Cisco Secure Firewall vs Palo Alto NGFW

Feature Cisco Secure Firewall Palo Alto NGFW
Threat Intelligence

Cisco Talos Intelligence: This is Cisco's primary source of threat intelligence.
Cisco Secure Malware Analytics (formerly Threat Grid): This cloud-based service provides advanced sandboxing and malware analysis.
Cisco Secure Endpoint Intelligence (formerly AMP for Endpoints): This provides endpoint-centric threat intelligence

WildFire: Cloud-based malware analysis for zero-day threats. 
Advanced Threat Prevention: This is a core security service within Palo Alto NGFWs that provides protection against exploits.
AutoFocus: A threat intelligence service that provides in-depth context and analysis of threats.
Unit 42: Palo Alto Networks' threat intelligence team.

Intrusion Prevention (IPS)

Snort IPS with extensive rule-based detection and Talos threat feeds.

Signature-based IPS integrated with Threat Prevention and ML-based analysis.

Encrypted Traffic Analysis

Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA): Detects malware in encrypted traffic without decryption.

SSL Decryption with automated policy-based inspection.

Zero Trust & Identity-Based Security

Cisco ISE integration: Role-based access and dynamic segmentation.

Zero Trust enforcement with user and application awareness (App-ID & User-ID).

Cloud Security & SASE

Cisco Umbrella + Secure Firewall Cloud for cloud-based firewalling & SASE.

Prisma Access: Full cloud-based SASE architecture with Zero Trust controls.

Automation & AI

SecureX orchestration for security automation & response.

Cortex AI & ML-based threat detection.

Policy Management

Firewall Management Center (FMC) with SecureX automation.

Panorama centralized management with AI-driven policies.

Zero Trust Capabilities

Microsegmentation, identity-based access.

Granular role-based access & segmentation.

Sandboxing

Uses Cisco Secure Malware Analytics (formerly Threat Grid) for deep file analysis, behavioral detection, and malware classification.

WildFire is a cloud-based malware analysis and prevention service that detects, analyzes, and blocks zero-day threats using machine learning and sandboxing techniques.

Main Competitors

Palo Alto, Fortinet.

Cisco, Fortinet, Sonicwall. 

  Cisco Secure Firewall Palo Alto NGFW

Is it a suitable solution for all types of network environments, including small businesses?

 

Cisco Secure Firewall excels in providing advanced security capabilities, high scalability, and robust performance, making it a strong contender for large enterprises with complex security needs. Its comprehensive feature set, backed by the threat intelligence of Cisco Talos, positions it as a powerful solution for organizations facing sophisticated cyber threats.

Palo Alto's Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) are renowned for their robust security features. However, users often note that these firewalls may be cost-prohibitive for small businesses. They suggest that while Palo Alto NGFWs offer excellent protection, the high price point and complexity might not align with the needs and budgets of smaller organizations. Exploring alternative solutions that balance security and affordability could be more suitable for small business environments.​

What is one of the most distinctive features?

Cisco's Encrypted Visibility Engine (EVE) analyzes encrypted traffic without decryption to detect threats and anomalies. Using machine learning and behavioral analytics, it identifies malware, policy violations, and suspicious activity while maintaining data privacy. EVE helps security teams monitor encrypted traffic efficiently, ensuring compliance and threat prevention without compromising encryption integrity. It enhances network security by providing visibility into encrypted communications, making it a key component of Cisco's cybersecurity solutions.

Palo Alto Networks Application Identity identifies and classifies applications in real time, regardless of port, protocol, or encryption. It enables precise security policies by recognizing app behavior rather than relying on traditional IP-based rules. This helps organizations enforce access control, prevent threats, and optimize network performance by allowing or blocking applications based on security needs. It’s a key feature of Palo Alto’s Next-Generation Firewalls, ensuring visibility and control over network traffic.

Common Criticisms

Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center is a powerful, feature-rich platform that has improved over time but still suffers from significant management complexity, historical stability issues, and a less intuitive user experience compared to key competitors.

Palo Alto NGFWs as highly capable, feature-rich, and effective security devices with an intuitive management interface, often considered a technical leader. However, this comes at a very high cost, which is a major barrier for many. Concerns about potential bugs in new software releases and mixed experiences with technical support are also frequently mentioned drawbacks.

 

Cisco Secure Firewall Dashboard & UI

Cisco Partners

A Cisco Partner provides businesses with expert consultation, seamless deployment, cost optimization, and technical support. Below is a list of some of the top Cisco partners in the market.

  • Konica Minolta

    It’s important to ensure that critical IT systems are always available to support core business functions, but maintaining IT systems with an in-house IT staff can be costly and inefficient.

  • Corsica Technologies

    Corsica Technologies is an MSP specializing in cybersecurity solutions, managed IT services, digital transformation, and data integration. Corsica provides solutions for midmarket businesses …

  • eGroup

    Enabling Technologies (part of eGroup) builds a Secure, more connected, more enjoyable workplace using the Microsoft Security, Communications and Collaboration stack. Our perspective from thousands …

  • Arctic IT

    Arctic IT® is an experienced technology company that specializes in unique, scalable cloud and security solutions. Since 2002, we’ve been committed to building strong relationships and driving …

Palo Alto NGFW Dashboard & UI

Palo Alto Partners

A Palo Alto Partner provides businesses with expert consultation, seamless deployment, cost optimization, and technical support. Below is a list of some of the top Palo Alto partners in the market.

  • Burwood Group, Inc.

    Burwood Group was founded in Chicago, IL with five U.S. offices including 24x7 Operations Centers in San Diego, CA and Normal, IL. Whether you are developing strategy, deploying technology, or …

  • CompuNet IT Inc

    CompuNet was founded in Grangeville, Idaho and now operates in the Western United States and headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We strive to understand our clients’ business needs, engineer IT solutions …

  • Right! Systems Inc.

    Since 1993, Right! Systems Inc. has provided business-driven, multi-vendor IT solutions to clients worldwide. Drawing on deep industry expertise and a portfolio of interrelated consulting, …

  • Structured

    Structured is a leading information technology consultancy and systems integrator that has partnered with hundreds of clients throughout the U.S. to maximize the value of IT.
    For over two …