Cisco vs Check Point | 2025 Battlecard

Feature	Cisco Secure Firewall	Quantum Network Security
Threat Intelligence	Cisco Talos Intelligence is Cisco's primary source of threat intelligence, complemented by Cisco Secure Malware Analytics (formerly Threat Grid) and Cisco Secure Endpoint Intelligence (formerly AMP for Endpoints)	Check Point ThreatCloud Intelligence; integrates real-time intelligence from 60+ threat feeds and 100M+ sensors
Intrusion Prevention (IPS)	Snort IPS with extensive rule-based detection and Talos threat feeds.	Integrated IPS with deep packet inspection and automatic protections via ThreatCloud.
Encrypted Traffic Analysis	Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA): Detects malware in encrypted traffic without decryption.	HTTPS inspection and detection with patented technologies, including TLS fingerprinting.
Zero Trust & Identity-Based Security	Cisco ISE integration: Role-based access and dynamic segmentation. Cisco integrates Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) via Duo Security and Cisco ISE.	Check Point Identity Awareness, Identity-based policy enforcement, and integration with SAML, LDAP, AD.
Cloud Security & SASE	Cisco Umbrella + Secure Firewall Cloud for cloud-based firewalling & SASE.	Check Point Harmony Connect for SASE, delivering cloud-delivered firewall, SWG, ZTNA, and threat prevention.
Automation & AI	SecureX orchestration for security automation & response.	Infinity architecture with unified security management and AI-based threat prevention.
Policy Management	Firewall Management Center (FMC) with SecureX automation.	Unified Security Management via R81+ platform, with centralized control and SmartConsole.
Local Agent	Cisco Secure Client (formerly AnyConnect). Full-featured Secure Client: VPN, posture, Umbrella, Duo MFA, etc. No native agentless ZTNA; VPN still required for most access.	Check Point Endpoint Security VPN and Harmony Endpoint agent. Supports agentless access through Harmony Connect.
Sandboxing	Uses Cisco Secure Malware Analytics (formerly Threat Grid) for deep file analysis, behavioral detection, and malware classification.	Check Point SandBlast Threat Emulation, a cloud-based sandbox with advanced malware detection.
Main Competitors	Palo Alto, Fortinet, Sophos.	Cisco, Palo Alto, Fortinet.

	Cisco Secure Firewall	Quantum Network Security
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.	Check Point Quantum Network Security offers solutions tailored for both small businesses (such as Quantum Spark) and large enterprises, positioning Check Point as a vendor capable of securing networks across the full spectrum of business sizes.
What are 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.	Great VPN connectivity and the intuitive management interface, which simplifies policy management and enhances operational efficiency. Check Point SandBlast for its advanced threat prevention capabilities, particularly in detecting and blocking sophisticated cyber threats such as zero-day attacks and ransomware with its multi-layered defense approach.
Common Criticisms	Complex Management Interface. 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. High Licensing Costs: Cisco's licensing model is frequently described as complex and expensive. Essential features such as Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and VPN capabilities often require additional licenses, increasing the total cost of ownership.	High Licensing Costs: The total cost of ownership, including licensing and maintenance, can be high, which may be a concern for some organizations. Complexity and Learning Curve: The system's extensive features can be overwhelming, leading to a steep learning curve for new users.

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.
…
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 …
NetGain Technologies
NetGain Technologies helps organizations with managed IT services by augmenting their IT departments. Using key alliances with partners like Cisco, Microsoft, HP, and VMware, NetGain Technologies is …

Quantum Network Security Dashboard & UI

Check Point Partners

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

Sayers
Founded twenty-eight years ago, Sayers is an industry-leading IT services and solution provider, offering the latest and most sophisticated technologies. We partner with world-class vendors. Over the …
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 …
Titan Technologies, LLC
Titan Technologies is Central New Jersey's leading MSP, offering premier IT Support, Cyber Security, Data Backup, and Help Desk services. Our dedicated team provides reliable tech solutions tailored …
iTecs
“Professional. As IT should be.” iTecs works closely with each client to ensure a long and prosperous relationship. We provide companies with IT Services, IT Outsourcing, IT Support, IT Consulting …