Examples of Firewall as a Service (Use-cases)

Businesses now also face rapidly growing security needs that software solutions will need to scale up and manage in an ever-changing cyber-threat world. And one of those solutions, Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), provides businesses with many benefits, especially for companies who want to improve their network security without the high upfront costs and headaches usually associated with traditional firewall hardware. Firewall as a service was born, making it simple for companies to distribute firewall defenses at minimal cost and most importantly, without having to consume time by managing their infrastructure with all its liabilities. In this post we take a look at some successful case studies that demonstrate how effective FWaaS can be, especially in an outsourced environment.

What is Firewall as a Service

Firewall as a Service gives you the same capabilities of traditional firewalls with added advantages via cloud-based option. Instead, by offering it as a service so businesses can rent the hardware: turning CapEx into predictable OpEx. With FWaaS they can easily scale their security needs with the benefit and flexibility of not having to manage hardware.

Benefits of Renting FWaaS

Cost Efficiency:

• Reduced Initial Investment: Since renting eliminates the need for large initial capital investment, businesses from all sectors are allowed easy access to cutting-edge security features.
• Revenue Predictability: Renting helps turn CapEx into OpEx, so companies can better anticipate how much capital they are going to need from month-to-month.

Scalability:

• Flexible Scaling: Renting allows business to scale their security solutions as needed for growth, always ensuring appropriate security protection.
• On-Demand Resources: Organizations can scale their security infrastructure as needed, in real-time instead of over-provisioning resources.

Maintenance and Updates:

• Managed Services: where providers cover hardware maintenance, updates and patches; freeing up in-house IT teams to focus on business goals.
• Improved Security: Regular updates mean that your phone always has the newest security features designed to protect against newly-discovered threats.

Case Study 1: Retail Chain Improving its Security Posture

The Challenge

An identified retail chain experienced multiple cyber attacks directed towards its customer data and payment mechanisms across numerous locations. They were using old hardware firewalls that could not provide the security and scalability requirements.

The Solution

This retail chain decided to outsource their security infrastructure by renting FWaaS. The firewall solution which was rented came with advanced threat detection and automated responses, configured to meet their specific requirements.

Implementation

Assessment and Planning:

The FWaaS provider carried out an intensive vulnerability assessment with respect to security. A bespoke solution built to respond to the identified threats, and able to integrate into their existing systems natively.

Deployment:

Implemented Remotely With Minimal Impact on Daily Routine The solution was committed company-wide across the board.

Monitoring and Support:

This included continuous monitoring services, ensuring real-time threat detection and response. This included 24/7 support, meaning they would be able to address any issue that might surface much quicker.

Results

• Increased Security: The retail chain experienced a noticeable decrease in successful cyber-attacks.
• Save Money: Avoided large capital expenditures in hardware with FWaaS rental
• Scalability: the solution could be scaled seamlessly as new locations were being opened, maintaining enterprise-grade security across branches.

Case Study 2: A Financial Firm Navigating Compliance

The Challenge

A financial services firm was required to adhere to a complex set of regulatory requirements. Their current firewall infrastructure was not up to snuff for compliance, and the cost of upgrading their physical hardware components would have been exorbitant.

The Solution

Cannot justify the capital expenditure, instead opted to rent FWaaS for compliance with industry regulations

Implementation

Pre-Deployment Audit:

An extensive audit was carried out to establish the compliance needs as well as technical infrastructure gaps

Customized FWaaS Solution:

An example of this is a firewall solution which was designed to be compliance focused and utilizing advanced encryption, access controls including logging capabilities.

Integration and Testing:

Integrated with firm’s current IT infrastructure Complete testing was conducted before full scale deployment to ensure all compliance requirements were met.

The states serve as a very active regulator and have initiated several actions against cosmetology schools for non-compliance with state regulations. Continuous monitoring for ongoing compliance with regulatory changes was also part of the service.

Results

• Regulatory Compliance: The company satisfied all regulatory criteria.
• Budget Management: With FWaaS being rented for, the firm did not need to spend a significant amount of capital outlay which helped making compliance cost-effective.
• Operational Efficiency: Enhancements in security and compliance processes helped the firm streamline their non-core functions so they could focus on business-critical tasks.

Case Study 3: Startup Tech Company Scaling Securely

The Challenge

A growing tech startup required a dynamic security solution; to serve not only for current needs but also future requirements. Their growth was exceeding the capacity of their IT infrastructure, leading to security gaps that posed a threat to their innovative online business.

The Solution

In order to answer these issues, the startup went for FWaaS which offered them flexible and homogeneous security that were able to cope with their growth.

Implementation

Risk Assessment:

Initial Risk assessment conducted to understand different security requirements for the startup.

Tailored FWaaS Deployment:

The firewall solution was architected to be flexible and scalable as the companies faced different amounts of load.

Smooth Transition:

The deployment was handled very carefully, so as to provide a seamless change from the old firewall setup until we were able.to fully decommission it in lieu of this new leased service.

Continuous Support:

Continuous support and real-time monitoring during scaling stages, to guarantee startup security.

Results

• Seamless Scalability: The startup was able to scale without sacrificing security, which would have otherwise acted as an impediment.
• Cost-Effective: Renting helped them to reduce costs and make investments in other critical aspects.
• Improved Security: This would lead to their innovative technology being secured by having a better handle on monitoring and managing threats.

Conclusion

Especially when rented out, Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) is an attractive option for organizations in need of increased security without heavy initial investment. Cutting and pasting everything aside, the fact that renting FWaaS provides flexibility with a managed service will likely sway any size of business looking to use this type of solution. The discussed use-cases cover the broad range of potential uses and successes that FWaaS can deliver in effective security solutions for varied challenges. It is a breach of faith to provide customers with firewalls that could not possibly protect their environment, and rented FWaaS helps developers obtain the tough, expandable defense needed for modern threats – letting them keep doing what they do best: growing businesses. THAT MUCH SAFER.