What is Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)?

Introduction

Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) is a cloud-based network security solution that delivers next-generation firewall (NGFW) capabilities. As a key component of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), FWaaS provides advanced security features such as URL filtering, access controls, Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), DNS security, and protection against sophisticated threats at Layer 7. Unlike traditional firewalls, FWaaS integrates seamlessly into modern, distributed network architectures, offering scalability, centralised management, and enhanced flexibility. It ensures robust security across all network endpoints without needing on-premises hardware, making it essential for organisations prioritising advanced cybersecurity in today’s cloud-driven environment.

How FWaaS fits within SASE

SASE is a comprehensive security framework that converges network and security functions into a single cloud-delivered service. FWaaS plays a crucial role in SASE by providing advanced firewall capabilities within this framework. Organisations implementing SASE benefit from FWaaS as part of a unified approach to security, ensuring seamless protection across cloud, on-premise, and remote environments.

Unlike standalone firewalls, FWaaS under SASE enables organisations to enforce security policies across distributed networks with ease, ensuring secure remote access, cloud workload protection, and enhanced network visibility. By leveraging FWaaS within SASE, businesses can create a security strategy that aligns with their existing infrastructure while reducing complexity and improving efficiency.

How FWaaS differs from traditional firewalls

Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) introduces a modern approach to network security that significantly differs from traditional firewalls in delivery, scalability, cost, management, and security capabilities.

• Delivery: FWaaS is delivered via the cloud as part of SASE, eliminating the need for physical hardware. Traditional firewalls are installed on-premises, often requiring extensive setup and maintenance.
• Scalability: Within the SASE framework, FWaaS offers unparalleled scalability, adapting instantly to fluctuating network demands, unlike traditional firewalls limited by hardware capacity.
• Cost: FWaaS follows a consumption-based pricing model, reducing upfront investment and ongoing maintenance expenses, unlike traditional firewalls that require significant initial capital and upkeep.
• Management: It simplifies network security with centralised management consoles, allowing real-time monitoring. Traditional firewalls often require manual configurations, increasing complexity.
• Security: FWaaS, as a component of SASE, enhances security with tools like deep packet inspection (DPI) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), providing a comprehensive security barrier.

Key features of FWaaS in SASE

Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) within a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework eliminates the need for traditional on-premises hardware and software, providing a cloud-based security solution optimised for modern, dynamic IT environments. Below are its key features explained in detail:

• Threat detection: FWaaS employs real-time monitoring and advanced threat intelligence to identify and mitigate potential security risks. It continuously scans network traffic, detecting malware, ransomware, phishing attempts, and unauthorised access, ensuring robust protection across all users, applications, and devices.
• Scalability: Unlike traditional firewalls, FWaaS is designed to handle fluctuating traffic volumes with ease. Since it's cloud-based, organisations can expand their security coverage as needed without investing in additional hardware or infrastructure upgrades, making it ideal for growing businesses.
• Centralised management: With FWaaS, security policies, user permissions, and access controls are managed from a single, intuitive console. IT teams can monitor and enforce compliance across distributed locations, streamlining security operations and reducing administrative complexity.
• Cloud IPS and DNS security: FWaaS integrates cloud-based Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and Domain Name System (DNS) security to block malicious activities before they reach the network. These features help detect vulnerabilities, prevent unauthorised access, and stop domain-based threats like phishing and botnets.
• Zero Trust readiness: Aligning with Zero Trust principles, FWaaS enforces strict identity verification and access control policies. It ensures that every user and device is authenticated before granting network access, reducing the risk of data breaches and insider threats.
• Edge-based security: To optimise performance, FWaaS places security enforcement closer to users and applications, minimising latency. This approach allows businesses to maintain high-speed connectivity while ensuring that all traffic undergoes rigorous security checks.
• No hardware requirements: As a fully cloud-delivered solution, FWaaS eliminates the need for costly on-premises security appliances. Organisations can avoid maintenance and upgrade costs while benefiting from continuous security updates and improvements from their FWaaS provider.

How to implement FWaaS in your organisation

Organisations adopting SASE can integrate FWaaS to ensure a smooth transition to cloud-first security. Here’s a step-by-step guide for effective implementation:

• Assess network compatibility: Before deploying FWaaS, evaluate your existing network infrastructure to ensure it supports cloud-based security solutions. This includes reviewing bandwidth capacity, VPN configurations, and endpoint compatibility to prevent integration issues.
• Define security policies: Establish clear security policies based on your organisation’s needs, including user access control, traffic filtering, and intrusion prevention rules. Customising policies ensures that security measures align with business objectives while protecting sensitive data.
• Enable advanced features: Leverage FWaaS capabilities such as Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), URL filtering, and malware scanning. These features provide deeper visibility into network traffic, allowing businesses to detect sophisticated threats and enforce security measures effectively.
• Implement SSL/TLS inspection: Since a significant portion of cyber threats hide in encrypted traffic, enabling SSL/TLS inspection allows FWaaS to decrypt and analyse data for hidden risks. It helps prevent man-in-the-middle attacks while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
• Route traffic through FWaaS: To maximise security coverage, modify DNS settings and network configurations to ensure all internet-bound traffic passes through the FWaaS layer. This setup ensures consistent security enforcement across all locations and devices.

Challenges and considerations

While FWaaS within SASE provides robust security benefits, organisations must be aware of potential challenges and considerations before implementation:

• Change management: Transitioning to FWaaS requires ongoing updates to security policies and rules to adapt to evolving threats. IT teams must continuously monitor network activity, fine-tune firewall rules, and stay informed about emerging cybersecurity risks.
• Latency concerns: Since FWaaS routes traffic through cloud-based security layers, there may be occasional performance impacts. Organisations should work with their providers to optimise routing strategies and select FWaaS solutions with strategically placed data centers to minimise delays.
• Vendor support: Choosing the right FWaaS provider is crucial for seamless deployment and management. Look for vendors that offer 24/7 customer support, real-time threat intelligence, and automated security updates to ensure smooth operations and quick issue resolution.

Why choose Tata Communications Managed SASE?

• Understanding your needs: We start by assessing your current security posture and IT infrastructure to create a strategic roadmap for seamless SASE adoption. Our experts ensure your deployment is aligned with your business goals from the outset.
• Customised implementation: Unlike rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions, Tata Communications offers a modular, flexible approach to SASE. You can choose your adoption entry points, manage SD-WAN, Security Service Edge (SSE), or both, and scale at your own pace.
• Seamless integration & migration: With our proven methodologies and best practices, we ensure smooth deployment, precise alignment, and thorough testing so that your transition to a cloud-centric security framework is efficient and disruption-free.
• Optimised performance & management: Our fully managed services continuously monitor, optimise, and fine-tune your SASE stack for peak performance, ensuring your network remains agile, secure, and cost-effective.

The AXIOM approach: Designed to fit, managed to deliver

Our experts leverage the AXIOM methodology to design, deliver, and manage your SASE stack effectively:

1. Assess: Evaluate your current vs. future state to build a strategic SASE adoption roadmap.
2. eXecute & Integrate: Ensure seamless migration and robust integration using proven methods, precise alignment, and thorough testing.
3. Operate & Manage: Continuously monitor, control, and optimise your security framework to maintain the best possible performance.

Conclusion

With Tata Communications Managed SASE, you can simplify and accelerate your SASE adoption journey. Our end-to-end expertise ensures you get the most value from your security investment—tailored to fit, managed to deliver.

Schedule a conversation today to explore how Tata Communications can strengthen your security with SASE + FWaaS. Visit our SASE solutions page today to get started.

Take the next step towards secure, cloud-centric networking.