Firewall as a service (FWaaS) is a cloud-based cybersecurity offering that provides complete next-generation firewall protection (NGFW) without the need for a physical firewall.
Firewall As A Service (FWaaS): Meaning
Firewall as a service (FWaaS) is a subscription-based alternative to the expense and complexity of buying traditional onsite firewalls to protect networks, systems, and IT infrastructure.
Unlike traditional physical or software firewalls, FWaaS is based entirely in the cloud. This allows it to provide comprehensive next-generation firewall (NGFW) protection anywhere with an internet connection.
FWaaS safeguards network traffic from both external and internal threats, enhancing network detection and response (NDR) capabilities. A FWaaS can defend against a wide variety of cyber threats and attacks, including unauthorized access attempts, phishing scams, viruses and worms, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL code injection attacks, and malicious software, malware, and ransomware.
FWaaS can be deployed fully remotely via the cloud or through a hybrid combination of cloud-based protection and traditional onsite firewalls. For maximum protection, most FWaaS solutions include a variety of threat detection and response tools, technologies, and features, including:
- Deep packet inspection (DPI) capabilities
- Intrusion prevention systems (IPS)
- Support for secure sockets layer virtual private networks (SSL VPNs)
- Responsive access and application controls
- Advanced threat prevention (ATP) measures
- Internet Protocol (IP) mapping
- Content filtering
- Anti-malware protection
- Web, Domain Name System (DNS), and URL filtering
How does firewall as a service (FWaaS) work?
FWaaS solutions use a multi-tenant architecture that allows a single remote firewall to protect any number of users from internal and external cyber threats regardless of the kind of device they’re using or where they’re located.
FWaaS analyzes all data and internet traffic attempting to enter the network—continuously and in real time—to determine which is legitimate and which could be an attack. This includes examining and assessing data packet headers as well as conducting deep packet inspections (DPIs) of the data inside each packet.
Because it doesn’t need to rely on any native hardware or software, FWaaS can be integrated seamlessly with an organization’s existing cybersecurity measures, policies, and infrastructure—regardless of what they are or which systems or technologies they employ.
Why do enterprises need firewall as a service (FWaaS)?
Organizations today rely heavily on cloud-based systems, and as a result, those cloud assets are under increasing attack by frequent and sophisticated cyber threats. FWaaS offers a flexible, economical, and scalable way for organizations to meet those threats head on and protect their networks, their confidential and proprietary information, and their business from bad actors.
Because they’re based entirely in the cloud, FWaaS solutions offer several technical, financial, and cybersecurity advantages over traditional firewalls. These include:
- Constant 24/7 security to ensure the firewall is always active, working, and up to date.
- Unlimited scalability without the need to purchase or install any additional hardware.
- A cloud-native solution that protects both physical and cloud assets seamlessly from any kind of cyber threat.
- Simplified network architecture that provides complete cybersecurity protection with no physical footprint and no need to install expensive firewall hardware at every office or worksite.
- More robust security posture than most traditional firewalls, including the ability to inspect SSL-encrypted network traffic without having to create a time-consuming workaround.
- Centralized consoles that unify and streamline cybersecurity processes by allowing administrators to set or change control filters, access settings, and cybersecurity rules instantly across all users and devices.
- Greater flexibility to change, expand, or update firewall features and protection without having to change any physical components or upgrade any software.
- Simpler installation and maintenance without the need for local security teams to have any specialized knowledge, skills, or training.
- Enhanced visibility into network traffic including deep packet inspection and intrusion prevention systems to make sure no threat is overlooked.
- Comprehensive logging and visualization options that can be easily integrated with existing security information and event management (SIEM) tools.
- Expert management of firewall security by experienced third-party providers to enhance reliability and reduce the workload on local IT security teams.
How do I get started with firewall as a service (FWaaS)?
For organizations that are interested in making the switch to FWaaS protection, the first step is usually to work with an FWaaS provider to assess their current IT infrastructure and threat management strategies. The provider will also help define the organization’s security policies and objectives, recommend a service or deployment model that fits their needs, and configure the FWaaS solution correctly to monitor and assess all data entering their network.
Once the firewall as a service is up and running, protection can be enhanced by following several best practices, including:
- Carrying out regular security audits and traffic analyses
- Providing ongoing support and training
- Setting the service to automatically integrate any patches, updates, or upgrades so it always provides the latest and most advanced level of protection
In addition, most providers of FWaaS also offer training, research, and support to help organizations transition to FWaaS, configure their settings and controls, and integrate FWaaS with existing systems, tools, and controls, including software-defined networks (SDNs) and wide area networks (SD-WANs).
FWaaS vs NGFW
While Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) and Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) share the common goal of protecting networks against modern threats, they differ significantly in their architecture, deployment, and operational flexibility.
Feature
FWaaS (Firewall as a Service)
NGFW (Next-Generation Firewall)
Deployment
Cloud-native, no hardware required
On-premise or virtual appliance
Scalability
Elastic, adapts instantly to changing needs
Requires manual scaling and hardware upgrades
Maintenance
Managed by provider, automatic updates and patches
Requires an internal IT team for updates and management
Coverage
Protects users and assets regardless of location
Best for securing fixed, site-based infrastructures
Visibility & Control
Centralized, multi-site management via web console
Localized, potentially fragmented administration
Cost Model
Subscription-based (OPEX)
Capital expenditure (CAPEX) upfront + ongoing OPEX
Integration
Easily integrates with SD-WAN, SIEM, and XDR platforms
Integration varies depending on vendor and setup
Deployment
FWaaS is deployed directly from the cloud, eliminating the need for physical hardware installation or site-based configuration. This makes it easier and faster to roll out protection across multiple locations or remote teams. NGFWs, in contrast, are traditionally installed on-premises or as virtual appliances, which can introduce delays due to procurement, setup, and infrastructure dependencies.
Scalability
Cloud-native by design, FWaaS scales effortlessly as organizational needs change. Adding more users, sites, or capabilities typically involves a simple subscription adjustment. NGFWs often require physical or virtual capacity upgrades, which can involve manual intervention, the procurement of additional appliances, or network downtime during setup.
Maintenance
FWaaS offloads system maintenance to the service provider, including software updates, threat intelligence feeds, and performance tuning. This reduces operational overhead on internal security teams. NGFWs require direct maintenance by in-house staff, which can be resource-intensive, particularly in rapidly evolving threat environments.
Coverage
One of FWaaS’s biggest advantages is its ability to secure users and devices regardless of location. Whether employees are in an office, at home, or traveling, protection remains consistent. NGFWs are more effective in environments with static, centralized network infrastructure and may require VPNs or additional services to extend protection to remote users.
Visibility & Control
FWaaS solutions often include unified, cloud-based dashboards that provide real-time visibility across users, devices, and locations. Admins can manage policies globally with minimal complexity. NGFWs may offer robust control but often require separate interfaces for different environments or devices, making management more fragmented in larger, distributed organizations.
What are the benefits of using Trend Micro’s firewall as a service (FWaaS)?
FWaaS is available as a key component of the Trend Vision One™ XDR for Networks, which offers you a bird's-eye view of your network to discover and protect unmanaged assets.
Instead of settling for a point solution, XDR for Networks will give you a broad set of capabilities that offer a multifaceted approach that redefines the network edge and integrates diverse technologies. This is essential for comprehensive risk insights, robust protection, and the elimination of blind spots. With automation and response, you gain a continuous and resilient line of defense that is difficult for attackers to evade, bypass, or disable—outperforming traditional endpoint and firewall solutions.