Sophos Firewall OS v21: New Features and Enhanced Security
The Sophos Firewall OS (SFOS) v21 introduces a range of new features and enhancements that significantly elevate the security level and network performance for businesses of all sizes. This update is designed to simplify the management of network security policies, optimize performance, and protect organizations from increasingly complex cyber threats. In this blog post, we take a detailed look at the key new features and benefits of Sophos Firewall OS v21.
Enhanced Xstream SSL Inspection
One of the standout features in SFOS v21 is the advanced Xstream SSL Inspection. This enables faster and more efficient decryption and verification of HTTPS traffic. As more web traffic is conducted over encrypted connections, inspecting SSL-encrypted traffic is essential. With SFOS v21, organizations can inspect this traffic with minimal latency, without impacting network speed. Thanks to optimized performance, SSL inspection now has an even lower impact on overall system performance.
Improved SD-WAN Functionality
The new SD-WAN functionalities in SFOS v21 offer enhanced capabilities for optimizing routing and network switching processes. The update enables more precise control of network traffic, allowing applications to be prioritized and network performance maximized. In combination with Sophos Central SD-WAN orchestration, IT administrators can set up VPN tunnels with just a few clicks, which is particularly beneficial in complex network structures.
3. Enhanced Threat Defense with Zero-Day Protection
With Sophos Firewall OS v21, the integration of Zero-Day Protection is improved. This technology protects networks from previously unknown threats by using AI-driven file analysis techniques. Threats are detected through both static and dynamic analysis, effectively blocking ransomware and other modern threats before they can cause damage. This multi-layered security strategy makes SFOS v21 an indispensable tool in the fight against advanced cyberattacks.
4. Synchronized Security and Security Heartbeat
The Sophos Security Heartbeat is another standout feature that has been further enhanced with the latest version of the Firewall OS. It links Sophos endpoints and firewalls to identify and respond to threats more quickly. With SFOS v21, the status of the Security Heartbeat is further integrated into firewall and network rules, allowing for the automatic isolation of compromised devices. This reduces the risk of network spread and minimizes response times for security incidents.
5. Optimized Performance and Resource Management
With SFOS v21, the hardware performance of your firewall is utilized even better. The new version is specifically designed to achieve optimal results on the XGS models of the second generation. Traffic is processed more efficiently, and with the support of Xstream FastPath technology, throughput for VPNs and secure web traffic is further increased. Additionally, energy consumption is reduced thanks to the optimized design of XGS firewalls, which is particularly beneficial for energy-efficient IT environments.
6. Enhanced Reporting and Analytics Tools
The new version also offers expanded reporting and analysis capabilities. Through the Sophos Central integration, detailed reports on threats, network activities, and security incidents can be generated. Administrators now have access to even more predefined reports and can create custom views to filter specific information. Additionally, data retention has been increased to 30 days, allowing for deeper analysis and more extensive historical reporting.
Conclusion: More Security and Performance with Sophos Firewall OS v21
Sophos Firewall OS v21 brings significant improvements in network security, performance, and management. The new features, especially the enhanced SSL inspection, SD-WAN optimizations, and Zero-Day Protection, provide organizations with comprehensive protection against modern threats. The integration of Sophos Central and the improved reporting tools enable easier management and more detailed insights into network security.
Organizations that prioritize maximum security and performance benefit from an upgrade to SFOS v21, especially when utilizing the new XGS firewall models. The optimized resource utilization and increased efficiency ensure that even demanding IT environments remain stable and secure. If you would like to learn more about Sophos Firewall OS v21 and its benefits for your organization, feel free to contact us for a consultation or upgrade!