Check Point CloudGuard Network Security Reviews

I am quite satisfied with it, as it secures our virtual environment in both CloudGuard and on-premises. The business case was that we have several customers transitioning from on-premises to cloud solutions, and we wanted to have the same visibility and security in CloudGuard as we had on-premises.

We wouldn't have the same visibility or granularity if we didn't have Check Point. 

We have very good visibility or granularity regarding security. 

Since we are using the same management both on-premises and in the cloud, we did not need to create other security measures or learn new technology. This allows me to achieve the same results with our existing resources.

It's quite interesting to see all the new features being added to the solution. I plan to do more integration with the CloudGuard-specific elements within the new policy framework. Although I do not remember the specific name, there is a feature that involves a revision of the policies. That will be our next addition.

We have visibility both on the cloud and on-prem, and we are very satisfied with that. 

It's helped us with our security posture. We have the visibility. We have the possibility to deploy new stuff. We also used the data center dynamic objects. So when we tag solutions, they get the policies they should have from the setup.

It's easy to use and deploy. 

I'm quite satisfied with the solution. I don't have any notes for improvements. 

I have used the solution for five or six years, maybe.

I haven't had any issues regarding our cloud environment. It is completely stable with no downtime. 

It's not a scale set. It's a single node. We'd need to look at the scale set to see if there was a way to get better performance. 

I have been a Check Point customer for quite some time. We do not use other solutions. 

The initial setup did not take too long. I am unsure of the exact duration, however, I was up and running in about an hour. It was very straightforward and almost plug-and-play.

Everything could be cheaper, of course. 

There are cloud-native options. During setup, we had quite a few people telling us we should just use cloud-native solutions. However, we wanted the same security measures on-cloud and on-prem. It would have been cheaper to stay with cloud-native; however, to have visibility in the same place is important. 

People might just use a cloud-native solution since they are already there and cost less. However, my priority was to maintain visibility and consistent security measures in the cloud as on-premises rather than focusing on cost. The unified management from one platform and centralized visibility are invaluable to me.

I am quite satisfied with the solution, and I do not have significant suggestions for its improvement at this point. The product team appreciates feedback, and fortunately, I have comprehensive playbooks for deploying new solutions. The process is straightforward, especially with the dynamic data center objects. When solutions are tagged, they automatically receive the appropriate policies. 

Overall, it is an excellent solution, and I would rate it a ten out of ten.

I need to protect cloud security for my company or customers. I protect their cloud infrastructure and any applications they have on the cloud. This is the main concept of cloud networking, where we use Check Point Firewalls in the cloud.

It makes my life easier. I have on-prem and cloud firewalls. I can use the same policies in both places. 

It is a full-featured firewall on the cloud. The best feature is that it is the same software used on-premises. It's like having a full-blown firewall in CloudGuard. 

It is the same policy used on-premises, seamlessly pushed to the cloud. I have the same principles in the cloud. Security features allow control in areas usually not available, filling the gap with firewalls to secure operations. Overall, it greatly improves posture and internal operations.

Network Security provides us with unified security management across hybrid and cloud as well as on-prem. Once again, this is about having the same policies. It's seamless. There are the same configurations, the same principles, et cetera. 

It's helped us reduce organizational risk and improve security posture. We have robust security on the cloud to secure everything. It helps improve posture and internal operations.

I would focus on the implementation in the cloud, as it relies on third-party vendors like Azure and AWS. It's not seamless; the solution should be more straightforward for complicated environments.

I have been using it for the last two to three years actively. 

It is stable. I did not experience any downtime, and I hope I won't have any.

Regarding scalability, I set up a firewall in the cloud and left it operating. Nothing happens to it without intervention. We perform minor and major upgrades, and it works seamlessly. It is very good.

I have a very good relationship with customer support. They are like my best friends - especially those on level three and four. How would I would rate them a solid eight out of ten.

Positive

I did not use a different solution previously. We chose this over options offered by our cloud vendors since the policy management is strong. I don't have to redo everything from scratch. Also, since I have been using Check Point for many years, it was very easy for me to use the same product that I use on-prem in the cloud.

The licensing is bit pricey. Check Point is expensive, however, with the features and capabilities, I can justify the cost.

I'm an end-user, partner, and reseller of CloudGuard.

The same features used on premises apply to the cloud. It makes my life easier with consistent policies and configurations. It's a fair option. 

Overall, I would give the product an eight out of ten.

I have been at my company for about five years now. We use it as a firewall. Our private firewall is used for everything related to security. 

There is not one feature in particular that stands out, it's just a very good product that we are very fond of. 

It is really easy to work with and has an easy learning curve. It integrates with Azure without any problems. 

