Forescout Platform vs Palo Alto Networks IoT Security comparison

Forescout Platform vs. Palo Alto Networks IoT Security

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Forescout Platform

Ranking in IoT Security

4th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Network Access Control (NAC) (6th), Endpoint Compliance (2nd), Extended Detection and Response (XDR) (19th)

Palo Alto Networks IoT Secu...

Ranking in IoT Security

3rd

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.9

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2026, in the IoT Security category, the mindshare of Forescout Platform is 8.2%, down from 12.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Palo Alto Networks IoT Security is 5.9%, down from 7.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

IoT Security Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Palo Alto Networks IoT Security	5.9%
Forescout Platform	8.2%
Other	85.9%

IoT Security

Featured Reviews

AshishKumar Rai

Security Consultant at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

Comprehensive visibility has strengthened endpoint control and automated threat response across networks

When it comes to improving Forescout Platform, I have faced some issues recently, particularly with the switch integration part. When integrating a switch, it asks for the vendor type, and often it does not match. For example, one series of HP switches may not be found in that vendor list. This leads to frustration because you have to check again with different HP models, and once you integrate a switch, you cannot edit the vendor list without removing it. Other issues are being worked on, particularly related to switch integration. I believe they will be fixed in the next upgrade or patch fix. There are no major issues, but the configuration changes needed for the switch model are necessary, and I think it would help if during integration, an admin user could check the password or credential used, as they currently cannot see the password after it is entered and saved.

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reviewer2774463

Manager ERP (Insurance) at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees

Have used it to manage device updates remotely and now see potential for improved centralized control

One of the favorite features is that they can plug in a device and update it without being on the network, so you can perform an offline update. If all the IoT devices in the field can provide a single pane of glass and management through that platform in a controlled fashion, that would be really beneficial.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"Primarily used to define which host to admit onto the network, by tying a policy to the MAC address."

"Forescout Platform has granular features and one of the most impressive features is the agentless feature."

"The user interface is quite simple."

"The most valuable feature of the Forescout Platform is the large capacity it can handle. Additionally, the interface of the platform is good."

"Forescout Platform's compliance enforcement has delivered significant cost savings for our organization."

"We use the Forescout Platform for device visibility and control in our network. It's very helpful for tracking malicious or unusual activity. We use it to track which ports are open, which machines are running specific services, and to identify vulnerabilities. For example, there was a vulnerability related to SMB, and we could use the product to determine which machines inside our organization were allowing SMB traffic."

"The Forescout Platform's most valuable features include its agentless configuration, which allows for easy integration with switches, and its broad customizability of rules and conditions for policy configuration. By leveraging its Network Access Control capabilities, the tool controls network access, allowing administrators to enforce policies tailored to the organization's needs."

"The interface is easy to use."

More Forescout Platform pros

"Single-pass traffic processing enables very high throughput and low latency."

"From a security standpoint, it provides a comprehensive range of standard security features that align with our requirements."

"I like the Cortex Data Lake integration with security automation."

"This solution has been most valuable for establishing a VPN and implementing allow/deny rules. It has also enabled us to create security policies. It is an easy solution to customise when it comes to creating templates and pulling reports."

"I would recommend Palo Alto Networks IoT Security to any organization with automation plants or standard enterprise IT environments."

"It is simple to use. We just need to enable features and then configure IoT policies."

"I like the threat information, and we can share the logging data with Cortex Data Lake."

"The key strength of Palo Alto firewalls lies in their application-based approach, offering a much finer level of control compared to traditional firewalls."

More Palo Alto Networks IoT Security pros

Cons

"The configuration of the rules is both a blessing and a curse. While it is almost infinitely configurable, knowing how to get the product to do what you want it to do can be difficult, especially at first."

"We experienced some detection issues when checking compliance for the Sophos agent."

"The ability to block external devices in Mac is lacking and needs to be added."

"I should be able to integrate my Forescout with any other third party security technology, to build that connected security strategy."

"Forescout Platform could improve the costs of integrations."

"Forescout Platform could improve the integration or compatibility with other solutions, such as Chinese-made solutions. They do not have any integration with S33 which is a switch. They do not have good integration with new solutions in the market. They do integrate well with Rocket, Cisco, Juniper, and quite a few more but they could expand the integration."

"It's scalable, but not without a big investment. It doesn't do so well at the branch. At the home office, it does okay and not so well at the branch."

"Battled with the use of SNMP v1 instead of v2c Direct web interface rather than installation of a client."

More Forescout Platform cons

"More application signatures are required."

"There can be more automation in terms of security and detection. It is already good."

"I had to call the support because there were some devices that were not showing up."

"The reporting for this solution could be improved. The logs we receive are only saved for one week. We would like to have the database timeframe increased to a month or two for historical reporting as well as increased storage capabilities to support this data and reporting."

"The support is in line with Palo Alto Networks services for other products but needs improvement."

"Essentially, this solution focuses on data analysis and cannot perform any physical actions."

"The cost is still high and licensing is still complex."

"Palo Alto Networks IoT Security's reporting capabilities are less comprehensive and robust than those provided by Cisco."

More Palo Alto Networks IoT Security cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The price of Forescout is reasonable when compared to Cisco ISE."

"We went with the virtual appliance option. The biggest cost to running these types of appliances would be to either have multiple virtual appliances at every data center or running Remote SPAN hardware to provide you the real-time network visibility."

"The Forescout Platform's pricing is in the middle range, not too cheap or expensive."

