require robust data protection measures, which includes network security provided by a firewall.
Can firewall software protect against all cyber threats?
While firewall software provides a strong layer of protection, it’s not a panacea for all cyber threats. Some sophisticated threats, like targeted phishing attacks or insider threats, require additional security measures. It’s essential to have a comprehensive security strategy in place that includes firewall software, antivirus software, strong access controls, and user education about safe online practices.
Methodology
To deliver this list, we based our selection on an examination of firewall software features and overall reputation in addition to their ease of use, quality of customer support, and value for money.
This information is available in user reviews as well as official product pages and documentation. Nonetheless, we encourage you to conduct your own research and consider your unique requirements when choosing a firewall software solution.
Bottom line: Choosing the best firewall software for your business
The evolving threat landscape necessitates a robust and reliable firewall solution for both personal use and businesses of all sizes. Based on the products listed, it’s evident that several excellent options exist in the market, each with its own unique strengths and capabilities.
Choosing the best firewall software ultimately depends on your requirements, the nature of the network environment, and the budget at hand. It’s essential to consider each product’s features, pros, and cons, and align them with your individual or business needs.
The chosen solution should provide comprehensive protection, be user-friendly, and ideally offer scalability for future growth. Whether it’s for personal use or to protect a multilayered enterprise network, there’s a firewall solution out there that fits the bill.
Also see
Firewalls come in all shapes and sizes. Here’s a look at eight different types of firewalls.
And once you’ve selected your firewall, make sure you define and implement a clear, strong firewall policy to back it up—as well as setting robust firewall rules to govern the software.
Enterprise firewall software is an essential component of network security infrastructure for organizations. These firewalls are designed to provide high availability and scalability to meet the needs of large and complex networks because they can handle high traffic volumes and accommodate the growth of network infrastructure.
By exploring the following top firewall solutions, enterprises can make an informed decision to fortify their network defenses and safeguard critical assets from ever-evolving cyber threats.
Palo Alto is a leading network security provider of advanced firewall solutions and a wide range of network security services.
The company offers various firewall solutions for various enterprise use cases, including cloud next generation firewalls, virtual machine series for public and private clouds, container series for Kubernetes and container engines like Docker, and its PA-series appliances designed for data centers, network edge, service providers, remote branches and retail locations, and harsh industrial sites.
These firewalls provide enhanced visibility, control, and threat prevention capabilities to protect networks from various cyber threats, including malware, viruses, intrusions, and advanced persistent threats (APTs).
Pricing
Palo Alto doesn’t advertise its product pricing on its website. Our research found that the Palo Alto PA-series price range from $2,900 to $200,000 (more or less). To get the actual rates for your enterprise, contact the company’s sales team for custom quotes.
Standout features
Advanced threat prevention.
Advanced URL filtering.
Domain name service (DNS) security.
Medical IoT security.
Enterprise data loss prevention (DLP).
Up to 245 million IPv4 OR IPv6 sessions.
Pros
Provides visibility across IoT and other connected devices.
Provides visibility across physical, virtualized, containerized and cloud environments.
Offers a variety of products for different business sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.
Easy-to-navigate dashboard and management console.
Cons
Complex initial setup.
Some users reported that the Palo Alto license is pricey.
Check Point Quantum
Best for connected devices
Check Point is an Israeli multinational company that develops and sells software and hardware products related to network, endpoint, cloud, and data security.
Check Point Quantum is designed to protect against advanced cyber threats, targeting Gen V cyber attacks. This solution encompasses various components to safeguard networks, cloud environments, data centers, IoT devices, and remote users.
Check Point’s SandBlast technology employs advanced threat intelligence, sandboxing, and real-time threat emulation to detect and prevent sophisticated attacks, including zero-day exploits, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats.
Pricing
Check Point does not publicly post pricing information on its website. Data from resellers shows that Check Point products can range from around $62 for a basic solution to over $50,000 for an enterprise-level solution. Contact the Check Point sales team for your actual quotes.
Standout features
URL filtering.
DLP.
Full active-active redundancy.
Zero-trust protection for IoT devices.
Check Point Quantum protects against GenV attacks.
Advanced threat protection.
Pros
24/7 customer service and support.
Easy to setup and use.
Management platform with automation features.
Sandblast protection for testing malware.
Cons
Users reported that the Check Point firewall is expensive.
Documentation can be improved.
Fortinet FortiGate
Best for flexibility and scalability
Fortinet offers various firewall products for different organization sizes, from home offices to large enterprises.
The FortiGate 7000 series (FG-7121F, FG-7081F, FG-7081F-2, FIM-7921F, FIM-7941F, and FPM-7620F) is an enterprise firewall product that provides high-performance network security. It is designed for organizations with high network traffic volumes and that have to manage large network infrastructures.
This firewall series is powered by a Security Processing Unit (SPU) of up to 520Gbps and also includes the latest NP7 (Network Processor 7) and CP9 (Content Processor 9).
Pricing
Fortinet’s FortiGate firewall tool pricing is available upon request. Pricing will depend on various factors, including the size of the network, the number of users, and the types of security features needed. Contact a Fortinet representative for pricing and product information.
Standout features
Protects IT, IIoT, and OT devices against vulnerability and device-based attack tactics.
FortiGate 7000F series provides NGFW, segmentation, secure SD-WAN, and mobile security for 4G, 5G, and IoT.
Offers various types of firewalls, including container firewalls, virtual firewalls and hardware firewall appliances.
Zero Touch Integration with Fortinet’s Security Fabric Single Pane of Glass Management.
Pros
Integrations with over 500 third-party services.
AI-powered capabilities.
Users reported that the tool is user-friendly.
Cons
Support can be improved.
Its reporting feature can be improved.
Juniper Networks
Best for logging and reporting capability
Juniper Networks’ firewall helps enterprises protect their network edge, data center, and cloud applications.
The company is also known for its Junos operating system (OS), a scalable network OS that powers Juniper Networks devices. Junos provides advanced routing, switching, and security capabilities and allows for seamless integration with third-party software and applications.
Juniper Networks vSRX virtual firewall provides enhanced security for Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, IBM Cloud, and Oracle Cloud environments, while its cSRX Container Firewall offers advanced security services to secure applications running in containers and microservices. The company’s SRX firewalls series is designed for various organization sizes, from small to large enterprises.
Pricing
Juniper Network pricing is available on request. However, they offer different license methods, including Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) and Bring-Your-Own-License (BYOL) options for public clouds. Contact the company’s sales team for custom quotes.
Standout features
Juniper Network has various types of firewalls, including container firewalls, virtual firewalls and hardware firewall appliances.
Public cloud workload protection, including AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
Logging and reporting capability.
Supports VMware ESXi, NSX, and KVM (Centos, Ubuntu).
Pros
Advanced threat prevention capability.
Deployable on-premises and cloud environments.
Cons
Support can be improved.
Users report that some Juniper Networks firewall products are expensive.
Cisco Secure Firewall
Best for centralized management
Cisco Secure Firewall combines firewall capabilities with advanced security features to protect networks from various threats, including unauthorized access, malware, and data breaches.
