Best Network Security Software

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Network security needs to be a top priority for businesses in every industry. 

Unfortunately, we’re living in an era where hackers and criminals target vulnerabilities in business networks. Network security software helps prevent cyberattacks and keeps data safe.

These solutions help network admins deny unauthorized access to network resources. They can prevent spyware, malware, trojans, phishing, and other network vulnerabilities by stopping harmful network traffic. 

But finding the best network security software for you and your business is challenging if you don’t know what to look for. This guide will steer you in the right direction. 

The Best Network Security Software Options to Consider:

1. Firemon — Best For Automated Network Security
2. Watchguard — Best For Real-Time Network Visibility
3. Qualys — Best For Network Vulnerability Management
4. Avast CloudCare — Best For MSPs Managing Multiple Networks
5. FireEye — Best For Threat Detection and Response
6. Cisco Network Security — Most Versatile Network Security Solutions
7. Webroot — Best For Small Businesses
8. Bitdefender Network Traffic Security Analytics — Best For Advanced Attack Prevention

When it Makes Sense to Invest Into Network Security Software

Network security software has evolved significantly over the years. Newer software comes with features to protect modern businesses from more sophisticated attacks. 

Every organization needs a solution to protect its network. This is especially crucial for small and mid-sized businesses and other companies leveraging cloud-based processes. Even smaller organizations that don’t have an in-house IT team or dedicated security professionals can benefit from network security software. 

BYOD (bring your own device) in the workplace has also increased the demand for network security software. These solutions can help control network access rights from varying devices. 

Alternatively, you could use endpoint security software to protect specific devices on a network instead of starting with the network itself. But network-level security is sufficient if the majority of devices remain connected to an on-premise network. 

These solutions can even enhance network performance and provide secure data sharing between your staff and data sources. 

Overall, network security is a broad term that encompasses a plethora of technology, devices, and potential use cases. Any business that uses networked data and systems should be investing in network security software. 

Don’t wait until your network gets breached. Be proactive and keep it secure. 

#1 – Firemon — The Best For Automated Network Security

Firemon is a modern solution for network security. It’s branded as the “only agile network security policy platform.” In addition to protecting your network, Firemon increases network speeds and improves efficiencies. 

Automation is what makes Firemon stand out from other solutions in this space.

The software delivers extensive automation capabilities that drive network security processes. These can be tailored to meet varying compliance requirements, custom infrastructures, and unique use cases. 

Once the policies are in place, operators can stay hands-off, knowing that the network is secure. 

Some of the other features, benefits, and highlights of Firemon include:

• Real-time visibility, control, and management for network security devices
• Automated workflows and provisioning
• Proactive and continuous compliance
• Risk analyzer for real-time vulnerability management
• Firewall cleanup
• Compliance solutions for HIPAA, PCI, and NERC/FERC 

Firemon is ideal for organizations with multi-cloud environments. It has the advanced capabilities to secure enterprise networks. The software is trusted by big brands like Costco, Salesforce, Wells Fargo, IBM, Sony, Airbnb, and other industry leaders. Their reputation speaks for itself.

Overall, Firemon has a wide range of network security software solutions for you to choose from. Schedule a demo on their website to see which one is right for your business.

#2 – Watchguard — The Best For Real-Time Network Visibility

Watchguard delivers enterprise-grade security to organizations of all sizes and industries. They offer award-winning solutions for network security, endpoint security, cloud Wi-Fi security, and multi-factor authentication.

With Watchguard, you can see the big picture of your network with real-time reports. This gives IT professionals the ability to make timely decisions, avoid network outages, and prevent data loss.

Organizations use Watchguard to protect devices, data, and users across an entire network—all from a single platform. 

This advanced network security solution includes features like:

• Built-in SD-WAN
• SSL inspection and prevention
• Automatic cloud deployment
• Block threats and malware
• 100+ comprehensive reports and dashboards
• Special reports for PCI, HIPAA, and KCSiE compliance

The real-time visual dashboards provide a comprehensive view of network activity. You can view crucial information at a glance, like unusual traffic patterns, suspicious activity, and who is consuming the most bandwidth. 

