Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall Reviews

Name: Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall
Brand: Forcepoint
Rating: 3.8 (42 reviews)

3.8 out of 5

42 reviews
76% willing to recommend

324 followers

What is Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall?

Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall is a versatile and comprehensive solution for perimeter security, offering features such as SD-WAN, IPS, VPN, and cloud or on-premises subscription keys. It is preferred by many clients over Cisco and is used for obligation redundancy, VPN access, and as the main point of security in infrastructure.

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Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall is the #10 ranked solution in SD-WAN tools, #12 ranked solution in top WAN Edge solutions, and #24 ranked solution in best firewalls. PeerSpot users give Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall an average rating of 7.6 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 42 most recent Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 6.8. Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall is most commonly compared to Fortinet FortiGate: Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall vs Fortinet FortiGate. Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 58% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 18% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall

November 2024

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Featured reviews

OusaidAbaz

Security Network Architect at Inmac

We had some licensing issues with its web filtering capabilities. That's why we migrated our web filtering to Cisco Umbrella. Moreover, the interface is complicated. It's difficult to locate all the necessary menus and functions. For example, one of the many issues is with SSH. Even now, we haven't successfully opened the port to connect using SSH mode when we want to change the configuration. It's like a black box—not very open to changes and customization. It's simply not easy to configure. There are other problems, too. For example regarding Forcepoint's Websense component. We had a lot of problems managing the web settings within Websense. That's why we migrated to Cisco Umbrella for cloud-based web filtering. It's not that Forcepoint is inherently bad. The issue is that it's not user-friendly. It is not easy to use. The developers need to redesign the interface (GUI) for better management. It is very difficult to manage. For example, simple actions require too many clicks compared to FortiGate or Palo Alto. That's the main problem.

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Lipaz Hessel

Integration Manager at Gilat Satellite Networks

The interface is not user-friendly. We were told that we would receive training but it came late and we had already started to deal with the product, which ultimately caused problems because we did it incorrectly. If the vendor focused more heavily on training as opposed to implementation then it would be a big improvement. The UTM features are missing. Application filtering is supported at a high level, but not at a low level. If I want to allow access to Facebook, yet not allow the user to access videos, then I am not able to do it with this product. Essentially, I'm allowed to block but I'm not allowed to limit. With other vendors, I can impose limits. They need to add support for the Routing Information Protocol, RIP. There is no support for the Built.io NIC driver.

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Mohamed Farouk Zyada

PS & Technical Manager at a tech services company with 11-50 employees

Configuration is not easy because it has an old-fashioned interface. The configuration interface is highly complex, and it's been the same for years. They have to change the interface. The structure of the configuration interface isn't like Palo Alto or FortiGate where you can do everything from a single screen. With Forcepoint, you have to import or assign rules because it's working with SMC, the central firewall management. Also, you cannot communicate directly with the product. You have to communicate with the product through the management interface. The dashboard also should be updated.

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Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall mindshare

Product category:

As of November 2024, the mindshare of Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall in the Firewalls category stands at 0.4%, down from 0.4% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Firewalls

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 21, 2024

Valuable Features

Valuable features of Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall include traffic control, real-time logging, security management console, user-friendly interface, support, SD-WAN, console management, threat categorization, blocking capabilities, centralized management, URL filtering, stability, scalability, VPN integration, firewall and IPS, comprehensive feature set, application control, sandboxing, cyber attack classification, DNS security, policy features, perimeter network security, integration capabilities, easy configuration, and flexibility.

"We're trying to use all the firewall's features. Most of the features were effective, but the usability is a huge concern."
"We find the product to be stable and reliable in terms of performance."
"The product's initial setup phase is easy."

Room for Improvement

Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall needs a user-friendly interface and integrated GUI to manage devices on its own. Documentation and support require significant enhancement. Training availability and customization, along with better optimization and detection capabilities, are necessary. Pricing should be more competitive, and licensing terms need flexibility. Integration with other platforms and better cloud functionality are crucial. Improved support responsiveness and simpler configuration processes would benefit users. Enhanced reporting and application control features are also desired.