Cisco Secure Firewall integrates with Cisco Talos, a threat intelligence research team. This collaboration enables the firewall to receive real-time threat intelligence updates, enhancing its ability to identify and block emerging threats.
Cisco Secure Firewall can be centrally managed through Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC). This management console provides a unified interface for configuration, monitoring, and reporting, simplifying the administration of multiple firewalls across the network.
Pricing
Contact Cisco’s sales team for custom quotes.
Standout features
IPS to protect against known threats.
Web filtering.
Network segmentation.
Centralized management.
Pros
Provides comprehensive visibility and control.
Efficient support team.
Highly scalable tool.
Cons
Support can be improved.
Complex initial setup.
Zscaler
Best for businesses with cloud network infrastructure
The Zscaler firewall provides cloud-based security for web and non-web traffic for all users and devices. Zscaler inspects all user traffic, including SSL encrypted traffic, with elastically scaling services to handle high volumes of long-lived connections.
One of the key advantages of Zscaler’s cloud-based approach is that it eliminates the need for on-premises hardware or software installations. Instead, organizations can leverage Zscaler’s infrastructure and services by redirecting their internet traffic to the Zscaler cloud. This makes scaling and managing security easier across distributed networks and remote users.
Pricing
Zscaler doesn’t advertise its rates on its website. However, data from resellers shows that its pricing starts from about $72 per user per year. For your actual rate, contact the Zscaler sales team for quotes.
Standout features
Centralized policy management.
Fully-integrated security services.
Real-time granular control, logging, and visibility.
User-aware and app-aware threat protection.
Adaptive IPS security and control.
File transfer protocol (FTP) control and network address translation (NAT) support.
Pros
Easy to use and manage.
AI-powered cyberthreat and data protection services.
Always-on cloud intrusion prevention system (IPS).
AI-powered phishing and C2 detection.
Cons
Complex initial setup.
Documentation can be improved.
pfSense
Best open-source firewall
pfSense is an open-source firewall and routing platform based on FreeBSD, an open-source Unix-like OS. It is designed to provide advanced networking and security features for small and large networks.
pfSense can be deployed as a physical appliance or as a virtual machine. pfSense offers many capabilities, including firewalling, VPN connectivity, traffic shaping, load balancing, DNS and DHCP services, and more.
Pricing
For pfSense cloud:
pfSense on AWS: Pricing starts from $0.01 per hour to $0.40 per hour.
pfSense on Azure: Pricing starts from $0.08 per hour to $0.24 per hour.
For pfSense software:
pfSense CE: Open source version available to download for free.
pfSense+ Home or Lab: Available at no cost for evaluation purposes only.
pfSense+ W/TAC LITE: Currently available at no charge, but the vendor may increase the rate to $129 per year in the future.
pfSense+ W/TAC PRO: $399 per year.
pfSense+ W/TAC ENT: $799 per year.
pfSense offers three hardware appliances tailored to the needs of large enterprises.
Netgate 8200: Cost $1,395. It has 18.55 Gbps IPERF3 and 5.1 Gbps IMIX traffic speed.
Netgate 1537: Cost $2,199. It has 18.62 Gbps(10k ACLs) IPERF3 and 10.24 Gbps (10k ACLs) IMIX traffic speed.
Netgate 1541: Cost $2,899. It has 18.64 Gbps(10k ACLs) IPERF3 and 12.30 Gbps(10k ACLs) IMIX traffic speed.
Standout features
NAT mapping (inbound/outbound).
Captive portal guest network.
Stateful packet inspection (SPI).
Pros
Free open-source version.
Community support.
Anti-spoofing capability.
Cons
Steep learning curve for administrators with limited experience.
GUI is old-fashioned and could be simplified.
Key features of enterprise firewall software
There’s a wide variety of capabilities that enterprise firewall software can provide, but some of the key features to look for include packet filtering, stateful inspection, application awareness, logging and reporting capabilities, and integration with your existing security ecosystem.
Packet filtering
Firewall software examines incoming and outgoing network packets based on predefined rules and policies. It filters packets based on criteria such as source/destination IP addresses, ports, protocols, and packet attributes. This feature enables the firewall to block or allow network traffic based on the configured rules.
Stateful inspection
Enterprise firewalls employ stateful inspection to monitor network connections’ state and analyze traffic flow context. By maintaining information about the state of each connection, the firewall can make more informed decisions about which packets to allow or block.
Application awareness
Modern firewall software often includes application awareness capabilities. It can identify specific applications or protocols within network traffic, allowing organizations to enforce granular policies based on the application or service used. This feature is handy for managing and securing web applications and controlling the use of specific services or applications.
Logging and reporting
Firewall software logs network events, including connection attempts, rule matches, and other security-related activities. Detailed logging enables organizations to analyze and investigate security incidents, track network usage, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Reporting capabilities help generate comprehensive reports for auditing, security analysis, and compliance purposes.
Integration with the security ecosystem
Firewall software is typically part of a broader security ecosystem within an organization. Integration with other security tools and technologies, such as antivirus software, threat intelligence platforms, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, and network access control (NAC) solutions, allows for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to network security.
Benefits of working with enterprise firewalls
Key advantages of enterprise firewall solutions include enhanced network security, threat mitigation, and access control, as well as traffic analytics data.
Network security: Firewalls act as a protective barrier against external threats such as unauthorized access attempts, malware, and other malicious activity. Enforcing access control policies and modifying network traffic helps prevent unauthorized access and protect critical data.
Threat mitigation: By combining intrusion prevention techniques, deep packet monitoring, and threat intelligence, a firewall can detect and block suspicious traffic, reducing the risk there that the network will be corrupted and damaged so
Access control: Firewall software allows administrators to restrict or allow access to network resources, applications, and services based on specific user roles, departments, or needs. This ensures that only authorized people or systems can access the screen and its accessories.
Traffic data and analytics: In addition to protecting your network, firewalls can also provide granular information about traffic and activity passing through your network, as well as its overall performance.
How do I choose the best enterprise firewall solution for my business?
When choosing the best enterprise firewall software for your business, consider the following factors.
Security: Assess your organization’s specific security needs and requirements.
Features: Evaluate the features and capabilities of firewall solutions, such as packet filtering, application awareness, intrusion prevention, VPN support, centralized management, and scalability. Consider the vendor’s reputation, expertise, and support services.
Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with your existing network infrastructure and other security tools.
Hands-on tests: Conduct a thorough evaluation of different firewall solutions through demos, trials, or proofs of concept to assess their performance, ease of use, and effectiveness in meeting your organization’s security goals.
Total cost of ownership (TCO): Consider the cost, licensing models, and ongoing support and maintenance requirements.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select the best enterprise firewall software that aligns with your business needs and provides robust network security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is an enterprise firewall different from a normal firewall?
Although they share many characteristics, an enterprise firewall is not the same as a consumer-grade firewall. Enterprise firewalls are designed to meet large organizations’ security needs and network infrastructure challenges. They are robust, scalable, and can handle high network traffic volumes and sophisticated threats, compared to generic firewalls for home or small office environments.
