Cisco FTD vs Palo Alto: Difference and Comparison

As the use of technology is increasing daily, crimes against these technologies are also growing at the same rate. To be safe from these threats, extra protection is required in the digital world.

After online shopping emerged, your bank details are even a part of the digital world, leading to many frauds. Thus, knowledge about firewalls and security is a must to gain.

Key Takeaways

  1. Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) combines firewall, intrusion prevention, and VPN capabilities, while Palo Alto offers a next-generation firewall with advanced security features.
  2. Cisco FTD is part of Cisco’s integrated security architecture, whereas Palo Alto focuses on providing a single, unified platform for security management.
  3. Palo Alto provides more granular application control and visibility than Cisco FTD.

Cisco FTD vs Palo Alto

Cisco FTD is a security solution that combines the features of the Cisco ASA firewall, Sourcefire’s IPS, and Cisco’s AMP to provide advanced threat protection. Palo Alto Networks NGFW offers a range of security features, including intrusion prevention, URL filtering, malware protection, and threat intelligence.

Cisco FTD vs Palo Alto

Next-generation firewalls, such as Cisco Firepower, are a type of next-generation firewall. Cisco FTD is commonly known as Cisco Firepower. As other unique features, wireless switches, firewalls, and routers are all included.

The Cisco Firepower interface is user-friendly and has all of the essential features. Regarding firewalls, Cisco Firepower is now rated ninth in the globe.

Palo Alto is a sort of NGFW. It includes several up-to-date security devices and administration connections. Palo Alto has a solid foundation.

Palo Alto has been crowned the best firewall company in the world.BGP, VPN, and route-based services are all essential network features. It’s an all-in-one solution.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonCisco FTDPalo Alto
GUICisco FTD is a firewall that is linked to a web-based GUI.Palo Alto is not linked to a web-based GUI
ServicesPalo Alto provides either BGP or VPN, which is route-based.Cisco FTD cost is low as compared to Palo Alto
FeaturesCisco FTD mainly focuses on security.Palo Alto pays attention to networking and integrated strategy with protection.
AffordabilityIt costs high compared to Cisco FTD.It costs high as compared to Cisco FTD.
Intelligence UnitTalos intelligence unit42 intelligence unit

What is Cisco FTD?

Cisco Firepower is a form of next-generation firewall. Wireless switching, firewall, routers, and other unique features are included.

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Cisco Firepower’s interface is simple to use and provides all necessary functions. Cisco Firepower is currently ranked ninth in the world for firewalls.

Cisco Firepower successfully identifies & assists in detecting Zero-day flaws that may traverse a channel. It protects against infiltration and gives application awareness.

ASA was the original name for Firepower. It missed several features that have since been included in the Firepower edition. The updated edition makes it easier to keep track of all inactive and active users.

Cisco Firepower shares many of the same capabilities as Fortinet FortiGate. These IPS & IDS elements are the most distinguishing qualities of Firepower.

They aid in the assessment of any vulnerable flaws. It is possible to track all unauthorized users & estimate traffic. Inspection, URL filtering, and other security tools are also available.

All hardware could be changed rapidly and without a network outage.

Cisco Firepower has certain disadvantages as well. It doesn’t employ single consecutive pile computing and instead uses numerous modules to process information in a given time frame.

Sometimes, management can be complex. The CPU is depleted, yet performance can be increased. It also necessitates the closure of maintenance windows on occasion.

What is Palo Alto?

A type of NGFW is Palo Alto. It contains a lot of security devices and management connectors that are up to date. Palo Alto has a reliable platform.

Palo Alto has been named first in the world for firewalls. BGP,  VPN, & route-based services are all beneficial for networks. It’s a comprehensive package.

Palo Alto aids in the efficient processing of a single flow of traffic. It aids in improving each person’s reaction times and the network’s seamless operation.

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Auto Verdict is Alto Palo’s most distinctive characteristic, as it can distinguish every threat range. It sends timely information to all subscribers with access in the event of a security breach.

The academic unit Unit 42 is present in the product. Throughout any information processing, it uses pilot pass processing & single sequential pile processing.

The very same transmitted data is not used in numerous modules at the same time.

There are a few disadvantages as well. The procedure of setup and deployment, for example, is not straightforward. Palo Alto’s cloud-scale is significant in terms of product management.

The client & service tech do not respond quickly or effectively. Reporting automation is relatively low.

The services provided are relatively costly and may not be suitable for all types of customers.

Main Differences Between Cisco FTD and Palo Alto

  1. These are both different based on GUI. Palo Alto does not link to a web-based access GUI, although Cisco Firepower does.
  2. Cisco Firepower boasts unique capabilities, such as wireless switching, firewalls, and routing, whereas Palo Alto offers BGP or route-based VPN.
  3. Palo Alto focuses solely on security, while Cisco Firepower focuses on networking and integrated strategy with protection. The Cisco Firepower interface is user-friendly and has all of the essential features.
  4. Cisco Firepower is a low-cost service, whereas Palo Alto is a high-cost solution.
  5. Palo Alto has a Unit 42 intelligence unit, while Cisco Firepower has a Talos intelligence unit.
References
  1. https://www.rehab.research.va.gov/JOUR/00/37/6/pdf/burgar.pdf
  2. https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/24729403/rad-69-with-cover-page-v2.pdf?Expires=1641295472&Signature=BKVn2HHJ5GV5SN0lboPoNkOw4O93OhIKwzGcnKtiAJRPbXSEWrviiLoyNAllpp4DKilVv4OGJE1105AktPc6jGUNH-qmfYjruEbLtP61Awtz0qa~EYjdb1FrnFb7g-O3mVXRC7V1yFjBfrTScDRTRWK7WtoA6X3rJ6Xb7tWpO4-BzZo5GhkEUeVASw0D2UKtK5LpEweTGEOA6tiiTOKA0EzIqomjB3WtxELIpRc9-WXyUu0fphRNCmsUmF9JlmLrLBcKvpSa-ZfvU8YJI~ZluYkKANDm7qsd15eI3jXDLPPlUngFlsw5Y7oyAvpxYD~t9bdXegQG9~ZYVabtZTkfLg__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023

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10 thoughts on “Cisco FTD vs Palo Alto: Difference and Comparison”

  1. This article seems informative, but it lacks practical examples and references to real-life usage. Without these, it’s hard to draw valid conclusions.

    Reply
  2. Great information on digital security, I appreciate the thorough comparison between Cisco FTD and Palo Alto. This is really helpful information in deciding which firewall to use.

    Reply
  3. The down-to-earth, clear comparison between Cisco FTD and Palo Alto presented in this article is truly commendable. A well-researched and informative piece.

    Reply
    • I found the detailed comparison to be very helpful and informative. The author’s explanation of the key differences was quite compelling.

      Reply
    • The article provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate features and differences between Cisco FTD and Palo Alto. It’s an educational read.

      Reply
  4. It’s quite evident that the author has a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and has presented a detailed analysis. Excellent work!

    Reply
  5. The comparison of Cisco FTD and Palo Alto is quite insightful and provides a clear understanding of their differences. Good job!

    Reply
  6. Your article has covered all the essential details regarding the features and drawbacks of both Cisco FTD and Palo Alto. Very well researched.

    Reply

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