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Cloud-based Unified Threat Management vs Traditional Unified Threat Management

September 15, 2021

Cloud-based Unified Threat Management vs Traditional Unified Threat Management

As businesses have moved from traditional office setups to remote work and cloud-based solutions, security measures have become increasingly important. With the rise of cyber threats, businesses must ensure that their networks are protected from external attacks. Unified Threat Management (UTM) systems are designed to provide a holistic approach to network security. This blog compares the two types of UTM systems – cloud-based and traditional.

What is Unified Threat Management?

Unified Threat Management or UTM is an all-in-one security solution that combines various security measures into a single system. UTM systems typically include firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, antivirus and anti-malware software, virtual private networks, and web filtering.

UTM is designed to offer network administrators a single platform to manage and secure their networks. By consolidating multiple security functions into a single system, network administrators can save time and effort in managing security issues.

Cloud-based Unified Threat Management

Cloud-based UTM systems are hosted in the cloud and are managed by third-party providers. Cloud-based UTM systems offer several advantages over traditional UTM systems:

  • Cost-Effective: Cloud-based UTM systems do not require businesses to invest in expensive hardware and software. The cloud provider manages the infrastructure, and businesses can pay for the service on a subscription basis.

  • Scalability: Cloud-based UTM systems can easily scale up or down based on business needs. The cloud provider can deploy additional resources to manage increased traffic or remove resources during low traffic periods.

  • Easy to Manage: Cloud-based UTM systems are easy to manage as most of the management tasks are handled by the cloud provider.

  • Increased Reliability: Cloud-based UTM systems are designed for high availability, which means that they are less prone to downtime.

Traditional Unified Threat Management

Traditional UTM systems are hardware-based systems that are installed on-premises. Traditional UTM systems offer the following benefits:

  • Security: Hardware-based systems offer better security as businesses have complete control over their infrastructure.

  • Fast Response: On-premises systems can provide faster response times as all the security functions are managed locally.

  • Easier Compliance: Traditional UTM systems make it easier for businesses to comply with industry-specific regulations as they have complete control over their infrastructure.

Conclusion

Cloud-based and traditional Unified Threat Management systems both have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two systems depends on business needs and budget. Cloud-based systems are ideal for businesses that have limited budgets or require scalability. On the other hand, traditional UTM systems are ideal for businesses that require complete control over their infrastructure.

Regardless of the system, businesses should ensure that their UTM systems are up to date and regularly audited for vulnerabilities.

References

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