WatchGuard Firewall Alternatives

Published on: July 3, 2024

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10 min read

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For German Version

WatchGuard, formerly known as WatchGuard Technologies, Inc, is a technology business headquartered in Seattle, Washington, United States. It focuses on providing network security solutions that protect computer networks from external threats, such as malware and ransomware. WatchGuard focuses on offering solutions for network, Wi-Fi, identity, and endpoint security.

We'll cover the essential information about WatchGuard alternatives in this post to help you comprehend their products and services and how they may aid your company. Our objective is to provide you with clear and objective information so you can decide which WatchGuard alternative is the best option for your security requirements.

1. Zenarmor

Zenarmor® is a software-only firewall that is lightweight and can be installed almost anywhere. Its all-software, all-in-one, lightweight, and simple architecture make it simply implementable on any platform with network access. A powerful yet lightweight packet inspection core that can handle a variety of enterprise-level network security tasks powers the device. Without using data packet backhauling to connect POPs and data centers, provide zero-latency security. Because of Zenarmor's single-pass architecture, each security mechanism only processes a packet once. Everywhere it is deployed, the same security stack is utilized to provide unparalleled uniformity in the application of security laws. With cloud-based administration, you have complete control over all network installations and rules. Make policies that are not reliant on devices or locations, and then implement them in all IT environments. It is possible to compile and display all security telemetry in a single window. Start with a broad perspective and narrow it down to specific connecting elements. The next-generation firewall features offered by Zenarmor are as follows:

• Control over Cloud Applications (Web 2.0 Controls)
• Sophisticated network analytics
• Full TLS inspection for all ports (not just HTTPS; for all TCP ports)
• Cloud Threat Intelligence
• Security and Web Filtering
• User-driven Reporting and Filtering
• Active Directory Integration
• Centralized administration and reporting via the cloud

Using the same interface, Zenarmor deployments on all Linux platforms and FreeBSD-based firewalls may be easily and jointly managed: Cloud Administration Zenarmor is currently available for the following platforms:

• OPNsense® (OPNsense 24.x, fully integrated into the OPNsense WebUI)
• FreeBSD® (FreeBSD 13, 14)
• pfSense® Software (pfSense CE 2.7.x)
• Ubuntu Linux (Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, 22.04 LTS, 24.04 LTS)
• Debian Linux (Debian 10, 11, 12)
• Alma Linux (AlmaLinux 9)
• CentOS Linux (CentOS Stream 9)

The paid subscriptions listed below give a full set of next-generation firewall features:

• Home Edition
• SOHO Edition
• Business Edition
• SSE Edition

2. Check Point Software Technologies

Gen V cyber attacks are thwarted by Check Point Quantum Network Security for your network, cloud, data center, IoT, and remote users. Verification Point with the combination of SandBlast threat prevention, hyper-scale networking, a unified management platform, remote access VPN, and IoT security, Quantum Next Generation Firewall Security GatewaysTM protects you from even the most advanced cyberattacks.

There are eighteen varieties of gateways in the Quantum series, with Threat Prevention performance speeds reaching up to thirty gigabits. Some features of Check Point are listed below:

• Highly scalable protection against Gen V cyberattack
• Safeguards your IoT devices, endpoints, data center, and network
• The finest defense is offered by SandBlast Threat Prevention Maestro. The growth rate of hyper-scale networking is 1.5 Tbps
• A unified management platform
• Your distant users are protected with a Remote Access VPN.

3. Barracuda

Ransomware, advanced persistent threats, targeted assaults, and zero-day threats are just a few examples of the modern cyber threats that call for ever-more-advanced protection tactics that strike a balance between accurate threat detection and quick reaction times. In order to provide real-time network protection against a variety of network threats, vulnerabilities, and exploits, including SQL injections, cross-site scripting, denial of service attacks, trojans, viruses, worms, spyware, and others, Barracuda CloudGen Firewall offers a set of next-generation firewall technologies.

Barracuda firewalls may be set up on Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and several physical sites.

The Barracuda CloudGen Firewall utilizes a variety of detection layers, such as behavioral and heuristic analysis, advanced threat signatures, static code analysis, and thorough sandboxing, to accurately detect threats and offer complete defense against ransomware, malware, and other sophisticated cyberattacks.