Whether you want an on-premise or cloud solution, Watchguard has the network security software to accommodate your needs. 

Request a quote and demo online to get started. 

#3 – Qualys — The Best For Network Vulnerability Management

Qualys is a cloud-based network security solution. The platform runs 2+ trillion security events and performs 6+ billion IP scans per year.

While Qualys has an extensive list of security tools for businesses, they specialize in vulnerability management and continuous monitoring.

The software makes it easy to quickly identify all known and unknown assets. You can easily view reports of categorized inventory with data like vendor lifecycle information and more. The vulnerability management features will identify exposures so network attacks can be defended from anywhere.

Qualys has continuous monitoring solutions that send real-time alerts for things like network irregularities, new hosts, unauthorized software on the network, expiring certificates, unexpected open ports, and more.

All Qualys subscriptions include:

• Unlimited scans
• Free training and support
• Unlimited cloud agents
• Access to all Qualys cloud platform apps

Overall, Qualys is an all-in-one solution for vulnerability management, detection, and response. 

Create an account to start your free trial. Qualys offers additional free services beyond network security, like a 60-day free trial for remote endpoint detection. 

#4 – Avast CloudCare — The Best For MSPs Managing Multiple Networks

Avast CloudCare is a bit unique compared to some of the other solutions on our list. It’s designed specifically for managed service providers that need to manage all of their clients through a single platform.

This makes it easy to provide cloud-based network security and endpoint protection while keeping overhead costs low.

For such an advanced network security solution, Avast CloudCare is surprisingly easy to use. It’s truly an all-in-one security platform for MSPs. 

Let’s take a closer look at the features, benefits, and highlights of Avast CloudCare:

• Real-time alerts
• Real-time threat detection and visibility into customers’ networks
• Single dashboard to monitor all threats and connected devices
• Network device and policy management
• Comprehensive reporting
• Patch management
• Email security
• Cloud backups
• Content filtering
• Secure web gateways and Internet gateways

If you’re an MSP seeking a simple way to deliver robust network security to your clients, look no further than Avast CloudCare.

Try it for free with a 30-day trial.

#5 – FireEye — The Best For Threat Detection and Response

FireEye is a well-known cybersecurity company. They provide a wide range of hardware, software, and services to prevent attacks and respond to network vulnerabilities.

Network security is just one of FireEye’s many popular security solutions.

FireEye stands out from competitors in the way it detects and responds to potential network threats. The software makes it easy for organizations to control their networks and data centers. They have solutions for file content security, on-demand threat detection, malware analysis, network forensics, and more. 

Choose from multiple deployment options, including on-premise, hybrid cloud, public cloud, and more. Other top features and benefits of FireEye include:

• Real-time inline blocking
• Riskware detection
• Signature-based IPS detection
• Advanced attack detection for ransomware, zero-day, multi-flow, and polymorphic
• Automatically blocks and validates attacks across multiple vectors
• Real-time and retroactive threat detection

FireEye offers several different network security solutions. They have software for networks and endpoints, networks and emails, and a complete cloud network security solution. 

#6 – Cisco Network Security — Most Versatile Network Security Solutions

Cisco is a name that you’re likely familiar with. This international conglomerate is a global leader in IT and cybersecurity. They have solutions for companies of all sizes across a wide range of industries.

Regardless of your needs, Cisco has a network security product for everyone.

Cisco DNA is a solution for enterprise network security. This software offers unified access policies and reduces vulnerabilities with automated security patches, wireless security, and DNS protection. You’ll also have full visibility into your network with details related to users, devices, and encrypted traffic. 

The enterprise solution even has a tool for AI endpoint analytics, which can verify the identities and analyze unsecured IoT devices’ traffic. 