It provides a huge benefit in many ways, offering a boost in confidence for secure cloud deployment and migration.

We don't have any complaints with the solution terms of finding threats.

It does help us reduce risk, although I don't have exact numbers. 

We have very good confidence in secure cloud management and migration. We're very used to the product.

We have a direct line with the engineers of Check Point, which is very important. 

I do not have any specific improvements in mind for the tool. It is a solution that is what we need at the moment. There could always be something to enhance deployment, however, for now, it is quite adequate.

The pricing could always be reduced.

I have been using the solution for about five years.

I want to stick with the products we have used. This is the most stable one we have had.

It is very user-friendly to scale. We have transitioned from 1,000 to 500 users without any issue.

The few times I needed customer service, I was very happy with it.

Neutral

We have used solutions from other companies, however, we stayed connected with this one due to its user-friendliness and seamless integration with Azure.

The setup was very fluid. It was very integrated into Azure. We deployed without an issue. 

We did not use an integrator, reseller, or consultant for setting it up. We had some minor issues and tweaks, however it was straightforward.

I hope the return on investment is positive. I am not in charge of that. As far as I know, the C-level team is very happy with it.

I am not in charge of setup costs, however, from what I hear, it could always be cheaper.

I would rate the solution nine out of ten. 

It is never perfect, so it cannot be a ten, however, it is very close to amazing.

My primary use case is to protect the cloud applications that we store specifically in Azure. 

It has helped our organization with security. We have other Check Point firewalls, so we can accumulate everything in one place and manage everything in one place.

It provides unified security management. It makes things easier and faster. We can manage it all in one place in one policy package. We do not have to worry about anything else.

It has helped us reduce our organizational risk.

The most valuable features for me are related to management. I can use the data center objects directly in the policy without worrying about specific static IP addresses. The data center objects update automatically if the IP addresses change. 

There is room for improvement in how it handles deployment itself, but I am not sure. It could be due to Azure's limitations, not Check Point's. Deploying a new firewall is quite bulky and not straightforward, especially in managing the resource group and networks. These issues seem to come more from the Azure part. It is hard to tell.

I have used the solution for about a year now.

The stability is good. I find it really good.

We do not use it regularly, but I tested it and it is quite good.

My experience with customer service was good. On a scale from one to ten, I would rate it a nine out of ten, leaving a gap for improvement.

Positive

I previously used Azure Native Firewall. Other solutions were just tested. We did not use them. We left Azure Native Firewall due to the firewall's slow performance, especially for operations like applying rules. The general functionality of that firewall was incomparable to CloudGuard. 

We have a hybrid environment. We have Azure Cloud.

The initial setup was fine for me. All the complications likely come from Azure. Generally, from Check Point's perspective, it is pretty simple to set up the firewall and attach it to the management. It is easy.

In terms of the implementation strategy, we follow a default or standard deployment plan for all firewalls. It is pretty much the same for on-prem and cloud firewalls, with some differences depending on the cloud, but generally, it is the same list of things to do.

We are integrating ourselves. We did it all in-house.

From the engineering side, it reduces the amount of time I spend on doing changes on the firewalls, like adding rules, which eventually saves money for the company.

Generally, it has been fine for me. I can find my way around the price list, and it is pretty simple.

We did a comparison before we went with CloudGuard, though not for this customer. We generally researched different solutions like Palo Alto, FortiGate, Cisco, and Azure Firewall. We mostly work with Azure, so we did not look into AWS or other solutions.

We went for Check Point because of its ease of management, security features, and cost. Check Point management is way easier. It saves so much time. That is why I prefer to stick to Check Point solutions. Check Point was also one of the cheapest ones. 

The management part simplifies many things. Regarding security features, there are good competitors, and I can replace Check Point with them easily, but it is the management aspect that makes it different for me.

In terms of security threats, I have not done a lot of heavy testing on threats, but my experience is pretty much on par with Palo Alto solutions. FortiGate is a bit less, and I did not even try Cisco security. In my experience, the easy management of Check Point makes all the difference.

I would rate the solution an eight out of ten.

We are dealing with customer data, so we use a firewall to cover all API calls. If you access our sites, it will be via Check Point Firewall. Or if you send a file, it will go via Check Point Firewall.

Check Point CloudGuard provides comprehensive security coverage. The solution covers all entry points and helps manage customer data securely by covering all API calls and processing data efficiently. 

It offers alerts for suspicious activities and an automated system that updates itself to detect irregular patterns, providing notifications for possibly compromised situations.

The pricing is too high. We pay more than twenty-five thousand USD per year, which could be reduced. 

Moreover, Check Point does not initially support serverless architecture, requiring additional efforts from our team to manage it.