A full-emulation sandbox, the foundation of Barracuda Advanced Threat Protection, will "detonate" any attachment that hasn't been carefully examined by earlier layers. The information is sent to the pre-filtering layers upon the identification of a new threat and the creation of a signature. This means that the resource-intensive sandbox research won't have to be performed the next time the same threat tries to breach your network. This ensures that sandboxing is used as effectively as possible with little disruption to operations.

With its connection to Barracuda's worldwide threat intelligence network, the Advanced Threat Protection service offers real-time defense against the most current assaults. Barracuda gathers threat intelligence from millions of global sources, encompassing network, email, website assaults, and threats to web browsers. Once a threat is identified, the information is shared with all security solutions connected to the service, enabling your threat defense to gradually get stronger and more efficient.

You may take advantage of the advantages of SaaS and public-cloud infrastructures and services with easy, automated deployment, setup, and maintenance. With its extensive integration with cloud-native features, templates, and APIs, Barracuda CloudGen Firewall simplifies cloud deployment for dispersed networks and cloud environments. Equipment may be deployed to remote locations without access to trained IT personnel by using Zero-Touch Deployment.

With SD-WAN capabilities, the Barracuda CloudGen Firewall may be deployed on-premises or in the cloud. It can establish connections with dispersed locations, different cloud providers, and remote users. Purchasing an additional SD-WAN is not required to manage connections between several dispersed locations.

4. Juniper

Another provider is Juniper Networks, situated in California, and they have a number of strong firewalls in their toolkit. Organizations of all sizes may find the ideal match among their SRX Series of next-generation firewalls, which are durable and adaptable and come in a variety of sizes and deployment choices. The SRX is offered in virtual form. Juniper offers extremely scalable and versatile firewall solutions, especially with its virtual option. The SRX series has received high marks from users for its simplicity in deployment, management, and setup. The API interaction with automation tools is very well-liked by users, and it fits in nicely with current setups.

With the SRX Series, next-generation security and SD-WAN features are intended to be provided in a comprehensive, fully functional firewall solution. Remote users may access a secure network with ubiquitous and adaptive SSL VPN, and on/off box automation enables the automated setting of security and network policies for connected devices.

The SRX Series is a next-generation firewall system that comes with the usual features of NGFW, such as web filtering, application security, anti-spam, anti-virus, and anti-malware, as well as IPS and role-based access control to prevent lateral movement. Control over WAN connections is consolidated by SD-WAN via a variety of network interface types. Robust security features, such as malware sandboxing, encrypted traffic insights, and comprehensive threat information feeds, enable advanced threat prevention.

Because Juniper's firewall models are API-driven and offer a wide range of deployment choices with scalability, they are appealing. For enterprises as well as SMBs, we would suggest Juniper's SRX Series Firewalls as a substitute for Watchguard F�rebox.

5. Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks is another prominent supplier of firewalls. This list includes their next-generation firewall, the VM-Series, which is VM-focused. All of the features included in Palo Alto's standard NGFW firewalls are available in the VM-Series, which is more suited to cloud environments and more scalable because it is available in virtual machines (VMs). Due to its virtual nature, a variety of flexible deployment choices are possible, such as hybrid and multi-cloud setups, on-premises, or in the cloud. A simple, easy-to-use dashboard streamlines management and updates. Multiple locations for firewall deployments may be controlled from a single console.

In order to manage access control policies for people, apps, and devices and stop lateral movement inside the network, the VM-Series relies on zero trust. With integrated IPS, which offers improved segmentation and micro-segmentation, it is supported. Your network is shielded from known and new threats in real-time by IPS and sandboxing capabilities, respectively. Every packet that enters or exits the network is carefully examined to look for security risks of any kind.

Robust integrated data loss prevention capabilities guard against outgoing traffic and data exfiltration, and they may be controlled with fine-grained application-level restrictions. To further prevent data loss, the firewalls may decrypt traffic for outward content inspection. URL filtering, DNS security, threat management, IDS, and SD-WAN compatibility are other crucial aspects of Palo Alto firewall .

