Meraki Firewall Benefits
Cisco Meraki’s layer 7 next generation firewall, which is included in MX security appliances and wireless APs, gives administrators control over the users, applications, and content on their network. With the rise of modern applications and mixed-use networks, a standard host and port based security option is no longer sufficient.
Meraki’s Next Generation Firewall
One of the benefits of a next generation firewall is that you can choose which applications to let in, and which ones to block. Because most applications are web based, it’s crucial that you’re able to customize this process. To effectively prevent potential threats from entering your network, you need control over which applications run on it. Then, your firewall needs to adequately scan the allowed applications for a wide variety of threats.
Meraki MX Benefits
- Identity-Based Firewall
- Content Filtering
- Automatic Updates
- Intrusion Prevention
- Industry Best Encryption Security
- Automatic VPN
- High Availability & Failover
- Application Visibility & Control
- Centralized Management Dashboard
Meraki’s layer 7 traffic classification and control
The Cisco Meraki proprietary packet processing engine analyzes network traffic using sophisticated fingerprinting to identify users, content, and applications on the network. Network flow can then be categorized, and access control policies are then enforced. For example, you can block video apps like Netflix, yet allow video conferencing. By classifying traffic at layer 7, Cisco Meraki’s next generation firewall controls encrypted, evasive, and peer-to-peer apps like Skype or BitTorrent, that cannot be controlled by traditional firewalls. Cisco Meraki’s next generation firewall is included in all wireless access points and security appliances.
Security prevention & intrusion detection
Every organization, no matter the size, is a potential target for hackers. You need a firewall with robust security features that are easy to implement. Meraki firewall options provide a variety of benefits, including:
- Advanced malware protection
- Content filtering
- Anti-virus and phishing control
- Integrated intrusion detection and prevention
- Geo-IP based firewalling
Meraki firewalls feature an integrated intrusion detection and prevention (IDS / IPS) engine to protect your network against malicious threats. Using a combination of signature, protocol and anomaly-based inspection methods ensures industry-best security for your network. By utilizing the Cisco Meraki cloud management platform, threat signatures are automatically updated, leaving your security always up-to-date.
Identity-based and device-aware security
Device-aware access controls allow administrators to ensure the appropriate level of network access for each class of devices. Layer 7 device fingerprints automatically detect and classify Apple iOS, Android, Mac OS, Windows, and other clients. These fingerprints are integrated into Cisco Meraki firewalls and wireless APs – then, administrators can, for example, apply firewall rules specifically for iPads in a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) network.
Cisco Meraki security appliances feature a robust category-based content filter, which matches content against millions of URLs in dozens of categories. The Cisco Meraki content filtering engine features native Active Directory integration to apply access controls specific to each class of users. Content lists and application signatures are updated dynamically from the cloud so security policies are always up-to-date even if content and applications have changed.
Meraki Dashboard
All Cisco Meraki devices and products are conveniently managed via the cloud, through the Meraki dashboard. The user-friendly dashboard allows you to monitor your network at all times and review users, applications, usage, and bandwidth being used. Customers enjoy the dashboard’s ease of use, along with the following benefits:
- Automatic updates
- One central dashboard for management
- Industry-best encryption security
Why Choose IT Resource & Meraki Firewall
When it comes to security and protection, you want to work with a professional team that has your back. Sure, you can attempt to handle things yourself, but if something goes awry, what will you do, and how much damage has already been done? Working with a trusted Meraki partner has its benefits, including:
- Lightening the load and responsibility on your IT department
- We’re available for support 24/7
- Continuous monitoring and automatic alerts
- Your mobile workforce has access anywhere they go
- We can save you time and money by recommending the exact products to suit your environment
When you choose IT Resource and Meraki to handle your firewall, security, wireless, switching, and mobility management, you’ll know that your IT needs are being taken care of. We’ll recommend the right products for your environment, make sure the installation goes off without a hitch, and we’re there to provide full tech support anytime the need arises.
If you have questions on a Meraki firewall, access point, or security device contact us at 616.837.6930 or via email.