"It might not be the cheapest solution, but you get what you pay for."

"The ROI is priceless."

"You can have a flexible license depending on your environment."

"Forescout Platform is too expensive, so the price should be reduced."

"The price of the Forescout Platform is expensive. I purchased it for approximately 94 lakhs."

More Forescout Platform pricing and cost advice

"The initial investment is substantial, but the renewal costs make it financially unsustainable."

"The successful migration trend suggests that Palo Alto provides a superior cost-benefit ratio for firewall solutions."

"The pricing for Palo Alto Networks IoT Security is a bit high."

"While Palo Alto Networks IoT Security might cost more than some competitors, its features and effectiveness justify the price tag."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Manufacturing Company

12%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Government

Computer Software Company

Performing Arts

13%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Financial Services Firm

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	30
Midsize Enterprise	10
Large Enterprise	45

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	3
Large Enterprise	7

Questions from the Community

What advice do you have for others considering Forescout Platform?

Forescout is a very powerful NAC product that does not rely on port level configuration. It can detect and block unauthorized devices very quickly. But it has a lot of capabilities and really would...

What advice do you have for others considering Forescout Platform?

I would rate the Forescout Device and Visibility Control Platform at a six out of ten.

What advice do you have for others considering Forescout Platform?

I recommend doing a compression demo. If people use it, they will buy it. So they have to see the product in place. That's the main recommendation is to do a proof of concept. If they do, they will...

What needs improvement with Palo Alto Networks IoT Security?

One thing I communicated to them is that they need to provide a managed update for their IoT devices.

What is your primary use case for Palo Alto Networks IoT Security?

I use it for one of my customers, and my role is to help my customer with the solution. They use it for their IoT devices in the field, and they have a lot of sensors out there for their heating eq...

What advice do you have for others considering Palo Alto Networks IoT Security?

The pricing is not that bad. I would rate this solution an 8 out of 10.

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Product Reports

Forescout Platform

Download Forescout Platform product report

Palo Alto Networks IoT Security

Download Palo Alto Networks IoT Security product report

Also Known As

Forescout Platform, CounterACT for Endpoint Compliance, ForeScout CounterACT

No data available

Overview

Forescout Platform provides comprehensive device visibility and asset management without requiring agent installation. It strengthens network access control and endpoint compliance, integrating flexibly with zero-trust architecture.

Forescout Platform offers organizations a robust solution for maintaining network security by enabling detailed monitoring of connected devices and enforcing compliance policies across IT and OT networks. Effective in sectors like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, it controls unauthorized access, authenticates, quarantines, and remediates noncompliant devices while supporting both on-premises and cloud environments. Notable for its third-party integration, easy configuration, and customizable threat responses, Forescout Platform aids in efficient security measure maintenance.

What are the key features?

Device Visibility: Identifies and monitors all connected devices.
Asset Management: Facilitates efficient oversight of network assets.
Third-party Integration: Offers compatibility with many security systems.
No Agent Installation Required: Simplifies setup and reduces overhead.
Network Access Control: Protects networks with automated policy enforcement.
Endpoint Compliance: Ensures devices adhere to security policies.
Customizable Threat Responses: Tailors actions to specific security threats.

What are the benefits to look for?

Flexibility: Adapts to diverse IT environments with ease.
Zero-trust Integration: Enhances security with robust architecture compatibility.
Ease of Use: Reduces complexity in setup and operation.
Comprehensive Visibility: Maintains detailed insight into network devices.

Forescout Platform finds widespread adoption across industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. It is particularly valued for enforcing cybersecurity measures and maintaining compliance in diverse operational environments, handling network access and device management challenges efficiently.

Forescout

Palo Alto Networks IoT Security enhances device classification and security through a cloud-based AI engine. It integrates seamlessly with third-party systems, supporting zero-trust policies and efficient network management.

Focused on securing on-premises and industrial control systems, Palo Alto Networks IoT Security utilizes AI-driven integration with Cortex Data Lake for automated security policy management. It aids endpoint security, IoT log monitoring, and regulatory compliance, offering centralized threat protection and vulnerability detection across diverse applications. Challenges include user-friendliness, scalability, and integration with infrastructure, but the service supports robust VPN capabilities and next-gen firewall technology.

What are the key features of Palo Alto Networks IoT Security?

Application Visibility: Offers deep insights into device operations.
Third-Party Integration: Enables seamless connections with existing systems.
Zero-Trust Policies: Implements granular security controls.
AI Device Classification: Utilizes cloud-based AI for advanced device management.
Cortex Data Lake: Enhances logging and threat management capabilities.

What benefits and ROI can be expected from using Palo Alto Networks IoT Security?

Comprehensive Management: Intuitive dashboard simplifies network oversight.
Offline Updates: Supports continued security even without direct cloud access.
Custom Policy Creation: Allows efficient security policy customization.
Enhanced Threat Protection: Offers robust defense across various environments.
VPN Capabilities: Provides secure connectivity in diverse scenarios.

In specific industries, Palo Alto Networks IoT Security serves as a critical tool for centralized network security in on-premises and operational technology environments. It is deployed for automated vulnerability detection and compliance across different applications, addressing regulatory and network security challenges for enterprises.

Palo Alto Networks

Sample Customers

NHS Sussex, SAP, SEGA, Vistaprint, Miami Children's Hospital, Pioneer Investments, New York Law School, OmnicomGroup, Meritrust

Information Not Available

Forescout Platform vs. Palo Alto Networks IoT Security