Cyberattacks compromise a company’s reputation, assets, and information. It also affects the enterprises related to the firm that is exposed to the attack. For example, the supply chain and other companies working with a company under threat of cyberattacks are also vulnerable.
What happens when cyber attackers hack your business database? To begin with, it results in massive damage to the security systems, data, and market reputation. The hackers directly access the company’s banking details, client information, and other intellectual property.
Let’s discuss the Best Network Firewalls that understand the security needs of SMBs and offer tailored solutions too.
How Do SMBs Suffer From Cyber Attacks?
Small businesses suffer the most severe consequences from cyberattacks. Typically, small businesses struggle to overcome the digital loopholes that cyberattacks create. There are numerous examples of the same.
Remember Discord.io. Just 2 years ago, the company was an emerging business. However, a data breach exposing the exclusive data of 760,000 Discord clients compelled them to cease their operations.
The company had no defense against the lawsuits resulting from the breach. Eventually, Discord acknowledged the data mismanagement that occurred on their part.
Similarly, TravelEx and MeddiSecure, two emerging small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), were compelled to close their businesses due to their inability to pay back ransomware attackers.
The Immediate Steps SMBs Should Follow.
Eliminating cyber threats is a distant criterion for small businesses. However, they can certainly take measures to reduce their vulnerabilities in the face of imminent cyber attacks.
Source: EDUCBA
To begin with, the SMBs must recheck the cyber defense of the third parties they work with. Additionally, they can install robust antivirus software and secure their business environment with an extra firewall that protects the entire Wi-Fi network.
However, limiting the number of users with access to critical data from company databases is paramount here. Otherwise, you would require the Best Network Firewalls to increase the safety quotient of your servers before random use.
How To Caution The Staff Against Cyber Threats?
The IT and security management team may not be able to screen cyberattacks that may target any system, network, or individual associated with the company.
Hence, the company needs to ensure that its staff exercises caution when surfing the internet, accessing emails, or entering the company’s confidential databases.
You can take these steps to improve caution:
- (a) Encourage staff to conduct a full website audit to understand the site security issues, for both internal and external websites they access daily
- (b) Make staff aware of leaving personal info or company details with suspicious websites
- (c) Check whether the best firewalls cover the security aspect of the websites they are accessing
- (d) Develop the practice of cross-checking the authenticity of a random email link before clicking it.
How Can SMBs Boost Firewall Security?
For small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the firewall is the best defense. But why? Typically, small companies lack promising industry connections or channels to alert the highest authorities to take immediate action if they are exposed to cyberattacks.
Therefore, it’s crucial to examine the Best Network Firewalls that you can install to secure your small business.
A capable firewall can:
• Defend your Business network security
• Block the unauthorized traffic that may cause potential damage
• Prevent direct hacker attacks
Best Network firewall for SMBs & Enterprises in 2025
1. Sangfor
The Sangfor Athena Next Generation Firewall is one of the best enterprise firewalls that MSME businesses should try.
It is one of the unique and next-generation software clusters that feature an inbuilt AI-driven threat detection capability. Its comprehensive application control can autonomously block suspicious IPs and pop-ups. Sangfor’s architecture is also scalable and cost-effective.
Best Features:
- Sangfor’s network firewall offers Engine Zero, the AI-powered engine for malware detection
- Sangfor’s Neutral-X is another smart threat intelligence platform for built-in analytics.
- Their ML and AI algorithms can detect both known and unknown malware with a 99.76% accuracy rate.
2. pfSense
pfSense is an open-source option. The biggest USP of the firewall is that it is free of charge. However, you have to make a payment to use it as a network firewall. Moreover, pfSense requires payment if you attempt to install it on a Netgate appliance.
pfSense offers four critical options optimized for the needs of small businesses:
- Netgate 1100
- Netgate 2100
- Netgate 4100 and
- Netgate 6100
However, most small business analysts say that Netgate 6100 is the ultimate choice. But why?
Typically, the Netgate 6100 comes with a robust security gateway and flexible port configurations. However, another group of experts suggests that Firewall Micro Appliances, such as FW4C, are also efficient choices for small businesses.
3. SonicWall TZ Series
This series can be one of the Best Network Firewalls for small businesses and enterprises. It comes with a complete suite of efficient firewall protection.
The best part about SonicWall is that it comes with enterprise-grade protection features. Not only the HQ, but it can also secure the branch locations.
For small businesses, it can comprehensively cover the security needs of connected companies, such as suppliers. Moreover, the TZ series comes with additional features such as deep memory inspection, critical threat prevention, and autonomous firewall applications. Like the previous software, it can also work autonomously to address threats.
4. Sophos
This small business firewall also features enhanced threat prevention capabilities. However, its unique feature is that it can also be used as a cloud solution, dedicated software, or a hardware option.
Additionally, the firewall provides access to a secure and autonomous cloud management platform. Hence, small businesses can free up their resources from mundane and repetitive tasks to focus on critical matters, such as strategic planning and brainstorming.
5. Palo Alto Networks PA-400 Series
The PA-400 series is another next-gen software developed by machine learning and tailored to meet the requirements of small businesses. It offers straightforward features, including dedicated firewall setups, reasonable pricing, and seamless onboarding.
Palo Alto Networks has an autonomous file inspection feature, which, however, is not as capable as its predecessors. However, its stock features the phenomenal.
Other Top firewalls for Small businesses
The two other efficient firewalls, adapted to the needs of small businesses, are:
6. Fortigate NGFWs 40F, 60F, 70F, and 80F:
These models are mainly desktop form firewalls, making them compatible with small businesses. All of the series elements are acceleration-oriented and offer better networking functions.
The Best Features are:
- Highly adaptable and cost-effective, helping small businesses acutely, and
- Compliant with the versions typically used by small companies.
For small businesses, 40F and 60F would be most compatible. Their optimal working capabilities and high scalability, combined with a reasonable price range, make FortiGate an effective solution.
7. Barracuda Firewall
One of the most widely used firewall networks, Barracuda, is employed by several companies. However, people usually choose Barracuda for strong email network protection, prevention of application attacks, and centralized threat detection abilities.
These qualities make Barracuda most compatible for service companies, such as finance and healthcare. Due to the heavy workload in such organizations, Barracuda’s cloud-based solutions can offer help.
The firewall can centralize threat sources and implement a common prevention mechanism.
The Best Features are:
- Centralized management at a reasonable cost
- Ability to work in a complex interface of small companies
Most companies run applications on the cloud. However, some stock applications also run on-premises. Barracuda’s web application firewalls can protect both sources.
Footnotes
The existing cyber threats compel small businesses to seek the Best Network Firewalls with sufficient power to protect their business networks.
Most importantly, firewalls are the most efficient tools for small businesses, empowering their security strategy.
How to Maximize Your Cloud POS ROI Within the First Year