Before you dive into a rabbit hole of cloud based security solutions, it helps to understand some of the drivers behind them. For example, traditional VPN infrastructure is known for a few security risks, especially when exposed at the network edge.
When you’re dealing with VPN vulnerabilities on top of automated attacks, it can make safe and reliable remote access hard to achieve. For this write-up, you’re getting a focus on WatchGuard FireCloud and how it helps minimize public exposure through cloud-delivered security.
Key Takeaways:
- WatchGuard FireCloud moves remote access security into the cloud through WireGuard-based tunnels
- Private app cloaking reduces the public visibility of internal servers and private cloud apps
- FireCloud Total Access supports more targeted access to specific apps, SSH hosts, and RDP sessions
- FWaaS and SWG capabilities provide cloud-based inspection and protection for remote user traffic
- Endpoint health checks and Threat Sync XDR help identify and respond to compromised devices
Reviewing WatchGuard FireCloud’s Cloud Based Security Solutions
Although traditional VPNs still have their place in the IT world, remote-access security risks are an active part of the conversation. It’s pretty simple: any publicly accessible VPN infrastructure is a potential target.
When you’re facing frequent threats, this only makes network protection more challenging for traditional measures. By adding WatchGuard FireCloud to your strategy, you’re getting cloud-delivered security that’s focused on protecting remote users, traffic, and business data.
What is WatchGuard FireCloud?
WatchGuard FireCloud may not be the only cloud security solution out there, but its unique approach is what sets it apart from the rest. Focused on the needs of remote workforces and mobile users, the platform shifts key security functions from on-prem hardware to WatchGuard’s cloud infrastructure.
“It’s a cloud-delivered platform built to eliminate the remote access risk entirely”
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect from FireCloud:
- Connection Tech: FireCloud uses WireGuard-based tunnels to connect users to WatchGuard’s global cloud
- Firewall as a Service (FWaaS): Delivers firewall functionality through the cloud
- Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Inspects and cleans user internet traffic in the cloud
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Supports controlled, app-specific access to private resources
- FireCloud Total Access: Combines FWaaS, SWG, VPN, and ZTNA capabilities ina cloud-delivered service
Moreover, users connect to WatchGuard’s global cloud, instead of to a company’s physical firewall. It’s another layer that helps keep everyone protected from modern, relentless cybersecurity threats.
How FireCloud Addresses Traditional VPN Security Risks
By limiting the visibility of your business resources, FireCloud is able to face a lot of the potential issues from traditional VPN infrastructure. For example, utilizing private application cloaking works to hide internal servers and private cloud apps from the public internet.
Moreover, adding FireCloud Total Access to the mix supports app-level and session-based access to specific apps, SSH hosts, and more. This makes sure that all of those remote connections don’t easily have access to the entire network at any time.
Private Application Cloaking for Reduced Exposure
I’d like to expand on this a bit further by focusing on more of the fine print. In short, this “cloaking” strategy reduces the number of business resources exposed to external discovery.
In addition to that, it limits information attackers can gather through internet-wide reconnaissance. This means you’re less susceptible to opportunistic attacks and more prepared to manage a remote workforce. For any business looking for cloud based cybersecurity solutions, limiting public visibility needs to be a strong focal point.
App-Level Access with FireCloud Total Access
Keep in mind that you have two core options with FireCloud to consider here. There’s the Internet Access version, and then there’s the Total Access option. With Total Access, you’re getting app-level and session-based remote access.
I also want to note the granular alternative this approach offers, compared to the traditional scope of broad VPN connectivity. Overall, FireCloud Total Access is one of those cloud security platforms that helps you apply more targeted access controls where it really matters. This is especially true for those who are dealing with fully remote or hybrid workforces and distributed networks.
WatchGuard FireCloud Endpoint Security Integration
Remote access security means you also need to consider the device on the other end, not just user authentication. Any poorly secured endpoints connecting to your network are a risk.
FireCloud integrates with WatchGuard endpoint security to help with that. It’s able to do so by incorporating device health into access decisions. Endpoint checks include important angles like device legitimacy, disk encryption, firewall status, and operating system health.
| Endpoint Security Capability | How it Works |
|---|---|
| Device Legitimacy | Helps verify that the connecting device is legitimate before access is granted |
| Disk Encryption | Checks whether disk encryption is enabled as part of the device health evaluation |
| Active Firewall | Verifies that the endpoint’s firewall is active before establishing access |
| Operating System Health | Evaluates the health of the device’s operating system as part of access decisions |
| Threat Sync XDR | Communicates threat information between WatchGuard endpoint security and FireCloud when an endpoint is compromised |
| Threat Response | Can cut off a connected endpoint when malware is detected, helping limit opportunities for lateral movement |
No matter which cloud based security services you’re looking at, endpoint security should be on the list. Nevertheless, FireCloud can easily help isolate endpoints when malware is detected. At the end of the day, cutting off compromised devices only creates a safer network and business environment for everyone involved.
The Bottom Line
Sure, I can agree that WatchGuard FireCloud is just one of numerous cloud based security solutions. However, at the same time, there’s plenty that helps separate it from the rest of the crowd. It’s a cloud-first approach to remote access security, and includes some pretty crucial business security components to match.
If you were to ask me, I’d say FireCloud is great for operations with distributed networks and either fully remote or hybrid workforces. As always, our team at Firewalls.com is on standby when you’re ready to learn more about WatchGuard FireCloud, and don’t hesitate to check out our video on the topic down below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WatchGuard FireCloud?
WatchGuard FireCloud is a cloud-delivered security service aimed at protecting remote users, internet traffic, and access to company resources.
How Does WatchGuard FireCloud Secure Remote Access?
FireCloud utilizes WireGuard-based tunnels to connect users to WatchGuard’s global cloud, rather than directly to a company’s physical firewall.
What is FireCloud Total Access?
FireCloud Total Access combines Firewall as a Service, Secure Web Gateway, VPN, and Zero Trust Network Access capabilities in a cloud-delivered service.
Does FireCloud Hide Private Apps From the Internet
Most definitely, as FireCloud’s private app cloaking helps keep internal servers and private cloud apps hidden from public internet discovery.
How Does FireCloud Use Endpoint Security?
The cloud security solution can incorporate endpoint health details, including things like disk encryption, device legitimacy, and firewall status. The Threat Sync XDR integration can also help cut off compromised endpoints with ease.