Cisco also offers a variety of other basic and advanced products to secure networks, including:

• Firewalls
• Intrusion prevention
• Network access control
• Secure web gateways
• Network traffic analysis
• Application security
• User and endpoint protection

The list goes on and on. For those of you who want network security software but don’t know which option is right for your business, Cisco will be perfect for you. Whether your needs are basic or advanced, this provider has a solution. 

#7 – Webroot — The Best For Small Businesses

Webroot is another expert in the cybersecurity space. They have solutions for MSPs, homes, and businesses of all sizes.

One unique standout of Webroot is its purpose-built cybersecurity for small businesses. They have lightweight software designed to secure networks, endpoints, and users without the complexity often associated with some enterprise-grade solutions.

Webroot understands the challenges faced by SMBs. So, they offer cybersecurity software built to scale as your company grows. MSPs will benefit from Webroot’s remote monitoring and management integrations. These cloud-based solutions can protect your business and clients alike. 

Some noteworthy advantages of Webroot include:

• 100% cloud-based
• Endpoint protection
• DNS protection
• Automated management
• Simple deployment
• Multi-vector protection
• Threat intelligence services

Overall, Webroot is more than just a network security solution. It takes network security to the next level by protecting endpoints as well. 

Small and midsize businesses and MSPs are viable candidates for Webroot’s software. 

#8 – Bitdefender NTSA — The Best For Advanced Attack Prevention

Bitdefender is a global leader in cybersecurity software. They protect 500+ million devices across 150+ countries.

One of their most popular solutions is Bitdefender NTSA (network traffic security analytics). 

Bitdefender NTSA is unique. The software leverages machine learning and behavioral analytics to detect advanced attacks on your network. It detects threats for all entities, whether they’re encrypted, unencrypted, managed, or unmanaged.

Other top features and benefits of Bitdefender Network Traffic Security Analytics include:

• Real-time threat detection for any device on the network
• Autonomous incident response 
• BYOD and IoT protection
• Compliant with PCI, GDPR, GLBA, and NIST regulations
• Full visibility and 360-degree insights

The software is available for on-premises or cloud deployment. So, you’ll have different options to accommodate your needs.

You can easily request a demo on their website to get started.

Methodology For Choosing The Best Network Security Software

With so many options to consider, there are certain factors you need to evaluate when comparing network security software services. Use the following factors as a buying guide to help narrow your choices as you’re shopping around.

Malware, Privacy, and Phishing Protection

Malware protection is a crucial component of any network security solution. The software should also be able to fight adware, spyware, and phishing. 

These are fairly basic security standards. But they are the foundation of a good network security system. You’ll need to have them regardless, so it makes sense to get everything from the same provider.

Firewalls

Firewalls are essential for network protection. As the name implies, this feature acts as a barrier between your trusted network and external networks. Generally speaking, a firewall can monitor all of the traffic on a network and prevent harmful access. 

The best firewalls monitor all of the applications running on your network and restrict inappropriate use. They usually keep a closer eye on new or unknown programs running on the network. This helps neutralize any stop suspicious behavior before it becomes a problem. 

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

VPNs extend network security to internet connections. It secures your traffic and can even hide details like your IP address and location. 

Not every network security software comes with a VPN out of the box. You may need to get this as an add-on or upgrade to an all-in-one security suite. 

Network Access Control

This feature prevents intruders and attackers from infiltrating your network. You can set up access control policies and rules for users and devices. 

For example, you could give employees full access to your network from work-issued devices but deny network access to their personal devices. This is an important factor to consider for devices in the workplace. 

Summary

Network security is not something that should be taken lightly. That’s why it’s so important to find the right network security software for your business. 

But which one is the best? It depends on your unique scenario.

Firemon specializes in automated network security. Watchguard is the best option for real-time network visibility, and Qualys is our top recommendation for network vulnerability management. FireEye and Bitdefender both have robust software for advanced threat detection and response. 

Managed service providers should consider Avast CloudCare or Webroot. Cisco offers network security solutions for all business sizes.

Regardless of your network security needs, use the recommendations and methodology described in this guide to steer you in the right direction.