FireMon Security Manager vs Skybox Security Suite comparison

The increasing complexity of networks, driven by the constant influx of new devices, applications, and cloud services, presents a daunting challenge for managing firewall policies and rules. A typical enterprise environment has millions of rules, and just one simple misconfiguration can lead to devastating consequences like compliance violations, outages, and data breaches. 

FireMon’s Security Manager is a purpose-built network security policy management (NSPM) platform that automates the management of firewall and cloud security policies to eliminate policy-related risk, accurately and quickly change rules, and meet internal and external compliance requirements.

• Reduce Risk Manage risk with real-time visibility and control
• Manage Change Avoid misconfigurations, accelerate business, and improve security
• Enforce and Maintain Compliance Avoid violations, avoid risk, and avoid fines

Skybox Security Suite provides comprehensive tools for network and firewall compliance, vulnerability management, and change management, with a focus on risk reduction and network optimization.

Skybox Security Suite supports over 130 vendors with massive scalability and seamless integration, notably with Nessus and Qualys. Its features include network path analysis and offline attack simulation, which enhance management effectiveness. Despite its robust offering, improvements are needed in its UI, web interface, reporting detail, and customization. Automation, orchestration, and device policy provisioning require better support, and integration with tools like Rapid7 could be improved. Enhancements in firewall configuration checks, cloud connectivity, pricing, and marketing awareness are also called for, alongside a transition from Java GUI to a consistent web-based system.

• Network Assurance: Enhances visibility and optimization of network paths.
• Firewall Assurance: Facilitates firewall rule set audits for compliance.
• Vulnerability Management: Offers path detection and risk prioritization.
• Compliance Management: Ensures adherence to standards like PCI.
• Change Management: Simplifies management across extensive infrastructures.

• Scalability: Supports numerous vendors and large-scale deployments.
• Integration: Seamlessly connects with tools like Nessus and Qualys.
• Risk Reduction: Improves security across network infrastructures.
• Simplified Management: User-friendly interface and reporting tools enhance usability.
• Network Optimization: Streamlines processes and improves performance.

Skybox Security Suite is commonly used in industries requiring strict compliance like finance and healthcare. Firms employ it for firewall audits, enhancing network visibility, and managing configurations against standards such as PCI, ensuring security and policy compliance across expansive networks.