Firewalls for network security should be a consideration for any business, but how much does a firewall cost? With cyber threats only becoming more common, thorough security is a must for any industry. Protecting your business in this context requires having the right firewall technology in place.
For those who aren’t too in line with what their organization needs, going down this path can seem rather complex. Between hardware and software, as well as various licenses and security features, firewalls offer a scalable approach to network security management.
Aside from all of the important features you should look for, cost is a factor that every business has to keep in mind. This can vary a sizable amount when it comes to firewall solutions. In this article, you’ll get a breakdown of a few price points that are perfect for small business networks.
Factors That Influence Firewall Costs
It’s more than just comparing one brand to the next, as numerous factors play into the overall cost of firewall tech. You can generally expect a higher upfront cost if you’re looking to take the hardware route. The main benefit here is that you get hands-on, dedicated resources and network security management.
With software, you can expect expenses to be on the lower end, but add-ons or performance issues can lead to costs you didn’t initially expect. Below is a brief list of other common factors that play into general network firewall costs.
Several leading examples include:
- The specifics of the firewall licensing or fees associated with a subscription
- Vendor reputation and fluctuating market factors
- Scaling businesses should expect future costs in expanding their firewall infrastructure
For any business, the comparison of overall cost to value should be a big deciding factor. Network security will be a constant need for the foreseeable future. Not to mention, the cost of various firewall generations doesn’t come anywhere near the costs associated with being vulnerable to cyber threats.
Reviewing the Needs Behind Your Network Security
To help determine which firewall option is best for your operational needs, you should start with an overall risk assessment. This includes focusing on cybersecurity threats that may be common to your line of work.
Network security demands can vary a lot between companies and industries. It’s helpful to look into your data security compliance requirements and scalability needs.
Aside from assessing your own internal needs, you can help guide your decision-making by reviewing various vendor offerings. Performance specs are always important, but the following section will focus on the cost of SonicWall firewall solutions, among several other popular choices.
Comparing Common Network Firewall Costs
Once again, the scale in next-generation firewalls can tip quite a bit, but they’re a necessary integration nonetheless. It can also help to simplify your approach to vendors, as there is a decent list of those as well.
Several popular options you can rely on include SonicWall, WatchGuard, Fortinet, and Sophos. Each of these manufacturers develops firewall security solutions for small businesses and larger enterprise needs. So, how much does a firewall cost?
| Manufacturer | Avg. Small Business Firewall Cost |
|---|---|
| SonicWall | $644 - $5,288 |
| WatchGuard | $662 - $6,689 |
| Fortinet | $538 - $4,713 |
| Sophos | $873 - $7,493 |
Prices range for many different reasons, but it primarily comes down to the included feature set and license or subscription terms involved. Some small businesses may only need a year-long license, while others prefer to sign up for 5-year intervals.
There are small details that can change the price of a particular firewall solution. The costs mentioned earlier are a general range that can be found for firewalls built to meet the needs of scaling small businesses.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of your industry, cybersecurity threats are more common than ever. They can also be a costly challenge to face, something that can be easily mitigated with the right firewall infrastructure.
It may not feel like an easy space to navigate for newcomers, but education in firewall tech is a necessity for growing businesses. Learn more about scalable, cost-effective firewall solutions by speaking with us about your questions and concerns.