What is the strongest type of firewall?
A firewall’s strength depends on various factors, and no universally dependable firewall exists. A firewall’s effectiveness depends on its materials, configuration, and how well it fits into the organization’s security needs.
That said, next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) provide improved security capabilities and are often considered the ideal firewall solution in today’s enterprise. NGFWs combine traditional firewall features with additional functionality such as application awareness, intrusion prevention, deep packet monitoring, and user-based policies. They provide advanced protection against modern threats with greater visibility and control over network traffic.
How do you set up an enterprise firewall?
Setting up an enterprise firewall involves several steps:
We recommend engaging network security experts or reviewing vendor documentation and support materials for specific guidance in installing and configuring your enterprise firewall.
Methodology
The firewall solutions mentioned in this guide were selected based on extensive research and industry analysis. Factors such as industry reputation, customer reviews, infrastructure, and customer support were considered.
We also assessed the features and capabilities of the firewall solutions, including packet filtering, application awareness, intrusion prevention, DLP, centralized management, scalability, and integration with other security tools.
I’ve been using ChatGPT ever since OpenAI launched it in 2022. It’s helped me write meta descriptions for blog posts, create simple code snippets, and generate outlines. Heck, I’ve even used it to plan a trip to Portugal.
But I’ve been keen to try out Microsoft’s new Bing AI chatbot to see if it lives up to the hype. With Bing Chat, you’re able to chat, compose content, generate images, and get summarized answers to complex questions—all in one interface. It’s supposed to be a far more advanced version of ChatGPT, so I was excited to see how their features stack up.
Here are the main differences I discovered while comparing ChatGPT vs. Bing Chat.
If you want free access to GPT-4 (OpenAI’s most advanced and more powerful language model), Bing Chat is currently the way to go. You can access GPT-4 via ChatGPT Plus, which is a paid subscription, but Bing Chat gives you free access via Microsoft Edge. Beyond that, here’s the main difference:
Bing Chat is built into Microsoft Edge, so it’s a more integrated, tailored way of searching for answers. That makes it a powerful research assistant.
ChatGPT—though a more isolated experience—can be accessed on any browser and has more powerful integrations and plugins. It’s better suited as a personal assistant than a research assistant.
I’ll walk through some of the core differences between ChatGPT and Bing Chat in depth in the coming sections, but here’s a quick breakdown of how they compare.
Bing Chat
ChatGPT
Language model
OpenAI’s GPT-4
OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 (ChatGPT Plus: GPT-4)
Platform
Integrated with Microsoft’s search engine
Standalone website or API
Internet access
Can perform web searches and offer links and recommendations
Browsing feature for ChatGPT Plus users
Image generation
Can generate creative content, including images using DALL·E
Can only generate text
Best used as
A research assistant
A personal assistant
Usage limits
Users get to ask 20 chats per session and 200 total chats per day
Unlimited conversations per day; ChatGPT Plus users get 25 GPT-4 messages every 3 hours
Pricing
Free
Free; ChatGPT Plus available for $20/month
Bing Chat is part of search, while ChatGPT is an isolated interface
Both ChatGPT and Bing Chat use OpenAI’s language models, which means that, for the most part, they generate very similar results.
The biggest difference between them is that Bing Chat is also powered by Microsoft’s Prometheus, a model that integrates Bing Search with the AI tool.
Marketed as a “co-pilot” for the web, Bing Chat distills the latest information from across the web and summarizes it when answering your prompts. It even cites its sources and generates a list of relevant links (as well as pulling in visuals). This is what it looks like within the Bing Chat web interface.
ChatGPT, on the other hand, doesn’t pull in current results from the internet as it’s only been trained on information up until 2021. There’s a simple workaround, though: you can access OpenAI’s native web browser plugin, available on ChatGPT Plus.
The web browser can look through web results and share them with you like Bing can, but I’ve found that it doesn’t integrate visuals like Bing does. The result is a more text-heavy experience, but no less effective.
The downside is that when it comes to researching facts, news stories, or historical events, ChatGPT doesn’t always cite its sources. It doesn’t seem to have a problem citing weather reports, but for other information, it can be a bit hit or miss—unless you specifically instruct it to provide sources. (Which, by the way, I’d recommend, given its tendency to hallucinate.)
In addition to being more reliable with its citations, Bing offers recommendations on what to search for next.
And, if you scroll down on the chat page, Microsoft will return you to its regular search page, with a link to the most recent question you asked the chat.
ChatGPT, on the other hand, feels more mechanical: it doesn’t offer follow-up recommendations, and the web browser you’re using ChatGPT with will have no memory of what you’ve been asking it.
As a whole, Bing AI feels a lot more like a search tool that’ll summarize complex answers for you—giving you the sources if you want to dig deeper into any topic. All without having to search through multiple pages yourself.
You get that same ease with ChatGPT, but it’s a much more isolated experience—it definitely feels like a chatbot, not a search tool.
Bing is integrated into a web browser, which allows for more tailored outputs based on what you’re doing
Bing is integrated into a sidebar, called Discover, on the Microsoft Edge browser, and it includes a few features, called Chat, Composition, and Insights.
Chat
You can chat with Bing Chat directly from the sidebar, without having to go to the Bing Chat webpage. The best part is that when you’re on a website full of information, it answers questions from that page contextually.
Reading a complex article and want the key takeaways? Done. Need to understand a complex concept in simpler terms? Done.
This can be pretty helpful when you need an AI assistant while going through information-dense internet research.
You can still do this with ChatGPT Plus—just feed it a link and ask it to summarize the information—but it’s not seamlessly integrated into the same page you’re on.
The difference just depends on how you like to search for information. But if you don’t mind doing your research in Microsoft Edge, Bing AI is hard to beat for a tailored AI experience.
Insights
Bing has an Insights tab that’ll give you even more information about the page you’re on. It surfaces things like a Q&A, key points, page topics, and related articles.
Scroll all the way down, and you can also get a quick overview of analytics about the website you’re visiting (like domain name, hosting service, and even traffic rank). This is something that ChatGPT doesn’t have, as it’s primarily focused on text generation.
Composition
With ChatGPT, you have to be extremely specific in your prompts; otherwise, the output will be pretty vague and most likely won’t tick all your boxes.
Bing’s Composition feature steers you more toward getting the specific output you want, by giving you ready-made options. Inside the text box, you can write out your prompt, set the tone you’re after, select the format (blog post, email, etc.), and set the length. It feels more like an AI writing generator in that way.
This is pretty handy if you’re not sure how to create prompts that will get you what you’re after, but you can just tell ChatGPT these same things in your prompt, and it’ll do a decent job.
ChatGPT has more powerful integrations and plugins, transforming it into a highly efficient assistant
While Bing Chat is a powerful search tool and a more sophisticated web browser, ChatGPT offers a whole suite of plugins that let you combine AI with other apps to unlock more varied use cases.
For example, with the Expedia plugin, I just tell ChatGPT about a trip I’m thinking of booking, and it’ll immediately surface the cheapest flights it can find via the travel site, along with the link, airport details, duration of flight, and most importantly, the pricing.
