Best Firewall Audit Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best firewall audit software:
Securing your network is no easy feat, especially with evolving threats. You need tools that keep up. Firewall audit software helps you pinpoint vulnerabilities and ensure compliance. It's about peace of mind for you and your team.
In my experience, the right software can make a difference. I've tested and reviewed various options, focusing on what matters to you: usability, features, and reliability.
In this article, I'll share my top picks for firewall audit software. You'll get unbiased insights to help you make the best choice for your needs. Let's dive in and find the right fit for your team.
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Best Firewall Audit Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top firewall audit software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for real-time firewall performance monitoring | Free trial + demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for proactive firewall policy tuning | Not available | From $45/user/month (minimum 10 users, billed annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Best for real-time threat alerts | Free demo available | From $33/user/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for automating security controls | Not available | Pricing upon request. | Website | |
| 5 | Best for large-scale network management | Not available | From $6,000/user/year (billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best for optimizing application connectivity | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for providing consolidated policy visualization | Not available | From $1,000 (billed annually). | Website | |
| 8 | Best for prioritizing vulnerabilities in real-time | Not available | From $2,800/user/year (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for scoring network risk factors | Not available | From $500/user/month (minimum 10 seats, billed annually) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for identifying policy violations | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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Best Firewall Audit Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best firewall audit software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Site24x7 is an all-in-one observability platform that includes tools for monitoring firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs), and network devices. You can track CPU usage, session counts, and VPN activity, plus receive Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) trap alerts and bandwidth data—all from a single dashboard.
Why I Picked Site24x7:
I picked Site24x7 because it helps you stay on top of firewall health and performance with real-time metrics and alerting. It pulls data directly from your devices using SNMP and shows you trends for things like memory use, intrusion attempts, and tunnel status. If you're trying to stay ahead of outages or diagnose VPN bottlenecks, Site24x7 gives you the visibility to do that without juggling multiple tools.
Standout Features and Integrations:
You can monitor firewall metrics like Voice over IP (VoIP) sessions, Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) proxy connections, and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) tunnel activity. The On-Premise Poller gathers accurate data from SNMP Management Information Bases (MIBs), and you can generate root cause reports when issues arise. Alerting is flexible, with options for email, voice, mobile app, and chat. Site24x7 integrates with Amazon EventBridge, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoho Analytics, and Jira, and also supports performance monitoring across routers, switches, and cloud networks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive network monitoring capabilities
- Real-time alerts for immediate issue detection
- Automated compliance audits
Cons:
- Lacks more robust security features, like threat detection
- Excessive alerts can be overwhelming for users
New Product Updates from Site24x7
Site24x7 Expands OCI Monitoring With New Integrations
Site24x7 has launched two new Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) integrations—Functions Monitoring and DRG Connectivity Monitoring—to help users ensure reliable serverless performance and stable cloud networking. These updates strengthen visibility, error detection, and operational efficiency. For more information, visit Site24x7’s official site.
FireMon is a robust firewall management platform that centers on proactive policy tuning and optimization. It assists organizations in maintaining continuous compliance and enforcing network security policies effectively, making it the top pick for businesses looking to proactively manage their firewall policies.
Why I Picked FireMon:
In my search for the best firewall audit tool, I chose FireMon for its focus on proactive policy tuning. Its commitment to preventing policy clutter and optimizing rules makes it stand apart in the market. I believe it's "best for" businesses seeking to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities by optimizing their firewall policies.
Standout Features and Integrations:
FireMon boasts various features, with the policy optimizer and risk analyzer standing out. These features ensure a proactive approach to firewall management. In terms of integrations, FireMon offers compatibility with a wide range of firewalls, next-generation firewalls, and cloud platforms, providing a truly flexible solution.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides risk analysis
- Compatible with a wide range of firewalls and cloud platforms
- Offers proactive policy tuning
Cons:
- The user interface may have a steep learning curve for some users
- Requires a minimum of 10 users
- Pricing could be high for small organizations
ManageEngine Firewall Analyzer is a firewall log analysis tool that helps you audit security policies, monitor network traffic, and receive real-time alerts based on firewall events. It supports devices from multiple vendors and includes features for configuration tracking, compliance reporting, and bandwidth analysis—all accessible from a centralized dashboard.
Why I Picked ManageEngine Firewall Analyzer:
I picked Firewall Analyzer because it gives you real-time threat alerts tied to firewall rule changes, VPN activity, and user behaviour. That matters if you're watching for misconfigurations, unauthorized access, or bandwidth misuse and want to take action quickly. It also lets you investigate events with log forensics, making it easier to connect alerts with context.