The VM-Series' degree of protection and prevention enables businesses to adhere to regulatory compliance standards, such as the SWIFT Customer Security Controls Framework, PCI DSS, and HIPAA.

We would suggest Palo Alto's VM-Series firewalls as an alternative to WatchGuard Firebox for large to enterprise-level firms with cloud networks that must adhere to tight regulatory data protection standards. They are a formidable solution, but one that may occasionally be difficult to set up and administer.

6. Cisco

An industrial firewall that provides OT-targeted protection based on enterprise-class security is the Cisco® Secure Firewall ISA3000.

The most comprehensive set of access, threat, and application controls for industrial settings are provided by the DIN rail mount, a ruggedized ISA3000 appliance with four data lines.

Vulnerable control equipment and industrial processes are both protected by the ISA3000. It makes use of hundreds of industrially targeted rules that comprise Cisco Talos' industry-leading threat detection and vulnerability exploit prevention rules. Using OpenAppID and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) of industrial protocols, you may even create your own custom detectors that can trigger alerts and either allow or limit traffic based on the industrial application flows that are important to you. To track dubious files, Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) is incorporated.

The ISA3000 provides industrial-focused, out-of-the-box setup and simplified operational administration via an on-box device manager, on-premises centralized management, or a cloud-based management solution. Since these management tools are similar to those used with Cisco firewalls in your IT domain, it is simple to extend IT security to OT and apply the same security policies across domains.

The following functionalities are available on the Cisco Secure Firewall ISA3000:

• Control of traffic into, out of, and throughout industrial zones or production cells
• Secure Wide Area Network (WAN) connectivity for remote industrial assets and power substations
• Flexible and secure remote access fit for an enterprise
• NAT, DNS, DHCP, IP routing, and other essential network infrastructure services
• Superior threat protection throughout the whole networking and computing stack, including industrial control systems, operating systems, switches, routers, and compute infrastructure.
• Extensive support for industrial protocols that provide you visibility and control over all application levels in both corporate and industrial settings
• Greater levels of traffic continuity safety compared to what other industries are offering
• Universally recognized certification criteria for IT security.

7. Fortinet

The most widely used network firewalls available today are Fortinet and WatchGuard, which offer unmatched AI-powered security performance, threat intelligence, complete visibility, and secured networking convergence.

Fortinet is ideal for companies seeking less complicated, multi-layered sophisticated security. On the other hand, WatchGuard is the best option for companies searching for affordable firewalls

We evaluate the costs, features, and performance of the Fortinet and WatchGuard platforms to determine which will best suit the unique requirements of your company.

Criteria	Fortinet	WatchGuard
Pricing	Starting from $250	Starting from $100-$200 per year
Core Features	Innovative Security Engine Technology, Implicit Proxy Feature, centralized automated control console	Convenient traffic paneling dashboard, AI-powered malware protection, and enhanced network visibility
Easy of Use	Effortless initial setup	Easy setup with a powerful client interface
Accuracy, Reliability & Scalability	Real-time information monitoring, and uniform, appropriate, coordinated responses to threats across networks	Network configuration for multiple clients runs with minimal oversite
Support	Dedicated 24x7 global support	Unlimited 24x7 support with live call assistance

WatchGuard and Fortinet both provide top-notch assistance. Network edges require strong security as they grow exponentially. In this scenario, Fortinet helps businesses to integrate security into hybrid data center networks to ensure every endpoint, regardless of size, is secure and has end-to-end protection across several clouds. One of its other use cases is to stop lateral spread. Whether it's built on VXLAN, a network, an endpoint, or an application, businesses may use segmentation to control internal risks, prevent lateral spread, and enforce security. Even dynamic trust and port-level segmentation may be put into practice with the integration of the Fortinet Security Fabric.

8. SonicWall

From mid-sized networks to distributed organizations and data centers, businesses of all sizes may benefit from the advanced threat protection offered by the SonicWall Network Security Appliance (NSa) series. NSa series leverages the SonicWall Capture Cloud Platform's innovative deep learning algorithms to give businesses automated, real-time breach detection and prevention.

Its primary characteristics may be summed up as follows.

