Software Engineer at CloudSense
User
Top 5
Good malware detection with helpful threat prevention tools and an excellent reporting system
Pros and Cons
  • "The reporting system provides real-time insights into the security situation and shows measures that can be taken to protect our data."
  • "Sometimes the security system slows down when it is overloaded."

What is our primary use case?

The security management platform monitors the performance of applications and the security demands that can secure our data. 

Check Point Security Management has helped us to set secure points across all sectors to filter out harmful content that can destroy confidential information. 

The software has given the IT team access control in setting firewalls and securing cloud-based servers efficiently. 

This product provides comprehensive security coverage services that reduce operational costs. 

This tool has educated our teams and advanced our knowledge of setting effective security.

How has it helped my organization?

This software has improved the security situation in the organization and guarded the most confidential information against landing in unsafe areas. 

Check Point Security Management is the leading threat prevention system that ensures the networking system is protected from external attacks. 

All the departments can easily access security situations on set programs and come up with a suitable strategic plan. 

The reporting system provides real-time insights into the security situation and measures that can be taken to protect our data.

What is most valuable?

The set threat prevention tools have advanced the security monitoring systems and set up reliable data management platforms. 

Security analysis has helped teams in the organization plan and deploy the best security systems for protecting data. 

The malware detection feature has enabled the organization to block unauthorized attacks that can destroy data and leak confidential information.

Check Point Security Management has reduced operational costs and improved overall data security performance. 

Most set features have contributed to security stability in the organization, and I highly recommend this platform to other organizations.

What needs improvement?

This security control system has efficient features that have transformed the company to help it achieve set international standards. 

Most of the features provide excellent services that cannot be extracted from other platforms. 

It can be scaled down to provide services based on the company's demands and lowers operational costs. 

Sometimes the security system slows down when it is overloaded. Poor configurations have led to data leakages and weakened security signals. 

The overall performance has impressed all the team members and provided a secure environment for better workflows.

Buyer's Guide
Check Point Security Management
April 2024
Learn what your peers think about Check Point Security Management. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: April 2024.
768,886 professionals have used our research since 2012.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for 12 months.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This platform is highly stable and I recommend it to others.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Check Point Security Management is excellent for setting security plans.

How are customer service and support?

The customer service team has performed well since we started engaging with them.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have no experience with other similar solutions.

How was the initial setup?

The setup was straightforward.

What about the implementation team?

Implementation was done through the vendor.

What was our ROI?

Our ROI has increased from 45% to 65% since we deployed this application.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The setup cost is efficient.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I have not examined other related applications.

What other advice do I have?

I have observed great performance since we deployed this platform.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Google
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
PeerSpot user
Technology consultant at a tech services company with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
Easy to set up, helpful support, but the stability needs to be improved
Pros and Cons
  • "The Check Point Management server is isolated from security gateways, which means that in case there is an issue, we have our configuration ready and we can directly replace the device and push the configuration."
  • "For those not familiar with the Command Line interface, there should be an option in the GUI for operating backups."

What is our primary use case?

We have a Check Point firewall to secure our perimeter as well as on the internal network. We also have our Security Management server on VM. Both perimeter & internal sets are managed via the same Security Management system.

Two separate packages are created for both perimeter & internal sets.

We are also managing a SandBlast device via Security Management.

Even though all of the work is performed by the gateway, Security Management plays a vital role in a three-tier architecture. Here, our primary use case is to push security policies & manage logs.

How has it helped my organization?

Check Point Security Management is one-stop for all operation-related activity on the Check Point Security Gateway (firewalls).

We have completed one-time implementation configurations, like clustering, using this tool.

Check Point has a very sophisticated log monitor, where troubleshooting is very simple. We just have to put the desired filter, and Check Point generates the reports that help us to understand the overall picture in our network.

We have created multiple users, and they each have a smart dashboard install on their machine.

What is most valuable?

The Check Point Management server is isolated from security gateways, which means that in case there is an issue, we have our configuration ready and we can directly replace the device and push the configuration. Logs are collected at the management server, hence we can preserve those as well. 

We can keep on adding new devices that can all be managed from a single security management server.

After the upgrade to R80, we have a single interface for all activities. Previously, we needed to configure using different applications.   

What needs improvement?

It is very difficult to recover policies from the gateway in case if you lose your security management server, and don't have a backup.

The backup functionality (Migrate export command), which covers policies, can not be operated from the GUI. Instead, we have to log into the CLI and generate a file then take it out. For those not familiar with the Command Line interface, there should be an option in the GUI for operating backups. There should also be an option to automatically schedule the backup. 

The smart dashboard is a very heavy application. If we could directly connect & manage firewalls from the Management server itself then it would make it very easy.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Check Point Security Management for more than three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability needs to be improved.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Scalability-wise, it is very good, as it was deployed on VM.

How are customer service and technical support?

TAC is very supportive but we face many issues with this product.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Previously, we had only firewalls & not a management device. 

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is not very complex & can be done easily.

What about the implementation team?