Our company has been using Check Point tools for five years.

There are no issues with the stability of Check Point CloudGuard.

The solution is scalable to support our growth for at least two to three more years.

Customer support is efficient with no major issues. The support team is responsive and cooperative. However, the knowledge and expertise of the professional services staff were inconsistent.

Positive

We experienced a lower pricing offer from Trend Micro, however, due to security preferences and support, we chose Check Point.

The initial setup faced challenges due to knowledge gaps on the professional services team. However, the technical side was supportive and helped address these issues.

The professional services used for implementation had inconsistent expertise, requiring involvement from our technical team to resolve gaps.

Pricing is high, over $25,000 USD annually. The package offered includes features we may not need, and more flexible licensing could be cheaper.

We considered alternatives like Trend Micro, which offered more competitive pricing.

I would recommend Check Point CloudGuard. The solution is rated eight out of ten overall.

Our primary use case for CloudGuard Network Security is to secure the cloud environment where we host our backend systems. The platform helps to guard the network security of our infrastructure by securing the traffic and preventing cyber threats. 

It also ensures compliance with industry regulations. Moreover, it integrates easily with AWS and Google Cloud, allowing us to apply a unified security policy throughout our cloud infrastructure.

Check Point CloudGuard has been very helpful in maintaining a high level of security across our cloud environments as our apps integrate with multiple cloud services. 

It ensures secure communication between services and user devices, protecting sensitive data like user information and financial transactions. This has resulted in increased client satisfaction and retention, particularly in sectors requiring stringent data protection like finance and healthcare.

One of the most valuable features is the automated threat prevention, which helps us detect and block potential cyberattacks in real-time, minimizing data breaches. 

The ability to integrate with multiple cloud platforms provides a centralized view of our applications, enhancing security management. The solution also offers real-time visibility and protection against network threats.

The user interface could be more intuitive, and the initial setup and configuration can be complex, requiring a technical team. 

Additional improved documentation and support would make it easier for beginners and small-scale startups. Furthermore, the pricing model is quite expensive, which could be a barrier for smaller companies.

I have been using the solution for approximately one year.

The platform is quite stable. We have not faced any difficulties with its stability.

The solution is very scalable. I would rate its scalability as nine out of ten.

My experience with customer support has been positive. They are responsive and knowledgeable, available twenty-four by seven. However, they could improve by providing documentation for offline issues to better assist users who may not reach out to them directly.

Neutral

Before using Check Point CloudGuard, we managed security through a team of experts. Due to budget cuts during a recession, we switched to using this solution to maintain our security standards.

The initial setup was quite complex, requiring a technical team to understand the processes and implement the solution. More intuitive configuration tools and better documentation would be helpful.

We deployed the solution with a team of fifty-seven people, including cybersecurity engineers and cloud experts, along with support from customer service.

Implementing CloudGuard has resulted in an excellent return on investment over one hundred percent ROI. It has saved costs in our security team, saved potential security breach costs, and enhanced client satisfaction.

The pricing and licensing are expensive, costing between seven thousand to eight thousand dollars. While it offers good features like threat prediction management, reducing the cost will make it more accessible to a broader audience.

We have not used other network security solutions before Check Point CloudGuard.

It is important to prioritize security if managing data in multi-cloud environments. Having a technical team familiar with cloud security is recommended. Working closely with Check Point's support team can help in navigating complex terminologies and enhancing security across cloud platforms.

I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.

Many traditional on-premise customers transitioning to the cloud often prioritize solutions like CloudGuard, especially when dealing with scale sets and clusters. These customers are accustomed to constructing their own network infrastructure and are drawn to CloudGuard for its compatibility with these setups. This primary use case highlights the appeal of CloudGuard for organizations seeking to maintain control over their network security while migrating to cloud environments.

The unified security management significantly impacts security operations and management positively. It's undeniably beneficial, offering streamlined processes and enhanced control. With the rise of infrastructure as code and tools like Terraform, there's a shift towards a separate manager pushing policies to gateways, which can introduce complexity. However, advancements like dynamic resets, enabled directly on the gateway without manager intervention, represent a significant leap forward, simplifying operations and propelling the company towards more efficient security management.

The most significant benefit for our customers lies in the familiarity and comfort of transitioning from on-premise Check Point solutions to CloudGuard's unified management system. This seamless continuity offers reassurance and confidence in navigating the cloud security landscape, making the transition smoother and more intuitive for them.

When compared to other migration solutions in terms of identity-centric security threats, Check Point stands out for its efficacy rates, particularly evident in its threat cloud and AI capabilities. The integration of various security features, along with the collaborative aspect where information from all Check Point Gateways feeds into a collective pool, underscores the robust security aspect of the platform. This is where Check Point consistently sets itself apart in the security landscape.