• At the core of the NSa series is SonicOS, the feature-rich operating system from SonicWall, which provides both network management and flexibility. SonicOS gives enterprises the network control and flexibility they need with application intelligence and control, real-time visualization, an intrusion prevention system (IPS) with advanced anti-evasion technology, high-speed virtual private networking (VPN), and other security features.
• To keep your network one step ahead of the competition, the NSa series next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) integrate two advanced security technologies to enable attack protection. SonicWall's multi-engine Capture Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) service is improved by the patent-pending Real-Time Deep Memory Inspection (RTDMITM) technology.
• For enterprises of all sizes, SonicWall's Capture Cloud Platform offers cloud-based network management, threat prevention, and analytics in addition to reporting. The platform gathers threat intelligence from several sources, such as Capture Advanced Threat Protection, and multi-engine network sandboxing services.
• The SonicWall Reassembly-Free Deep Packet Inspection (RFDPI) system identifies application traffic regardless of port and protocol and efficiently uncovers malware downloads and intrusion attempts by performing stream-based, bi-directional traffic analysis at high speed without proxying or buffering.

9. pfSense

By leveraging a web interface, the FreeBSD-based pfSense® software makes it simple to install and configure a firewall on any PC. With all of its enterprise-grade capabilities and security, it's difficult to imagine that pfSense® software is an open-source firewall available for free.

Based on the FreeBSD operating system, the pfSense® software project is a free network firewall installation that is bolstered by free software packages from other sources. Using the packaging technique, pfSense® software may offer, without artificial limitations, the same or greater capacity than typical commercial firewalls. In many deployments throughout the globe, it has successfully replaced every significant commercial firewall available, including Check Point, Cisco PIX, Cisco ASA, Juniper, Sonicwall, Netgear, Watchguard, Astaro, and others.

It's most commonly likened to OPNsense among all the rivals of pfSense® software. In terms of usability and user interface, OPNsense shines. The pfSense® software excels in terms of online resources and documentation. OPNsense's security has somewhat increased as a result of HardenedBSD and more frequent updates. You may get OPNsense plugins for pfSense® software, like Zenarmor.

Whether you want to customize it or just have a dependable firewall, there are several advantages to adopting the pfSense® software firewall, in addition to the fact that it is totally free to use and set up. Here are some of the most compelling arguments for using pfSense® software:

• The pfSense® program is flexible
• Open-source and free software
• Using the pfSense® software is easy
• The pfSense® program has a lot of power
• Support for the pfSense® software is extensive

10. Sophos XG

Built from the bottom up, Sophos Firewall offers a true next-generation platform to tackle the growing threat environment and the contemporary encrypted internet, all while addressing the major issues with current firewalls.

With Sophos Firewall, you can now detect threats that are concealed, defend against intrusions, and handle situations quickly and efficiently.

You get unmatched insight into malevolent users, undesired applications, dubious payloads, and persistent assaults with Sophos Firewall. It seamlessly integrates an extensive range of easy-to-install and maintains modern threat security solutions. Furthermore, Sophos Firewall functions as your trusted enforcement point for controlling threats and preventing malware from spreading or exfiltrating data out of the network automatically and in real-time since, in contrast to traditional firewalls, it interfaces with other security systems on the network.

There are three main areas where Sophos Firewall performs better than other network firewalls:

• When it comes to detecting hidden threats, Sophos Firewall performs better than other systems because of its clear dashboard, vast on-premises and cloud data, and distinctive risk insights.
• With a vast array of advanced security capabilities that are incredibly simple to install and use, Sophos Firewall prevents unknown attacks faster, easier, and more successfully than rival firewalls.
• The Sophos Firewall with Synchronized Security reacts to network problems immediately because of Sophos Security Heartbeat, which relays real-time intelligence between your endpoints and your firewall.

With Sophos XG Firewall, your firewall operations and the way you recognize and handle network assaults are examined from a new angle. The security features of next-generation firewalls include the ability to recognize hidden threats, stop known and unknown assaults, and automatically react to incidents.

Unmatched visibility into troublesome users, unfamiliar and unwanted applications, complex assaults, dubious payloads, encrypted communications, and much more is provided by the Sophos XG Firewall. In addition to unified reporting for multiple cloud-based firewalls, rich on-box reporting is available.