Standout Features and Integrations:
You can track internet usage by employee, monitor VPN trends, and audit policy changes with built-in rule optimization tools. Alerts are triggered for anomalies in bandwidth, traffic type, or configuration state. The tool integrates with other ManageEngine products like Log360, EventLog Analyzer, and OpManager, expanding your visibility across the network stack. You also get compliance-ready reports for standards like PCI-DSS, NIST, and GDPR.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides detailed insights into firewall traffic and user activity
- VPN tracking and bandwidth management
- Real-time monitoring capabilities help identify unusual traffic patterns
Cons:
- Requires regular updates and maintenance
- Slower patch responses for third-party software vulnerabilities
Drata is a platform designed to help businesses achieve and maintain compliance. The software's emphasis on automation, particularly when it comes to managing security controls, makes it a valuable asset for businesses looking to alleviate some of the burdens associated with maintaining security compliance.
Why I Picked Drata:
Drata caught my attention due to its strong focus on automating security controls, a typically labor-intensive process for most businesses. Its automation capabilities and clear, audit-ready reports make it a stand-out option. In my judgment, Drata is "best for" those companies aiming to streamline their security compliance process through automation.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Key features of Drata include continuous compliance monitoring, automated security control evidence collection, and providing audit-ready reports. The platform also integrates with a wide array of other services, including AWS, GCP, Slack, and GitHub, to allow for thorough security audits across your company's entire software stack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with a wide range of services
- Provides audit-ready reports
- Automates various aspects of security compliance
Cons:
- Could be complex for businesses with basic compliance needs
- Requires a minimum of 5 users
- Might be costly for small businesses
Fortinet FortiManager presents a robust solution for managing large network environments. Its centralized management console effectively handles numerous network appliances and policies, qualifying it as the top pick for expansive network architectures.
Why I Picked Fortinet FortiManager:
I picked Fortinet FortiManager for its comprehensive capabilities to manage extensive network infrastructures. Its central management of diverse network devices and policies makes it the ideal choice for organizations with a vast network topology.
Its forte in handling large-scale networks with ease and precision makes it an undisputed solution for expansive network management.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Fortinet FortiManager's standout features include centralized management, streamlined operations, and security fabric integration. Its centralized management allows you to manage thousands of devices and workflows from a single console.
In terms of integrations, FortiManager connects well with Fortinet’s suite of network security products, forming a unified and collaborative security framework.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good integration with Fortinet’s network security suite
- Centralized control for various devices
- Efficient large-scale network management
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Extra costs for managing additional devices
- No monthly subscription available, billed annually
AlgoSec is a network security management solution that excels in streamlining and optimizing application connectivity. By providing visibility and control over network applications, it ensures a secure, compliant, and efficient network environment.
Why I Picked AlgoSec:
I selected AlgoSec because of its strong capabilities in managing and optimizing application connectivity. Its ability to map application connectivity, automate security changes, and assess risk stands out from other platforms. Consequently, I determined AlgoSec as the optimal choice for teams aiming to improve application connectivity while maintaining security standards.
Standout Features and Integrations:
AlgoSec offers several useful features including automated security policy management, firewall audit and compliance, and network auto-discovery. Its standout feature is the application-centric approach to security policy management that boosts the connectivity of applications. AlgoSec also integrates well with a range of other IT management tools, firewalls, and cloud platforms which makes it an integral part of any network security setup.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations
- Strong focus on application connectivity
- Comprehensive and automated security policy management
Cons:
- Full utilization might require considerable time investment
- Might be complex for beginners
- Pricing information is not publicly available
Panorama from Palo Alto Networks is a management solution known for its strong policy visualization. This tool enables users to see a consolidated view of their network policies across different environments, making it the perfect tool for unified policy visualization.
Why I Picked Panorama:
Panorama caught my eye because of its unparalleled ability to provide a unified policy visualization across complex networks. This characteristic allows for easy tracking and management of firewall security policies, giving it an edge over other solutions.
I hold it in high regard because it's specifically designed for organizations that seek a comprehensive overview of their security posture.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Key features of Panorama include centralized management, traffic and threat visibility, and policy orchestration. The centralized management feature delivers a streamlined interface for managing policies across multiple environments.
For integrations, Panorama plays well with the Palo Alto Networks product suite, ensuring consistency and interoperability within the network security infrastructure.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates smoothly with other Palo Alto products
- Offers deep traffic and threat visibility
- Excellent for consolidated policy visualization
Cons:
- Pricing might be steep for small businesses
- Can be challenging for beginners
- Requires upfront annual payment
Rapid7 InsightVM takes a unique approach to vulnerability management by prioritizing vulnerabilities based on risk and context. This tool facilitates real-time assessment and analysis of your security posture to help you act swiftly on the most imminent threats.