We maintain a high level of confidence in our security posture, provided everything is configured correctly. Check Point offers additional solutions to address gaps beyond the firewall's capabilities, especially in scenarios where threats may circumvent it or exploit other entry points. Network security alone may not suffice, but Check Point's supplementary solutions, such as Network Calabrio, complement our defenses effectively, serving as a solid foundation for our overall security strategy.

Our clients appreciate the familiar look and feel of Check Point's interface, which maintains the security standards they've come to trust. While there are numerous reports comparing efficacy rates of cloud-native solutions, they often fall short in comparison to third-party vendors like Check Point.

The auto-scaling feature is undoubtedly one of the most valuable aspects of having Check Point security in the cloud. It provides excellent protection by dynamically adjusting resources based on demand. Additionally, the centralized reporting and management, accessible through a single pane of glass, offer consistency and efficiency across multi-cloud environments. This unified approach ensures seamless security management regardless of the cloud platform, making it a highly advantageous feature of Check Point's cloud security solutions.

Check Point's primary competitor, Palo Alto Networks, offers a SaaS firewall solution that can be deployed in both traditional virtual networks (VNETs) and virtual wide area networks (VWANs). This firewall solution features auto-scaling and consumption-based pricing, allowing users to scale according to their needs seamlessly. While Check Point does offer some VWAN offerings, they appear to be more static and less tailored to cloud-native environments compared to Palo Alto's dynamic and flexible approach.

I have been working with it for approximately five years.

In terms of stability, I've never encountered any issues where a gateway went down or experienced faults. My experience across various environments has been consistently positive, without any instances of gateway crashes or failures for any specific reasons.

The scalability aspect functions seamlessly, although there's a significant process involved, particularly with the CME and management components recognizing new gateways and pushing necessary files. Despite the complexity, the CME serves as an effective tool for deploying scripts and managing tasks. However, the requirement for management to push configurations to the firewall adds an additional layer of intricacy beyond simply pushing to the gateway.

The technical support provided by Check Point is commendable. Once a case reaches the right hands, resolutions are often swift. However, there can be challenges in initially getting the case directed to the appropriate personnel, which is not uncommon for organizations of our size. I would rate it seven out of ten.

Neutral

I've implemented various deployments, with one of the most extensive being a multi-tier architecture utilizing different scale sets for handling ingress, egress, and east-west traffic internally. This particular deployment spanned across two regions, with a total of twelve instances distributed among the scale sets, each serving a distinct function. Essentially, it aimed to replicate a traditional data center environment in the cloud, catering to the specific needs of the organization.

Lately, I've been engaged in numerous discussions surrounding cloud-native firewall solutions like AWS Firewall or Azure Firewall, as well as offerings such as Palo Alto's SaaS firewall and CloudGuard NGFW.

CloudGuard compares favorably, offering a familiar and user-friendly experience akin to Check Point's traditional products. The trend towards cloud-native solutions is evident, particularly among non-security-focused individuals. The flexibility to assist in migrating customers who are embracing cloud-native approaches, integrating seamlessly with platforms like Azure WolfStack and AWS real stack, is a significant advantage. This ease of migration is a notable strength of competitors like Palo Alto.

It functions well, especially the auto-scaling feature, despite the complexity involved, particularly with integrating Azure load balancers. Consolidating these components would be beneficial, but without a SaaS offering, reliance on Azure's resources or cloud-native resources remains a factor. Overall, I would rate it eight out of ten.

Scaling the solution is very easy.

The best features are: 

• database inspection
• threat prevention
• enhanced security.

The solution provides me with unified security management across all environments. It has a single interface that can help us get integrated with the normalized management server. It also gives us security and integrity.

It does what it’s supposed to do. I would say that it created a reduction of 25% in organizational risk.

We haven’t seen any kind of problems so far.

We generally used everything on-premise, but now it's all in the cloud through CloudGuard. The transition was a bit challenging. Maybe they could improve their services by including more tutorials and labs on migration.

I have been using the solution for one year. We have just recently implemented the solution, and so fa,r everything is good.

We haven't experienced a lack of stability.

The solution is scalable, and it can handle the traffic whatever the requirement might be. It is capable of meeting the necessary demands effectively.

The technical support and customer service are very good, they’re very nice.

Positive

The deployment was not easy. We did not use any help from outside. The deployment was made in-house and if we ever had a question, we contacted the Check Point team.

From a technical perspective, the return on investment is in its helpfulness and how it’s shaping our future.

I would rate it a seven out of ten. We had some issues we encountered at the beginning. It is a work in progress.