To protect your network from ransomware and sophisticated attacks, Sophos XG Firewall offers a full suite of features, including email protection, dual antivirus, web and app control, sophisticated threat protection, cloud sandboxing, and a highly regarded intrusion prevention system (IPS).

It is a network security solution that, in reaction to your XG Firewall, may promptly limit access to other network resources and correctly identify the source of an infection on your network.

Sophos Security Heartbeat enables this by transmitting telemetry and health status information between your firewall and Sophos endpoints.

What are the Things to Consider when Choosing WatchGuard Firewall Alternatives?

Selecting the best WatchGuard firewall for your company might be confusing because there are several models and add-ons available. The best package for your company will depend on a number of variables, including your budget, the level of protection needed, and the size of your organization.

Assessing your security needs is the first step towards determining which firewall and additional packages are best for your business. Take into account the kinds of data you keep, how many people work for you, and the degree of danger your company is exposed to. The features and capabilities you require in your firewall package will be determined in part by all of these considerations.

Take into account your available budget, since WatchGuard Firewall packages differ significantly in cost based on the features and functionalities they provide. While figuring out how much a business can afford to pay is important, keep in mind that a high-quality firewall may save you money over time by guarding against pricey security breaches, possible downtime, and reputational damage.

It is important to keep your company's future and scalability in mind while selecting the appropriate internet protection services. If you anticipate future growth for your business, think about investing in a firewall package that can expand with you. By doing this, you'll be able to stop upgrading your firewall every time your company grows.

Why Use WatchGuard Firewall Alternatives?

Businesses of all sizes may benefit from the comprehensive and reasonably priced security solutions offered by WatchGuard Firewalls. If you want the best performance or cutting-edge features, you might want to look at different suppliers.

Performance-wise, WatchGuard Fireboxes are decent. Nonetheless, a few rivals in the high-end market provide superior performance and protection. Should your company have extremely strict network requirements, the WatchGuard Fireboxes may not be able to handle them. The cost of total security goes up when using WatchGuard Fireboxes since some of its more sophisticated capabilities, such as sandboxing and deep packet inspection, need separate licenses. Additionally, WatchGuard only offers restricted web blocking and data loss protection features. Regretfully, you may have to hunt for a different supplier if you want the most sophisticated versions of these capabilities.

What Feature does the WatchGuard Firewall lack?

WatchGuard Firewalls may lack advanced features commonly found in other firewall solutions, such as deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention systems, or application control.

Is WatchGuard NGFW?

Yes, WatchGuard is a Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW). A Next-Generation Firewall is a network traffic inspection and network security policy enforcement platform that has the bare minimum of the following features:

• Packet filtering, network address translation (NAT), stateful protocol inspection, virtual private networking, and integrated network intrusion prevention are examples of standard firewall features (IPS)
• Applications Awareness and Control
• Additional Intelligence: cloud-based reputation services to thwart traffic from risky sources; directory integration to link security policies to individuals and groups visibility into network, security, and user behavior both in real-time and in the past

How good are WatchGuard firewalls?

WatchGuard provides a strong defense against online dangers together with cutting-edge security capabilities. Comprehensive network security, including VPN connection, deep packet inspection, and intrusion prevention, is offered via its firewall equipment. The administration interface's ease of use facilitates the configuration and monitoring of security rules, guaranteeing your network's best protection.

• High-performance firewall capabilities are provided by WatchGuard, guaranteeing dependable and quick network access.
• With the firewall's fine-grained control over network traffic, you may design and implement unique security rules.
• To keep your firewall updated with the newest security fixes and features, WatchGuard offers frequent firmware updates.
• Security is further improved by its sophisticated threat intelligence services, which include reputation-based URL filtering and AI-powered malware detection.

Who owns WatchGuard?

Based in Seattle, Washington, WatchGuard is an American technology business that was previously known as WatchGuard Technologies, Inc.

When WatchGuard was first founded in 1996, it was known as Seattle Software Labs, Inc. The company's first offering was a network firewall called the WatchGuard Security Management System, which came with administration and configuration software in addition to the WatchGuard Firebox security appliance, a "firewall in a box".

The business changed its name to WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. in 1997.

WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. went public in July 1999 and began trading on the Nasdaq.

