Barracuda Web Application Firewall vs Prisma Cloud by Palo Alto Networks comparison

Barracuda Web Application Firewall is a game-changing cloud-connected security solution that enables organizations to safeguard both their applications and their data from an ever-growing array of advanced cyber threats. It offers protection from cyber attacks that target not only data and applications stored on the cloud but also those that are housed on web servers. 43% of the time a breach takes place via a compromised application. Barracuda Web Application Firewall prevents these types of breaches from occurring.

Barracuda Web Application Firewall denies hackers the ability to penetrate your system by using a number of techniques to keep your organization safely insulated. The first method of protection consists of two parts. The first part involves a thorough scanning of all inbound web traffic. This solution monitors everything that comes into the system. It employs IP reputation intelligence, which filters all incoming data. If the source of the data has a bad reputation, it is blocked by the firewall. Administrators now have a way of locking out many common threats that could otherwise compromise sensitive networks. These scans can also allow administrators to protect their systems from within as DLP (Data Loss Prevention) protocols. If any sensitive data attempts to leave, administrators will automatically be alerted and the data will be blocked from exiting.

Barracuda Web Application Firewall can also be set up to apply the AAA (Authentication, Authorization & Accounting) framework to an organization’s network. If an intruder manages to get past the authentication stage, the authorization protocols kick in. After the authorization stage comes accounting, which works by tracking and logging users’ activities so that administrators will be in a position to prevent long-term damage from being done. This three-step process can be implemented without requiring administrators to make changes to their applications.

Key Features

Some of Barracuda Web Application Firewall’s key features include:

• The ability to employ adaptive profiling. Administrators will have an easier time enforcing security policies once this feature is enabled. It takes data from safe sources and builds profiles that can be used to create whitelisting protocols that prevent unsafe actions from occurring on the system.
• The ability to assess threats in real time. Barracuda Web Application Firewall uses machine learning to detect new threats and attacks as they emerge.
• The ability to manage the Barracuda Web Application Firewall system from a single interface. Administrators can manage their Barracuda Web Application Firewall configurations from one centralized location.

Reviews from Real Users

Barracuda Web Application Firewall stands out among its competitors for a number of reasons. One of the main ones is the robustness of the solution. Users are given access to a vast variety of security features in a single product.

PeerSpot user Muhammed S., a Presales Solutions Architect at Hilal Computers, notes this when he writes, "The solution offers multiple security features. There are machine learning features and great URL encryption. It also offers multi-protocol support against DDoS attacks."

Other reviewers note that Barracuda Web Application Firewall is user-friendly, easy to set up, stable, and reliable.

Prisma Cloud by Palo Alto Networks is used for managing cloud security posture, container security, and compliance monitoring in multi-cloud environments.

Prisma Cloud by Palo Alto Networks provides tools for vulnerability management, misconfiguration detection, and compliance with standards like HIPAA and CIS. It offers near real-time inventory and alerting, enhancing cloud configuration audits and security across AWS, Azure, and GCP. Its automated security features offer real-time protection and integration into CI/CD pipelines, optimizing visibility, control, and risk identification without manual steps. Despite its capabilities, improvement areas include documentation, pricing clarity, usability, security automation, dashboard customization, and API functionality. Slow support and integration challenges with AWS and third-party tools are noted.

• Dynamic Workload Identity: Automates identity creation for workloads, enhancing security.
• Automated Forensics: Provides swift incident analysis to prevent future vulnerabilities.
• Comprehensive Compliance Monitoring: Monitors compliance with industry standards effortlessly.
• Cloud Security Posture Management: Manages security posture effectively across environments.
• Vulnerability Scanning: Identifies vulnerabilities across multi-cloud setups.
• Identity-Based Micro-Segmentation: Limits access to sensitive data via segmentation.
• Single-Pane Management: Offers streamlined management across cloud platforms.

• Increased Productivity: Streamlined processes reduce time spent on manual tasks.
• Enhanced Security: Real-time threat detection mitigates potential breaches.
• Compliance Assurance: Ensures adherence to necessary industry standards.
• Cost Efficiency: Automated features lower operational costs.
• Improved Integration: Smooth integration into existing CI/CD pipelines.

In industries such as healthcare and finance, Prisma Cloud by Palo Alto Networks enhances security by aligning with strict compliance standards and safeguarding sensitive data. Its tools adapt to rapid cloud service updates and enable secure deployment across diverse cloud infrastructures.