It’s so much easier than going through travel sites yourself, adjusting filters, and comparing sites side-by-side. (The hassle.)
Not only that, but the AI will also offer lodgings or other area-specific activities for you to explore. It’s a completely different ballgame compared to its web browser plugin, which refuses to offer any follow-up recommendations.
The best part is you can install a number of ChatGPT plugins to work in tandem. For example, you can ask the AI for a recipe recommendation, get an accurate count of calories (using the Wolfram plugin), and then ask it to create a shopping list (with the Instacart plugin).
It’s practically like having a personal assistant—ideal for those who hate planning ahead for anything. (Ahem.)
Travel and food aside, you can also install the Zapier plugin to automate workflows directly inside the ChatGPT interface. Need the AI to write an email, then save it as a draft? It’ll do it within a matter of seconds.
ChatGPT also integrates with Zapier outside of the plugin, so you can connect it to thousands of other apps and access ChatGPT from the apps you use most. Here are some examples of tasks you can automate.
Create Notion tasks using ChatGPT conversations generated from new Slack reactions
Zapier is the leader in no-code automation—integrating with 5,000+ apps from partners like Google, Salesforce, and Microsoft. Build secure, automated systems for your business-critical workflows across your organization’s technology stack. Learn more.
Bing AI can generate images using DALL·E, but ChatGPT is better at generating long-form content
One of the best—and most surprising—things about Bing is that it can generate images for you inside the chat function. That’s without you having to go through another AI image generator, so you can literally do everything—search, create copy, get images—all in the same interface.
Powered by OpenAI’s DALL·E, you can just ask it to create a pic, and it takes a matter of seconds to deliver.
Imagine you’re a travel writer. This could be a workflow you follow: You ask Bing about popular spots in New York using the chat feature. Then you ask the composition feature to create a blog post about New York. After that, you can ask Bing to create a blog hero image. That’s not a super nuanced example, but you get the gist.
In that regard, ChatGPT can’t really compare, as it’s purely text-based.
But while we’re talking about strengths, ChatGPT is a lot better at providing longer-form content like articles or case studies. No matter how I tweaked the prompt, whenever I asked Bing to create a 1,000-word blog post, it repeatedly ignored those instructions and created a piece under 500 words.
ChatGPT doesn’t have that problem. It’s a good listener.
Bing Chat vs. ChatGPT: Which should you use?
Both ChatGPT and Bing can be handy writing tools and informative chatbots—but the better one depends on your actual use case.
If you want a powerful research tool that’s integrated with a web browser (and which shines in terms of in-depth page insights, image generation, and citing reputable sources), Bing Chat is your best bet.
If, however, you want to have an AI-powered personal assistant that can perform actions for you in different apps, there’s no contest: ChatGPT wins because of its suite of plugins.
The best way to know what works for you? Try them both out.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, security professionals require reliable tools to defend against security vulnerabilities, protect sensitive data, and maintain network security. Open source cyber security tools provide a cost-effective solution for individuals and organizations to combat these threats on-premises and with cloud security and mobile devices. Let’s consider the top 25 open-source cyber security monitoring tools in 2023 that help ensure continuous network and system performance monitoring.
As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, organizations must stay informed and prepared to defend against a wide range of security risks.
Here are the top cybersecurity threats that businesses and individuals should be aware of today:
1. Phishing Attacks: Phishing attacks are a prevalent form of social engineering where cybercriminals use deceptive emails or websites to trick users into revealing sensitive information or installing malware. These attacks often target login credentials, financial information, and other personal data.
2. Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a victim’s files or locks their systems, demanding a ransom payment to restore access. Ransomware attacks can cause significant financial losses and operational disruptions for organizations.
3. Insider Threats: Insider threats refer to security risks posed by employees, contractors, or other individuals with authorized access to an organization’s systems and data. These threats can result from malicious intent or negligence, leading to data breaches or system compromises.
4. Supply Chain Attacks: Also known as third-party attacks or vendor risk, supply chain attacks target an organization’s suppliers, vendors, or partners to gain access to their systems and data. These attacks often exploit security vulnerabilities in the supply chain to compromise multiple organizations.
5. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: DDoS attacks involve overwhelming a target’s network or system with a flood of traffic, rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users. DDoS attacks can cause severe downtime and service disruptions.
6. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): APTs are sophisticated, coordinated cyberattacks by well-funded threat actors or nation-state groups that target specific organizations for espionage, data theft, or sabotage. APTs often use advanced techniques and tactics to evade detection and maintain a long-term presence within a target’s network.
7. Zero-Day Exploits: Zero-day exploits are attacks that take advantage of previously unknown security vulnerabilities in software or systems. These vulnerabilities, also known as zero-day flaws, have no existing patches or fixes, making them particularly dangerous and challenging to defend against.
8. Internet of Things (IoT) Security: The increasing adoption of IoT devices and connected technologies has expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals. IoT devices are often vulnerable to cyber threats due to weak security measures, creating new risks for organizations and consumers.
9. Data Breaches: Data breaches occur when unauthorized individuals gain access to an organization’s sensitive data, such as customer information, financial records, or intellectual property. Data breaches can result in significant financial and reputational damage for organizations.
10. Cloud Security Threats: As more organizations migrate to cloud-based services, cloud security has become a critical concern. Threats in the cloud can arise from misconfigurations, weak authentication mechanisms, and vulnerabilities in cloud applications or infrastructure.
Benefits of Open-Source CyberSecurity tools
Open source cyber security monitoring tools offer numerous advantages over proprietary solutions, making them an attractive option for businesses, organizations, and individuals looking to enhance their security posture and perform effective security testing.
Here are some key benefits of using open-source tools for cyber security monitoring for monitoring services that pose security threats, even if you have another network monitoring system. Proper cybersecurity monitoring and access management are key to maintaining a secure environment.
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the most significant benefits of open-source cyber security tools is their cost-effectiveness. With no licensing fees or subscription costs, these free tools enable security teams to access powerful network monitoring solutions without breaking the bank.
This particularly benefits small businesses and startups with limited budgets, allowing them to allocate resources to other critical areas.
Customizability and Flexibility
Open-source network monitoring tools offer high customizability and flexibility, allowing security professionals to tailor the tools to their specific needs. This adaptability enables organizations to address unique security threats and vulnerabilities, ensuring a more robust security posture.
Additionally, the ability to integrate these tools with existing security infrastructure adds an extra layer of protection to network security.
Rapid Development and Updates
The open-source community is known for its rapid development and frequent updates. As new security threats and vulnerabilities emerge, open-source cyber security tools are often among the first to receive patches and updates.
This continuous monitoring and proactive response help organizations stay ahead of potential security risks and maintain a strong security posture.
Extensive Support and Collaboration
Open-source cyber security tools benefit from an extensive support network, comprising developers, users, and experts from around the world.
This collaborative environment fosters knowledge sharing, allowing security professionals to learn from one another and develop more effective security strategies.
