CyberRatings.org and NSS Labs Reveal 2025 Enterprise Firewall Performance Results
CyberRatings.org and NSS Labs Unveil 2025 Enterprise Firewall Test Findings
In a significant update for cybersecurity professionals, CyberRatings.org has released the results of its latest Enterprise Firewall (EFW) evaluations, conducted independently by NSS Labs. These findings shed light on the varying levels of effectiveness among leading firewall products, assessing their ability to withstand modern-day cyber threats.
A Closer Look at the Testing Methodology
The evaluations utilized the Enterprise Firewall Test Methodology v3.0, targeting seven prominent firewall products. NSS Labs subjected each firewall to rigorous testing involving over 3,326 exploits, 11,311 malware samples, and 5,752 evasion methodologies, all while maintaining operational stability.
The sheer scale of this testing is reflective of the complex security landscape that enterprises navigate today, with only three of the seven firewalls achieving a ‘Recommended’ rating. This not only underscores the importance of independent testing but also reveals the stark differences in security effectiveness, which ranged anywhere from 46.37% to an impressive 99.59%.
Key Test Findings
Attackers are Evolving Their Techniques
A shocking revelation from the tests showed that despite an average block rate of 96% for exploits and malware, three well-known vendors failed critical evasion assessments. This indicates that attackers can bypass defenses installed by even the most famous brands, putting organizations at risk.
Vulnerabilities in Evasion Techniques
The tests highlighted that common transport and network-layer evasion techniques remain effective against many firewalls in the market. As cybercriminals continue to adapt and innovate, the effectiveness of firewall defenses must evolve accordingly.
Encrypted Threats and Their Challenges
Considering that over 95% of global web traffic is encrypted, the ability of firewalls to inspect and detect threats hidden within TLS/SSL sessions becomes increasingly vital. Some firewalls showcased significant performance issues during this critical aspect, which could put protected data at risk.
The Importance of Accuracy in Blocking
Accuracy remains a central theme. One firewall suffered from alarmingly low false-positive accuracy at a mere 80%. This aspect potentially leads to higher operational costs as organizations may ignore legitimate threats due to excessive noise from false alerts.
Summary of Test Results
| Firewall | Rating | Security Effectiveness | False Positive Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| --- | -- | ------ | -------- |
| Check Point CP-CGS-9300 | Recommended | 99.59% | 99.35% |
| Cisco Firepower 2130 | Caution | 57.34% | 79.94% |
| Forcepoint 2210 | Neutral | 99.53% | 95.22% |
| Fortinet FortiGate-200G | Caution | 79.24% | 99.41% |
| Juniper Networks SRX4300 | Recommended | 99.16% | 98.43% |
| Palo Alto Networks PA-1410 | Caution | 46.37% | 99.66% |
| Versa Networks CSG5200 | Recommended | 99.43% | 99.63% |
Conclusion
Vikram Phatak, CEO of CyberRatings.org, aptly describes the ongoing challenge, stating, “While enterprise firewalls are designed to evolve and combat new attacker tactics, this evolution sometimes results in overlooked vulnerabilities.” The present challenges necessitate that organizations scrutinize the effectiveness of firewalls rigorously, ensuring that their defenses are not just technologically advanced but capable of reliable and comprehensive action against sophisticated cyber threats.
In an era where cybersecurity is at the forefront of business operations, the insights provided by these tests can guide organizations in making informed decisions about their firewall solutions. To access the full reports, including detailed performance analyses, visit CyberRatings.org.
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