kamran sharief What is Cisco PIX?
Cisco PIX network is a dedicated hardware firewall. All versions of Cisco PIX have 500 series product numbers.
The PIX network firewall uses the PIX operating system. Although the PIX operating system and Cisco IOS seem to be very similar, there are enough differences for users who are familiar with iOS to be dizzy.
PIX series firewalls use PDM (PIX Device Manager, PIX Device Manager) as a graphical interface. A graphical interface system is a Java program downloaded through a web browser.
Under normal circumstances, the IPIX network firewall has an outward interface, which use to connect to an Internet router, which then connects to the Internet. At the same time, the PIX also has an incoming interface, which use to connect to the LAN switch, which connects to the internal network.
What is a Cisco ASA?
ASA network is a new firewall and anti-malware protection tool in the Cisco series.
The ASA series products are all 5500 series. The Enterprise Edition includes four variants: firewall, IPS, Anti-X and VPN. And there are also commercial versions for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Cisco has a total number of 5 models. All models use the ASA version 7.2.2 software, and the interface is also similar to Cisco Pix. There is a difference between the performance of the Cisco PIX and ASA. Even the lowest ASA model offers better performance than the original.
Similar to PIX, ASA also provides intrusion prevention systems (IPS) and VPN concentrations. ASA can replace three independent devices — the Cisco PIX Firewall, the Cisco VPN 3000 Series Concentrator, and the Cisco IPS 4000 Series Sensor.
Also Read: Cybersecurity Checklist for Remote Workers
PIX vs ASA
Using only a static packet filtering firewall is not enough to protect your network because the security situation is changing day by day. For networks, an endless stream of viruses, worms, redundant software (such as P2P software, games, and instant messaging software), online fraud and application-level attacks pose new threats.
If a device can withstand multiple threats, we say it provides “anti-X” capabilities or provides “multi-threat” protection. But PIX cannot provide this level of protection.
Most companies do not want to install a PIX for static firewall filtering, while others use some other tools to protect against threats. They prefer to adopt “all-in-one” devices — or UTM (Unified Threat Management) devices.
ASA protect against these types of attacks. It is more powerful than a UTM device — but to become a real UTM, it also needs to install the CSC-SSM module (CSC-SSM, Content Security and Control Security Service). Line. This module provides an anti-X function in ASA. If there is no CSC-SSM, the ASA function will look like a PIX.
ASA costs less as compared to PIX with the same function. Apart from cost reasons, at least logically, choosing ASA means choosing a new and improved technology.
Remember, we should not only depend on a firewall to protect our organizations from multiple threats of the Internet but also to apply a multifaceted approach to protect our organisation from these threats. Although ASA is good but it is not your only option.