Additionally, the availability of comprehensive documentation and online forums makes it easier for users to troubleshoot issues and enhance their understanding of network monitoring and security.
Improved Security and Transparency
With their source code openly available for inspection, open-source cyber security tools offer greater transparency than proprietary alternatives. This transparency allows security professionals and researchers to scrutinize the code for potential security vulnerabilities and ensure its integrity.
Moreover, the collaborative nature of the open-source community means that any identified issues are addressed quickly, further enhancing the overall security of these tools.
Platform Independence and Interoperability
Open-source network monitoring software often supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing organizations to deploy these tools across diverse environments.
This platform independence and interoperability help organizations ensure comprehensive network monitoring, regardless of the underlying infrastructure.
Top 25 Open Source Cyber Security Monitoring Tools in 2023
Note the following free cyber security monitoring tools in 2023 and the open-source list of solutions you can take advantage of and no free trial needed.
1. Wireshark: Network Protocol Analyzer
Wireshark is a widely-used network protocol analyzer that enables security teams to troubleshoot, analyze, and monitor network traffic in real-time to detect security issues. It is a defacto standard network monitoring tool.
command line interface data packets open source platform data breaches packet capture web apps network packets computer security experts solarwinds security event manager security scanning
By dissecting network protocols, Wireshark provides valuable insights into potential security risks and network vulnerabilities, allowing professionals to identify and resolve issues efficiently with the Wireshark network monitoring solution.
You can monitor a wide range of protocols, including TCP/IP, simple network management protocol, FTP, and many others. If you are looking for a network monitor this is it.
2. Snort: Network Intrusion Detection and Prevention System
Snort is a powerful open-source intrusion detection and prevention system (IDPS) that monitors network traffic and detects potential security threats.
It provides real-time traffic analysis, packet logging, and alerting capabilities, making it an essential tool for security auditing and network monitoring.
3. OSSEC: Host-Based Intrusion Detection System
OSSEC is a comprehensive host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS) that offers log analysis, file integrity checking, rootkit detection, and more.
It supports various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS, and helps security professionals monitor and analyze network protocols for potential security vulnerabilities.
4. Security Onion: Intrusion Detection and Network Security Monitoring Distribution
Security Onion is a Linux distribution specifically designed for intrusion detection, network security monitoring, and log management.
With a suite of powerful open-source tools, including Snort, Suricata, and Zeek, Security Onion provides a robust solution for security teams to monitor networks and detect security breaches.
5. Nmap: Network Scanning and Discovery Tool
Nmap is a versatile network scanning and discovery tool that helps security professionals identify network devices, open ports, and running services.
It is an essential network monitoring software for vulnerability management, penetration testing, and network inventory management.
6. Kismet: Wireless Network Detector, Sniffer, and Intrusion Detection System
Kismet is a wi fi security tool that detects, sniffs, and analyzes wireless networks. By monitoring wireless network traffic, Kismet identifies potential security risks, network vulnerabilities, and unauthorized users, making it an invaluable tool for wireless network security.
7. Suricata: High-Performance Network Intrusion Detection and Prevention Engine
Suricata is an open-source, high-performance network intrusion detection and prevention engine that provides real-time network traffic analysis, threat detection, and alerting.
Suricata enables security professionals to maintain network integrity and security by employing advanced threat defense and anomaly detection techniques.
8. Zeek (formerly Bro): Network Analysis Framework for Security Monitoring
Zeek, previously known as Bro, is a powerful network analysis framework that offers real-time insight into network traffic.
With its flexible scripting language and extensible plugin architecture, Zeek provides comprehensive visibility into network activity, enabling security teams to detect and prevent security threats.
9. OpenVAS: Vulnerability Scanning and Management Solution
OpenVAS is a comprehensive vulnerability scanning and management solution that helps security professionals identify, assess, and remediate security vulnerabilities.
With its extensive plugin library, OpenVAS ensures continuous monitoring and up-to-date vulnerability information, making it a critical tool for vulnerability management.
10. ClamAV: Open-Source Antivirus Engine
ClamAV is an open-source antivirus engine that detects trojans, viruses, and other malicious software.
It offers a command-line scanner, a graphical user interface (GUI) for Windows operating system, and integration with mail servers, ensuring that your systems are protected from security threats.
11. Fail2Ban: Log-Parsing Application to Protect Against Brute-Force Attacks
Fail2Ban is a log-parsing application that monitors log files for malicious activity, such as repeated failed login attempts. Fail2Ban bans the offending IP address when a potential attack is detected, effectively protecting your network from brute-force attacks and unauthorized access.
12. AlienVault OSSIM: Open-Source Security Information and Event Management Platform
AlienVault OSSIM is an open-source security information and event management (SIEM) platform that provides real-time event correlation, log analysis, and threat intelligence.
By integrating multiple security tools, OSSIM helps security teams maintain a unified user interface and enhance their overall security posture.
13. Cuckoo Sandbox: Automated Malware Analysis System
Cuckoo Sandbox is an open-source automated malware analysis system that enables security professionals to analyze suspicious files and URLs in a safe, isolated environment.
It provides detailed reports on malware behavior, including network traffic analysis, file system changes, and API traces, helping security teams identify and mitigate security risks.
14. Logstash: Log Processing and Management Tool
Logstash is part of the Elastic Stack (ELK Stack) and offers log processing and management capabilities.
It collects, parses, and stores log data from various sources, making it an essential tool for security professionals to monitor and analyze network activity, detect security breaches, and maintain system performance.
15. pfSense: Open-Source Firewall and Router Distribution
pfSense is an open-source firewall and router distribution based on FreeBSD. It offers a powerful and flexible network security, traffic shaping, and VPN connectivity solution.
With its extensive features and customization options, pfSense is ideal for securing web servers and internal networks.
16. ModSecurity: Open-Source Web Application Firewall
ModSecurity is an open-source web application firewall (WAF) providing real-time security monitoring and access control. It detects and prevents web attacks, protects sensitive data, and helps security professionals maintain compliance with industry standards and regulations.
AIDE is a file and directory integrity checker that monitors system files for unauthorized changes. It detects modifications, deletions, and additions, allowing security teams to maintain system integrity and prevent security breaches.
18. Graylog: Open-Source Log Management Platform
Graylog is an open-source log management platform that centralizes and analyzes log data from various sources.
Graylog helps security professionals detect security threats, identify network vulnerabilities, and maintain network security by providing comprehensive visibility into network activity.
19. Wazuh: Security Monitoring and Compliance Solution
Wazuh is a free, open-source security monitoring and compliance solution that integrates host-based and network-based intrusion detection systems, file integrity monitoring and security policy enforcement.
Wazuh’s centralized management and powerful analytics capabilities make it an essential tool for security teams to detect and respond to security threats.
20. T-Pot: Honeypot Platform
T-Pot is a platform combining multiple honeypots into a single, easy-to-deploy solution for cyber security monitoring. By simulating vulnerable systems and services, T-Pot attracts attackers and collects threat data, providing valuable insights into current attack trends and techniques.