"My experience with this Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall wasn't very pleasant due to its complexity. For example, the firewall loses some features when working in a cluster, which is a huge challenge. It caused me several weeks to solve an issue to make the VPN work, even after opening several cases with support. Also, the debug, which should provide essential knowledge about everything going on, the flow of traffic, and how the engine works, wasn't very informative in identifying the issue."
"A VPN client feature is missing in our region, which we hope Forcepoint will address in future updates."
"The endpoint protection capabilities of the product are an area of concern where improvements are required."

ROI

Users experienced significant cost savings and improved network security with Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall. Enhanced threat detection capabilities reduced incidents, minimizing downtime and operational issues. Automated processes led to lower administrative overhead, resulting in efficiency. Better control over network traffic also helped optimize resource allocation, further reducing expenses.

Pricing

Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall's pricing varies, with some finding it expensive while others consider it moderately priced. Licensing costs are paid annually, with standard licensing costs and no extra charges. There are different options for licensing, ranging from one to five years, although some countries may only offer a one-year license. The license is determined by the requirements and the controller, with a basic and advanced options available. The pricing is comparable to other firewalls, and the license cost increases with the number of clients behind the web gateway.

"There is a need to make payments towards the licensing charges attached to the product. The product is not expensive."
"It is an affordable product. We purchase its yearly license."
"The solution is expensive."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall for perimeter security, managing internal and external network traffic, and deploying it as a cluster or multi-tenant firewall. It includes features like SSL decryption, internet filtering, VPN access, and intruder detection. Users in various sectors implement it for securing connections, restricting internet rules, enhancing overall security infrastructures, managing protocols, and integrating with other security tools. Many deploy it on-premises or in private clouds for these use cases.

Service and Support

Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall's customer service and support receive mixed feedback. Users appreciate the support team's skill and helpfulness, with some highlighting quick, reliable response times and 24/7 availability. However, there are concerns about long waits due to time zone differences and occasional delays. Some users find local support effective, while others feel the support could improve, noting unresolved issues and the slow response. Premium support is noted for its higher cost but excellent quality.

Deployment

Some users found Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall's initial setup straightforward and user-friendly, while others encountered complexity. Installation time varied from minutes to months, often depending on infrastructure size and specific configurations required. Typically, deployment involved multiple administrators. Familiarity with firewall setups often influenced the perceived ease of installation. Maintenance was generally manageable, but certain configurations demanded more expertise. Complexity levels ranged based on the environment and specific features being implemented.

Scalability

Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall is highly scalable with easy node addition, handling thousands of users efficiently. Enterprises, including those with large user bases, find scaling straightforward. SD-WAN capabilities enhance scalability, allowing seamless expansion. Some users report difficulties, particularly with basic models, but mid to high-range models perform well. Auto-scaling features could improve. Clients use the firewall extensively without performance degradation. Forcepoint's flexibility in integrating physical appliances into clusters is beneficial.

Stability

Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall is consistently described as stable and reliable. There have been no major stability concerns, with users noting its robust performance, reliability, and ability to handle attacks effectively. Occasional issues were mentioned in specific scenarios, such as complex deployments or log-related problems, but these were exceptions. Users particularly appreciate its stability in virtual environments and the ability to handle high-availability configurations. Many rate its stability highly, often mentioning scores of eight or nine out of ten.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

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Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

18%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Government

Educational Organization

Healthcare Company

Retailer

Comms Service Provider

Real Estate/Law Firm

University

Energy/Utilities Company

Construction Company

Outsourcing Company

Legal Firm

Insurance Company

Transportation Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Consumer Goods Company

Logistics Company

Media Company

Recruiting/Hr Firm

Hospitality Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Non Profit

Pharma/Biotech Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Compare Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall with alternative products

Learn more about Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall

The product is praised for its simplicity, flexibility, complete feature set, scalability, and central management capabilities. Other valuable features include IPS, firewall, sandbox, application control, filtering, security management center, connectivity, and integration capabilities.

Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall was previously known as Forcepoint NGFW, Stonesoft Next Generation Firewall, McAfee Network Security Platform, Intel Security Network Security Platform.