Azure Firewall vs Palo Alto NGFW

August 05, 2023 | Author: Michael Stromann
5
Azure Firewall
Azure Firewall is a managed, cloud-based network security service that protects Azure Virtual Network resources.
13
Palo Alto NGFW
Virtualized ML-Powered NGFWs match best-in-class security with cloud speed, agility and scale. Get simple and best-in-class network security for public clouds, private clouds, virtual branches, and critical infrastructure.

Azure Firewall and Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) are both popular network security solutions, but they have distinct differences in terms of deployment, features, and integration. Firstly, Azure Firewall is a cloud-native firewall service provided by Microsoft for securing resources and applications hosted on the Azure cloud platform. It is a fully managed service that integrates seamlessly with other Azure services, offering centralized management, high availability, and scalability. Azure Firewall focuses on providing essential firewall functionalities such as packet filtering, network address translation (NAT), and application rule controls. It is well-suited for organizations heavily invested in the Azure ecosystem, seeking a hassle-free, cloud-based security solution with straightforward management.

On the other hand, Palo Alto NGFW is a comprehensive on-premises firewall solution designed for both traditional and modern networks. It offers a wide range of advanced security features, including intrusion prevention, application visibility and control, threat intelligence integration, and SSL decryption. Palo Alto NGFW's strength lies in its ability to inspect and protect against threats at the application layer, making it ideal for complex corporate environments with high-security demands. It is well-regarded for its granular control over applications and its advanced analytics and reporting capabilities, providing security teams with in-depth visibility and control over network traffic.

Another significant difference between Azure Firewall and Palo Alto NGFW is their deployment models. As a cloud-native service, Azure Firewall is primarily designed for protecting resources hosted on the Azure cloud platform and cannot be directly used for on-premises networks. In contrast, Palo Alto NGFW is a physical or virtual appliance that can be deployed both on-premises and in cloud environments, providing more flexibility in network architecture.

See also: Top 10 Firewall software
Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email stromann@liventerprise.com