Honorable mentions
Samhain: Host-Based Intrusion Detection System
Samhain is a host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS) that provides file integrity checking and log file monitoring. It detects unauthorized modifications, deletions, and additions, helping security professionals maintain system integrity and prevent security breaches.
SELKS: Network Security Management ISO with Suricata
SELKS is a live and installable network security management ISO based on Debian, focusing on a complete and ready-to-use Suricata IDS/IPS ecosystem. It offers a user-friendly interface and powerful analytics tools, making it an ideal choice for security teams to monitor networks and detect potential security threats.
Squid: Open-Source Web Proxy Cache and Forward Proxy
Squid is an open-source web proxy cache and forward proxy that improves web performance and security. By caching frequently-requested web content and filtering web traffic, Squid helps reduce bandwidth usage, enhance user privacy, and protect against web-based security threats.
YARA: Pattern-Matching Tool for Malware Researchers
YARA is a pattern-matching tool designed for malware researchers to identify and classify malware samples. By creating custom rules and signatures, YARA enables security professionals to detect and analyze malicious software, enhancing their understanding of current malware trends and techniques.
Arkime (formerly Moloch): Large-Scale, Open-Source, Indexed Packet Capture and Search System
Arkime is a large-scale, open-source, indexed packet capture and search system that provides comprehensive visibility into network traffic. It enables security professionals to analyze network protocols, detect security vulnerabilities, and identify potential security threats, making it an essential tool for network monitoring and security auditing.
Tips to Improve Your Cybersecurity Posture
Improving your cybersecurity posture is essential for safeguarding your organization from various cyber threats. Here are some practical tips to help enhance your cybersecurity defenses:
Implement Regular Security Audits: Conducting routine security audits can help identify potential weaknesses in your organization’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
This includes checking for outdated software, misconfigured settings, and other vulnerabilities that may expose your systems to attacks.
Keep Software and Systems Updated: Regularly update your software, operating systems, and firmware to protect against known vulnerabilities and exploits.
This includes applying security patches and updates as soon as they become available.
Use Strong Authentication Mechanisms: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all critical systems and applications.
MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional verification, such as a one-time code or biometric authentication, in addition to their password.
Encrypt Sensitive Data: Encrypt sensitive data both in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorized access. This includes using secure communication protocols, such as HTTPS and TLS, and implementing encryption solutions for data storage.
Establish a Strong Password Policy: Enforce a robust password policy that requires users to create complex, unique passwords and update them regularly. Additionally, consider using a password manager to help users manage and store their passwords securely.
Educate Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices: Provide ongoing security awareness training to educate employees about common cyber threats, safe online practices, and how to recognize and report potential security incidents.
Implement Network Segmentation: Divide your network into smaller segments, isolating critical systems and data from less secure areas. This can help prevent the spread of malware and limit the damage in case of a security breach.
Regularly Backup Important Data: Regularly back up essential data and store copies offsite or in the cloud. This ensures that you can quickly recover from data loss or ransomware attacks.
Utilize Endpoint Security Solutions: Deploy comprehensive endpoint security solutions to protect devices connected to your network.
This includes antivirus software, firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and device management tools.
Monitor and Analyze Network Traffic: Use network monitoring tools to analyze network traffic, detect anomalies, and identify potential security threats. Regular monitoring can help detect and respond to security incidents more effectively.
Develop a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan: Create a detailed incident response plan outlining the steps to take in a security breach. Regularly review and update the plan, and ensure that all employees are familiar with the procedures.
Collaborate with Security Professionals: Engage with cybersecurity experts or managed service providers to help develop and maintain a strong security posture.
This can provide access to specialized knowledge and resources to stay up-to-date with the latest threats and best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the best open-source cyber security monitoring tools available in 2023?
This blog post covers the top 25 open-source cyber security monitoring tools in 2023, including Wireshark, Snort, OSSEC, Security Onion, Nmap, Kismet, Suricata, Zeek, OpenVAS, ClamAV, and more.
These tools provide comprehensive network monitoring, threat detection, and vulnerability management capabilities to help organizations maintain a robust security posture.
Open-source cyber security monitoring tools offer several advantages: cost-effectiveness, customizability, rapid development and updates, extensive support, improved security, and platform independence.
These benefits make open-source tools attractive for organizations looking to enhance their network security and protect sensitive data.
3. How can I improve my organization’s cybersecurity hygiene?
In addition to utilizing open-source cyber security monitoring tools, organizations can improve their cybersecurity hygiene by implementing security awareness training, regularly updating software and systems, employing strong password policies, using multi-factor authentication, monitoring network traffic, and conducting regular security audits and penetration testing.
4. What is the importance of continuous monitoring in cybersecurity?
Continuous monitoring plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing security threats and vulnerabilities in real-time.
By regularly analyzing network traffic, security professionals can detect potential issues, respond to incidents promptly, and ensure the safety and integrity of their digital assets.
5. How can I protect my web applications from security threats?
Web application security can be improved by using tools such as ModSecurity, an open-source web application firewall (WAF) that provides real-time application security monitoring and access control.
Regularly updating web applications, conducting vulnerability assessments, and implementing secure coding practices can also help mitigate security risks.
6. What role do threat intelligence and threat data play in cybersecurity?
Threat intelligence and threat data help security professionals understand the latest trends, tactics, and techniques cybercriminals use.
Organizations can proactively address potential issues and maintain a strong security posture by staying informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
7. Are open-source cyber security monitoring tools suitable for small businesses and startups?
Yes, open-source cyber security monitoring tools are ideal for small businesses and startups, as they offer cost-effective and powerful network monitoring solutions.
These tools enable organizations with limited budgets to access advanced security features without incurring high licensing fees or subscription costs.
Wrapping up
The ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats demands reliable and effective tools for security professionals to protect networks, systems, and sensitive data.
These Top 20 open-source cyber security monitoring tools in 2023 provide a comprehensive network monitoring, threat detection, and vulnerability management solution.
By incorporating these tools into your security strategy, you can enhance your overall security posture and ensure the safety and integrity of your digital assets.
It’s easy to think high-tech companies have a security advantage over other older, more mature industries. Most are unburdened by 40 years of legacy systems and software. They draw some of the world’s youngest, brightest digital natives to their ranks, all of whom consider cybersecurity issues their entire lives.
Perhaps it is due to their familiarity with technology that causes them to overlook SaaS security configurations. During the last Christmas holiday season, Slack had some private code stolen from its GitHub repository. According to Slack, the stolen code didn’t impact production, and no customer data was taken.
Still, the breach should serve as a warning sign to other tech companies. Stolen tokens allowed threat actors to access the GitHub instance and download the code. If this type of attack can happen to Slack on GitHub, it can happen to any high-tech company. Tech companies must take SaaS security seriously to prevent resources from leaking or being stolen.
Slack’s misfortune with GitHub wasn’t the first time a GitHub breach occurred. Back in April, a stolen OAuth token from Heroku and Travis CI-maintained OAuth applications were stolen, leading to an attacker downloading data from dozens of private code repositories.