Why I Picked Rapid7 InsightVM:
I selected Rapid7 InsightVM due to its capacity to deliver real-time analytics. Its distinguishing trait lies in the risk-scoring functionality that allows for effective prioritization of vulnerabilities. The tool excels in determining which threats need immediate attention and why, making it an ideal solution for real-time vulnerability management.
Standout Features and Integrations:
InsightVM stands out with its Live Dashboard, Remediation Workflow, and automated actions triggered by the risk score. The Live Dashboard offers a continuously updated view of your risk landscape. The Remediation Workflow aids in tracking and coordinating remediation efforts.
As for integrations, InsightVM partners with leading technologies like ServiceNow, Splunk, and CyberArk, fostering a more streamlined and comprehensive security strategy.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations
- Robust workflow coordination
- Real-time risk scoring
Cons:
- No monthly subscription option, billed annually
- Requires technical expertise to operate effectively
- Pricing could be prohibitive for smaller businesses
Tripwire IP360 is an advanced threat and vulnerability management system. With its focus on providing a robust risk scoring model, it is a key player in managing network security for businesses that prioritize risk management.
Why I Picked Tripwire IP360:
I selected Tripwire IP360 for its unique ability to deliver a comprehensive risk-scoring system for network vulnerabilities. It was my choice because of its unique focus on transforming complex security data into a digestible risk score, making it an ideal tool for businesses concerned about network risk factors.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Notable features of Tripwire IP360 include its sophisticated risk-scoring mechanism, comprehensive vulnerability database, and impressive automation capabilities. As for integrations, IP360 is designed to fit within your existing security infrastructure and works harmoniously with a multitude of security information and event management (SIEM) systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent automation capabilities
- In-depth vulnerability database
- Powerful risk-scoring system
Cons:
- The user interface could use improvement
- Requires a minimum of 10 seats
- Can be expensive for small businesses
Skybox is a cybersecurity platform specializing in attack surface visibility and security policy management. By analyzing and visualizing your entire network, it excels in pinpointing policy violations and bringing them to your attention, making it an optimal tool for this purpose.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with a wide variety of security platforms
- Offers network modeling and firewall assurance
- Exceptional at identifying policy violations
Cons:
- Customized solutions may include unnecessary features for some organizations
- Could be complex for users with less technical experience
- Pricing is not directly available, must be requested
Other Firewall Audit Software
Here are some additional firewall audit software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Tufin
For change management tracking
- ManageEngine Firewall Analyzer
For analyzing firewall logs
- Vanta
For simplifying security compliance
- Forcepoint
For threat-centric visibility
- SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager
Good for network configuration and compliance management
- Adaptive Security Device Manager (ASDM) by Cisco
Good for adaptive network security management
- Juniper Networks Security Director
Good for policy control and network security management
- Sophos Firewall
Good for protecting against known and unknown threats
- FireScope Firewall Management
Good for real-time service performance management
- RedSeal
Good for cyber risk modeling and mitigation
- F5 BIG-IQ
Good for centralized management of F5 devices
- SmartConsole
Good for centralized security management and monitoring
- Cisco Security Manager
Good for scalable policy and device management
- AT&T Cybersecurity Network Security Manager
Good for unifying security management across various devices
- Qualys TruRisk Platform
Good for continuous security and compliance
- SonicWall Capture Security Center
Good for cloud-based security governance and risk management
Other Firewall Audit Software Reviews
Firewall Audit Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best firewall audit software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like ensuring compliance and managing complex configurations. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Monitor firewall configurations
- Identify security vulnerabilities
- Ensure compliance with regulations
- Generate audit reports
- Track policy changes
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Real-time threat intelligence
- Automated remediation suggestions
- Cloud integration capabilities
- Customizable dashboards
- Advanced analytics tools
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Clear visualizations
- Responsive design
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates
- Webinars for new users
- Chatbot assistance
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 availability
- Live chat support
- Comprehensive knowledge base
- Dedicated account managers
- Prompt response times
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Transparent pricing plans
- Free trial availability
- Flexible subscription options
- Discounts for long-term use
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Positive feedback on performance
- Ease of integration
- Quality of support
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Frequency of updates and improvements
How to Choose Firewall Audit Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Can the software grow with your business? Consider if it handles increased network size and complexity without needing frequent upgrades or replacements. |
| Integrations | Does it work with your current systems? Check compatibility with existing tools and platforms to ensure smooth data flow and avoid manual workarounds. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor it to fit your needs? Look for options to adjust settings and reports to match your specific security policies and compliance standards. |
| Ease of use | Will your team find it intuitive? Evaluate the interface and user experience to ensure minimal training is required for effective use. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How quickly can you get started? Assess the time and resources needed for setup, including any support or training provided by the vendor. |
| Cost | Is it within your budget? Compare pricing plans, including any hidden fees, and consider long-term costs against the value provided. |
| Security safeguards | Does it protect your data? Ensure it meets industry standards for encryption, access controls, and regular security updates. |
| Compliance requirements | Does it align with regulations? Verify support for compliance with relevant legal standards, such as GDPR or HIPAA, based on your industry. |
What Is Firewall Audit Software?