Francisco Partners and Vector Capital, two private equity companies, paid $151 million to purchase the company in October of 2006. Bruce Coleman took over as CEO in an acting capacity.

Coleman was succeeded as the company's permanent CEO in August 2007 by Joe Wang.

CEO Wang resigned in May 2014, and Francisco Partners operating partner Michael Kohlsdorf took over as acting CEO.

Kohlsdorf handed over the CEO responsibilities to Prakash Panjwani in April 2015. The news of Kohlsdorf and Panjwani joining WatchGuard's board was released.

HawkEye G, a threat-detection and response system from Hexis Cyber Solutions, which is currently a subsidiary of KEYW Holding Corp., was bought by the firm in June 2016. In order to extend its network security coverage to Wi-Fi networks, the business introduced the WatchGuard Wi-Fi Cloud in October.

WatchGuard purchased Datablink, a company that makes multi-factor authentication software for servers, laptops, and other devices, in August 2017.

The domain name system security service provider Percipient Networks was purchased by the firm in January 2018. It then adopted the moniker DNSWatch.

The startup launched AuthPoint, an app intended to provide multi-factor authentication security for companies, in July 2018.

WatchGuard and Panda Security, a network endpoint security vendor located in Bilbao, announced a deal in March 2020. In June, the agreement was concluded.

What happens when WatchGuard expires?

The subscription to the Total Security Suite includes WatchGuard EDR Core. There is a limit on how many network endpoints you can install EDR Core on. The Firebox model determines how many endpoints are included.

Protection on the impacted devices is turned off if you terminate your Total Security Suite subscription or if it expires. The gadgets are shielded for seven days during this grace period. Following the grace period, computers and other devices whose licenses have expired:

• Lack of firewalls, sophisticated security, device control, antivirus software, and URL filtering, leaving them vulnerable.
• Unable to go into the administration UI.
• Get updates for signature files not received.
• Have no tasks planned. Every scheduled patch job and scan has been turned off.

Computers and other devices that have been offline for an extended period of time lose their license and become vulnerable if the subscription expires for some of them but not for others.

To indicate which machines, prior to the subscription expiring, are no longer protected:

Take machines out of the management UI that you don't need to safeguard. It's possible that these PCs are not in use right now. Make sure you uninstall the client software as well as the devices from the administration UI. Go to Uninstall the Endpoint Software for further details.

Disable any machines that you wish to administer via the management user interface but do not want to keep protected. Choose the machine you wish to deactivate from the list on the Computers page of the Endpoint Security Administration UI. Click the x next to the licenses you wish to delete on the Details tab in order to remove the devices.

On devices connected to the Internet, device protection is automatically re-enabled and updated (typically within 4 hours) if you renew the subscription within 90 days of canceling it or it expires. If you want to extend the subscription after the first ninety days, you have to reinstall the endpoint agent and then assign and configure all the parameters.

Is WatchGuard free?

No, WatchGuard is not a free firewall solution. Although WatchGuard Fireboxes does not provide a free version for trial, you may test their products for 30 days at no cost to see whether they meet your security needs and then decide whether to upgrade to a complete appliance.

It's important to note that WatchGuard Firebox prices are not available on the official WatchGuard website before we get into the specifics of the various pricing tiers. You must go to their "How to Buy" website, browse through their security packages, choose the security product you want, and then click "Find a Reseller." If you want to buy any security goods from WatchGuard, this is your only choice.

GuardSite, one of the reliable online retailers of WatchGuard security equipment, provides a price list for the various appliances. Entry-level variants of appliances may be purchased for $500, which includes the cost of the appliance's hardware as well as the essential firewall features. However, if you select more advanced and luxurious versions, the price will go up considerably.

The price varies according to the particular features and security services you want. The total cost will increase for additional security services like deep packet inspection, sophisticated malware protection, and data loss prevention. In addition, the cost of the firewall is influenced by the number of users added, the duration of the subscription, licensing, and additional support options.

Does WatchGuard support SASE?

Yes, WatchGuard is compatible with Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). The company provides a cloud-based Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution that integrates network security, Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) features into a unified platform. This solution is specifically designed to streamline security measures for enterprises of varying magnitudes.