MailChimp, a SaaS app used to manage email campaigns, experienced three breaches over 12 months spanning 2022-23. Customer data was stolen by threat actors, who used that data in attacks against cryptocurrency companies.
SevenRooms had over 400 GB of sensitive data stolen from its CRM platform, PayPal notified customers in January that unauthorized parties accessed accounts using stolen login credentials, and Atlassian saw employee data and corporate data exposed in a February breach.
Clearly, tech companies aren’t immune to data breaches. Protecting their proprietary code, customer data, and employee records that are stored within SaaS applications should be a top priority.
A strong SaaS posture is important for any company, but it is particularly important for organizations that store their proprietary code in SaaS applications. This code is especially tempting to threat actors, who would like nothing more than to monetize their efforts and ransom the code back to its creators.
Tech companies also tend to rely on a large number and mix of SaaS applications, from collaboration platforms to sales and marketing tools, legal and finance, data warehouses, cybersecurity solutions, and many more – making it even more challenging to secure the entire stack.
Tech employees heavily depend on SaaS apps to do their day-to-day work; this requires security teams to strictly govern identities and their access. Moreover, these users tend to log into their SaaS apps through different devices to maintain efficiency, which may pose a risk to the organization based on the device’s level of hygiene. On top of this, tech employees tend to connect third-party applications to the core stack without thinking twice, granting these apps high risk scopes.
The high-tech industry is known for periods of hyper-growth, followed by downsizing. Over the past few months, we’ve seen Facebook, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Shopify and others announce layoffs.
Deprovisioning employees from SaaS applications is a critical element in data security. While much of the offboarding of employees is automated, SaaS applications that are not connected to the company directory don’t automatically revoke access. Even those applications that are connected may have admin accounts that are outside the company’s SSO. While the primary SSO account may be disconnected, the user’s admin access through the app’s login screen is often accessible.
At the same time, the industry is ripe with mergers and acquisition announcements. As a result of M&As, the acquiring company needs to create a baseline for SaaS security and monitor all SaaS stacks of merged or acquired companies, while enabling business continuity. Whether the hyper growth is organic or through an M&A, organizations need to be able to ensure access is right-sized for their users, at scale and rapidly.
The majority of data breaches impacting tech companies stem from stolen credentials and tokens. The threat actor enters the system through the front door, using valid credentials of the user.
Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) picks up suspicious events that would otherwise go unnoticed. An SSPM (SaaS Security Posture Management) solution with threat detection engines in place will alert when there is an Indicator of Compromise (IOC). These IOCs are based on cross-referencing of activities such as user geolocation, time, frequency, recurring attempts to login, excessive activities and more.
Maintaining a high SaaS security posture is challenging for high tech companies, who may mistakenly believe they are equipped and well trained to prevent SaaS attacks. SaaS Security Posture Management is essential to preventing SaaS breaches, while an SSPM with ITDR capabilities will go a long way toward ensuring that your SaaS data is secure.
Almost five months after Google added support for passkeys to its Chrome browser, the tech giant has begun rolling out the passwordless solution across Google Accounts on all platforms.
Passkeys, backed by the FIDO Alliance, are a more secure way to sign in to apps and websites without having to use a traditional password. This, in turn, can be achieved by simply unlocking their computer or mobile device with their biometrics (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition) or a local PIN.
“And, unlike passwords, passkeys are resistant to online attacks like phishing, making them more secure than things like SMS one-time codes,” Google noted.
Passkeys, once created, are locally stored on the device, and are not shared with any other party. This also obviates the need for setting up two-factor authentication, as it proves that “you have access to your device and are able to unlock it.”
Users also have the choice of creating passkeys for every device they use to login to Google Account. That said, a passkey created on one device will be synced to all the users’ other devices running the same operating system platform (i.e., Android, iOS/macOS, or Windows) and if they are signed in to the same account. Viewed in that light, passkeys are not truly interoperable.
It’s worth pointing out that both Google Password Manager and iCloud Keychain use end-to-end encryption to keep the passkeys private, thereby preventing users from getting locked out should they lose access to their devices or making it easier to upgrade from one device to another.
Additionally, users can sign in on a new device or temporarily use a different device by selecting the option to “use a passkey from another device,” which then uses the phone’s screen lock and proximity to approve a one-time sign-in.
“The device then verifies that your phone is in proximity using a small anonymous Bluetooth message and sets up an end-to-end encrypted connection to the phone through the internet,” the company explained.
“The phone uses this connection to deliver your one-time passkey signature, which requires your approval and the biometric or screen lock step on the phone. Neither the passkey itself nor the screen lock information is sent to the new device.”
While this may be the “beginning of the end of the password,” the company said it intends to continue to support existing login methods like passwords and two-factor authentication for the foreseeable future.
Google is also recommending that users do not create passkeys on devices that are shared with others, a move that could effectively undermine all its security protections.
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Layer 3 adoption is the process of adopting a UniFi device to a remote UniFi Network Application. This is only recommended for advanced users, or those adopting devices to the UniFi Cloud Console.
We highly recommend that users refer to Device Adoption for standard device adoption.
L3 Adoption Methods
For layer 3 adoption, your UniFi Network Application and connected devices must have internet access.
UniFi Network Mobile App
The Cloud Console can leverage your UniFi Network Mobile App (iOS / Android) to provide the easiest L3 adoption experience.
Refer to our UniFi Device LED Status guide to ensure the device is in a factory-default state.
Connect your mobile device to the same local network as your UniFi device.
Open your UniFi Network Mobile App and connect to site you want to adopt your device.
Your device should appear for adoption.
DHCP Option 43
This option leverages your DHCP server to inform your UniFi device of the location of your remote Network Application host. Those with a UniFi Gateway can easily accomplish this by entering the IP address of the remote Network Application in Option 43 Application Host Address field located in the Network Settings.
For those using a third-party gateway or DHCP server, we recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation to learn more.
DNS
You’ll need to configure your DNS server to resolve ‘unifi’ to your remote UniFi Network Application host.
There are two methods of specifying the Network Application host:
The UniFi device will now show up for adoption and can be treated as a standard L2 adoption.
Migrating From Another Network Application
A Layer 3 migration is useful for moving devices from a current Network application to a new Cloud Console. See Backups and Migration for more information.
Recovery Mode is a last-resort solution to recover an unresponsive UniFi device, often resulting from power loss occurring at the same time as an update. Only use Recovery Mode if you are unable to perform a standard factory reset.
Note: UniFi Power Backup can prevent unexpected power losses from occurring.
The following UniFi devices support Recovery Mode:
Dream Machine, Dream Machine Pro & Dream Wall
Access Points (all models)
Cloud KeyCloud Key Gen2+
Cameras
USW Flex Mini
Before Considering Recovery Mode
If you are considering Recovery Mode, first check two key points:
Reboot your UniFi device. If this resolves your symptoms, no further actions are required.
Factory reset your UniFi device. If you have cloud backups, you can easily restore your settings after factory resetting. If a factory reset works, no further actions are required.