Firewall audit software is a tool that evaluates and monitors firewall configurations to ensure security compliance and detect vulnerabilities. IT professionals, network administrators, and security teams generally use these tools to maintain a secure network environment. Automated compliance checks, detailed audit reports, and integration with existing systems help with identifying risks, ensuring compliance, and simplifying management. Overall, these tools provide peace of mind by safeguarding network security and compliance.
Features
When selecting firewall audit software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Configuration monitoring: Tracks and analyzes firewall settings to detect unauthorized changes and ensure compliance.
- Vulnerability identification: Scans for security weaknesses in firewall rules and policies, helping to mitigate risks.
- Compliance reporting: Generates detailed reports to demonstrate adherence to industry regulations and standards.
- Policy change tracking: Logs and reviews changes to firewall policies, ensuring accountability and traceability.
- Real-time threat intelligence: Provides up-to-date information on potential threats to enhance network protection.
- Automated remediation suggestions: Offers actionable recommendations to address identified vulnerabilities and improve security.
- Customizable dashboards: Allows users to tailor views and reports to match specific security needs and preferences.
- Cloud integration capabilities: Ensures seamless operation with cloud environments, supporting hybrid network setups.
- Advanced analytics tools: Delivers insights into firewall performance and security trends, aiding in decision-making.
- User-friendly interface: Simplifies navigation and use, minimizing the learning curve for IT professionals.
Benefits
Implementing firewall audit software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved security: By identifying vulnerabilities and monitoring configurations, the software helps protect your network from potential threats.
- Regulatory compliance: Compliance reporting ensures you meet industry standards, reducing the risk of fines and penalties.
- Operational efficiency: Automated remediation suggestions save time by offering quick solutions to security issues.
- Enhanced accountability: Policy change tracking ensures every alteration is logged, promoting transparency and responsibility.
- Data-driven insights: Advanced analytics tools provide valuable information on network performance, aiding in strategic decisions.
- Cost savings: Detecting and fixing vulnerabilities early prevents costly breaches and downtime.
- Ease of use: A user-friendly interface reduces the learning curve, allowing your team to focus on essential tasks.
Costs and Pricing
Selecting firewall audit software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in firewall software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Firewall Audit Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic configuration monitoring, limited vulnerability identification, and basic compliance reporting. |
| Personal Plan | $10-$30/user/month | Configuration monitoring, vulnerability identification, compliance reporting, and basic analytics tools. |
| Business Plan | $50-$100/user/month | Advanced threat intelligence, automated remediation suggestions, customizable dashboards, and policy change tracking. |
| Enterprise Plan | $150-$300/user/month | Full suite of features including real-time threat intelligence, cloud integration capabilities, advanced analytics tools, and dedicated support. |
Firewall Audit Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about firewall audit software:
How do you choose the right firewall audit software?
When choosing the right firewall audit software, consider your organization’s specific needs, such as integration with existing systems, ease of use, and compliance requirements. Evaluate different vendors based on their features, pricing models, and customer support options to find the best fit for your team.
Can firewall audit software integrate with other IT systems?
Yes, many firewall audit software solutions offer integration capabilities with other IT systems like SIEM, cloud providers, and network management tools. This integration helps streamline workflows and enhances the overall security posture by providing a unified view of network security.
How often should you perform a firewall audit?
It’s recommended to perform a firewall audit at least quarterly, but the frequency may vary based on your organization’s security policies and regulatory requirements. Regular audits help ensure that firewall configurations remain effective and compliant with industry standards, minimizing security risks.
What are the common challenges in implementing firewall audit software?
Common challenges include integration with existing systems, data migration, and ensuring user adoption. To overcome these, plan a structured implementation process, provide adequate training, and select a solution that aligns with your current IT infrastructure to minimize disruptions.
Is there a difference between free and paid firewall audit software?
Yes, free firewall audit software typically offers basic auditing capabilities with limited features and support. Paid versions usually provide advanced features such as real-time monitoring, comprehensive compliance reporting, and premium support, making them more suitable for larger organizations with complex needs.
What should you look for in customer support when choosing firewall audit software?
Look for 24/7 availability, multiple support channels like chat or email, and a comprehensive knowledge base. Quick response times and access to experienced support personnel are also important to ensure that any issues can be resolved efficiently, minimizing downtime and disruptions.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching firewall audit software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.