Performing a Device Recovery
Dream Machine, Dream Machine Pro & Dream Wall
Download the most recent firmware for your device, found here.
Completely power-off the UniFi device and unplug it from its power source.
Press and hold the Reset button and then reconnect it to the power source.
Continue holding the Reset button for 5 seconds, or until the display (in supported models) indicates Recovery Mode.
Connect an Ethernet cable from your computer to the first LAN port (Port 1). This is usually the port nearest to the top left corner.
Note: Connect to the Dream Wall via Port 18, not Port 1.
Configure a static IP address on your computer in the 192.168.1.0/24 range (for example, 192.168.1.11).
Windows Client
Navigate to the Windows 10 Network connections
Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Change Adapter Option
Modify the IPv4 settings of the Ethernet adapter
Ethernet Adapter > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Propertie
Select the option to manually enter an IP address and add the following information:
IP address: 192.168.1.11
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Default gateway: <blank>
DNS servers: <blank>
macOS Client
Navigate to the mac OS Network connections.
System Preferences > Networks > Ethernet Adapter
Select to manually enter an IP address and add the following information:
IP Address: 192.168.1.11
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Router: <blank>
DNS server: <blank>
In a web browser, navigate to http://192.168.1.30 to access the Recovery Mode UI.
Note: The Recovery Mode UI is accessible via HTTP only (not HTTPS). Your browser may try to redirect your session to HTTPS. Use a different browser if necessary.
Select Firmware Update > Choose and browse your computer for the previously downloaded firmware (.bin) image file.
Wait for the upgrade process to complete and reboot the device afterwards.
Access Points
Download the most recent firmware for your device, found here.
Connect your AP and computer to the same network or VLAN, either through a PoE switch or by connecting the computer directly to the network (data) port on the PoE adapter.
Press and hold the Reset button, and connect your computer to the available ethernet port of the AP.
Continue holding the Reset button until the LED flashes white, blue, off as indicated in our LED Status Guide. This indicates your device is ready for TFTP Recovery and you can release the button.
Set a static IP address on your computer to communicate with the AP, which has a default IP address of 192.168.1.20. The following is an example configuration:
Use TFTP to move the firmware from your computer to your AP. There are various programs and methods for accomplishing this. Here are two methods for your reference.
Windows
Use the built-in TFTP command line tool, or a separate program such as Tftpd64 or pumpKIN.
Select the downloaded firmware image and transfer it to the AP.
macOS and Linux
Open Terminal
Enter TFTP mode by entering the command:tftp
Once in TFTP, paste the following commands and hit enter.connect 192.168.1.20 binary rexmt 1 timeout 60 put /path/to/firmware_name.bin
The file transfer will begin. The firmware will upgrade and the device will automatically reboot once it has finished. Do not reboot it yourself.
Cloud Key
Cloud Key Gen2, Gen2 Plus
Download the most recent firmware for your device, found here.
Power off the system.
Press and hold the Reset button and then connect it to the power source.
Continue holding the Reset button for 10 seconds, until the LED flashes blue and white. The LCD screen on the front panel will also read “RECOVERY MODE.”
Open your browser and type the IP address for the Cloud Key, visible on the device’s screen.
Note: The IP address comes from your DHCP server. If it has not been assigned an IP address, you can try the fallback: 192.168.1.30.
Run the “Check Filesystem” to try searching for and repairing any problems with your storage disk that may cause system issues.
Restore the firmware you downloaded in step (1). Note that this will also factory reset your device.
The LED will flash white while upgrading and turn into a steady white when it is complete.
If your device fails again, this is a sign that you should replace your storage disk.
Cloud Key (Gen1)
Download the most recent firmware for your device, found here.
Power off the system.
Press and hold the Reset button and then connect it to the power source.
Continue holding the Reset button for 10 seconds, until the LED flashes blue and white.
Open your browser and type the IP address for the Cloud Key.
Note: The IP address comes from your DHCP server. If it has not been assigned an IP address, you can try the fallback: 192.168.1.30.
If your Cloud Key does have an IP address assigned by the DHCP server, the fallback IP will not work.
User Tip: If you don’t know your Cloud Key’s IP address, you can use thearp -a SSH command, or software such as nmap to find the IP address.
You will be taken to the Recovery Mode screen. From here you can reset, reboot, power off and most importantly upload an updated firmware bin file.
Upload the firmware you downloaded in step (1).
Once it is uploaded, reboot the Cloud Key to complete the firmware upgrade.
The LED will flash white while upgrading and turn into a steady white when it is complete.
Cameras
Unplug the PoE cable from the camera.
Press and hold the Reset button, then reconnect the camera to its PoE cable.
Continue holding the Reset button for at least 10 seconds, or until you see the LED flash 3 times rapidly.
Release the Reset button.
The device will automatically reboot to an older firmware.
To update to more recent firmware:
Find your specific camera model at our Downloads page using the left hand menu.
Copy the .bin file link of the firmware.
Use that link to upload it via the webUI of the camera, in System Settings.
Alternatively, adopt the camera to your NVR to perform an upgrade via the NVR-hosted UniFi Video user interface.
USW Flex Mini
Prepare a web server (see below*).
Set the server/computer’s IP to a static 192.168.1.99.
The method to set a static IP on a computer varies from platform to platform. Find instructions in your product’s documentation (Windows, macOS or Ubuntu/Linux).
Download the most recent firmware for your device, found here.
Rename the binary to fwupdate.bin and place it in the directory that was created earlier (webserver).
Power off the switch by unplugging it from its power source.
Press and hold the Reset button and then connect it to the power source.
Continue holding the Reset button for 10 seconds, until the LED flashes blue, white, off.
The USW-Flex-Mini should be updated.
* The first step in the recovery process is to prepare a web server. See below for a walkthrough on your operating system: Windows, macOS and Ubuntu/Debian.
Prepare a Web Server on Windows
Download Python for Windows (Executable Installer) here.
Open the downloaded file and make sure you select Add Python x.x to PATH during installation.
After the Python installation open Command Prompt as Administrator and confirm that Python is installed correctly with the command below: python -V
Create a directory for the web server by running the commands below: mkdir c:\webserver cd c:\webserver
5. Start the Python web server on port 80. Note that the version of Python can be found with the command from step 3:
After the Python installation open Terminal and confirm that Python is installed correctly with the command below: python -V
Create a directory for the web server by running the commands below: cd ~ mkdir webserver cd webserver
Start the Python web server on port 80. Note that the version of Python can be found with the command from step 2:
Python 3.x: python -m http.server 80
Python 2.x: python -m SimpleHTTPServer 80
Prepare a Web Server on Ubuntu/Debian
Install Python on your machine with the commands below: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install python3
After the Python installation open a terminal and confirm that Python is installed correctly with the command below: python_version=$(dpkg -l | grep “^ii” | awk ‘/python/{print$2}’ | grep “^python[0-9].[0-9]$” | head -n1) sudo “${python_version}” -V
Create a directory for the web server by running the commands below: cd ~ mkdir webserver cd webserver
Start the Python web server on port 80. Note that the version of Python can be found with the command from step 2:
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