We are the ones who implemented it.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

This product can be used for 25 security gateways on a basic license. I think that this is good value for the money.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We wanted to implement Check Point and hence, we did not evaluate others.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Other
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Check Point Security Management
April 2024
Learn what your peers think about Check Point Security Management. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: April 2024.
768,886 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Global IT Network and Security Service Senior Specialist at a manufacturing company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
Allows for easy troubleshooting and configuration using a single pane of glass but is unstable
Pros and Cons
  • "The unique management using Smart Console for all firewalls is very useful."
  • "I've found the solution was a bit unstable."

What is our primary use case?

We are using it on the cloud for cloud segmentation and as a VPN for users. We have been implementing Checkpoint on Azure's cloud for configuring scale sets for internal and external firewalls and as a gateway group active/standby for the VPN. The solution is implemented using a Multiple Entry Point feature. This allows us to use the same URL deplyed for all users and let them connect to the nearest node. We use other features like IPS, Threat Control, and Antivirus/Antibot for protecting our servers. We wanted to implement the SCV feature but it's not working. We've been working with support for months without a resolution.

How has it helped my organization?

It has allowed global worldwide access to our cloud infrastructure. It gives us the possibility to improve security on the Azure cloud as well. 

It features NGFW provided by checkpoint with all of the capabilities that are required to protect for Next Generation protection from attacks at perimeter level The module and security features that are provided as part of the base license with Checkpoint include the VPN, IPS, Application Control, and Content Awareness which offers strong protection for the organization. The main problem is that the support in terms of solving any issue is not very good.

What is most valuable?

The unique management using Smart Console for all Firewalls is very useful. Also, the management of policies and the log page allows for easy troubleshooting and configuration using a single pane of glass. The new release R81 allows a very fast installation of policies on the firewalls.

The MEP feature had a lot of problems during the implementation, needing configuration of TXT file via the CLI, however, at the end of the implementation, it is working well and has given us a very good advantage on the VPN solution in our company. I hope to see other useful features in the next release.

What needs improvement?

I've found the solution was a bit unstable. It would be better to improve the stability of the service. Another thing that needs to be improved is the Checkpoint support. Very often they were not able to solve the problems that we had. Sometimes to solve problems you need to install a new Hotfix or Custom release - and that can generate some side effects that can create instability problems. It's necessary to improve the support - especially the one that is provided in India.

For how long have I used the solution?

We had done an upgrade 2 months ago.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It's improving with new releases.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It's very scalable.

How are customer service and technical support?

The experience has not been very good.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Yes, we were using on-prem products with Cisco Anyconnect VPN solutions. We switched to Checkpoint and moved the VPN solution to the cloud.

How was the initial setup?

Yes, it was a bit complex.

What about the implementation team?

We had a good level of expertise, and we also used Checkpoint professional services directly.

What was our ROI?

We hope to have ROI in 3 years.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Licensing is very granular. You can easily select the best solution and feature that fits to you.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We did not evaluate other options.

What other advice do I have?

They should improve the support and the stability of the system. When there are issues, it is not very easy to solve problems using the support they offer. Other vendors like Cisco have better support. This is very important for Enterprise companies - even more than new features.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Works at a financial services firm with 5,001-10,000 employees
Real User
Good access control, security control, and threat prevention, but needs better support and a workflow for user authorization
Pros and Cons
  • "It is good when it comes to access control, which is the basic feature that we use in a firewall appliance or solution. Check Point is effective when it comes to security control and threat prevention."
  • "Support is the main area that they need to improve. Our support experience is not very smooth. We are based in Africa, and we don't know whether it is because of our region. I would like a feature where there is a workflow to provide authorization to some users before they're able to create and apply rules. Such a feature should be integrated with the management. It should not be in the box that comes with it."

What is our primary use case?

We use it for both perimeter and internal defense.

What is most valuable?

It is good when it comes to access control, which is the basic feature that we use in a firewall appliance or solution. Check Point is effective when it comes to security control and threat prevention.

What needs improvement?

Support is the main area that they need to improve. Our support experience is not very smooth. We are based in Africa, and we don't know whether it is because of our region.

I would like a feature where there is a workflow to provide authorization to some users before they're able to create and apply rules. Such a feature should be integrated with the management. It should not be in the box that comes with it.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working on the protection network since 2014. It has been around seven years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

So far, it has been stable, but stability also depends on your design and deployment. You might have a performance issue, especially when you have to deal with a lot of traffic. You also need to factor in maintenance in terms of the upgrades, patches, and hotfixes that you need to do regularly. When you're able to do that and take care of the maintenance, you'll have stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Scalability depends on your design. You have to properly scope your environment to know the amount of traffic that is expected to go through, pass, or transmit through the firewall. After you have a proper scope, you won't have any problems. Otherwise, you'll definitely be experiencing issues.

How are customer service and technical support?

Our support experience is not very smooth. We are based in Africa, and we don't know whether it is because of our region.

How was the initial setup?

As compared to other security and firewall solutions, its deployment is not that easy. The deployment duration depends on your project plan. It also depends on whether you are working just on the deployment, and there are no distractions.

What about the implementation team?

In terms of those who manage the rules and administer the system, we have about ten people. They are administrators, and they create rules, manage the system, and provide support.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I wasn't a part of the team that did the evaluation.

What other advice do I have?

I would advise others to properly apply good design concepts by engaging professionals. They should properly scope their environment to ensure that they are deploying the solution to optimized standards. They should also ensure that they train their personnel to be able to handle the first level and even second level support when it comes to the management of Check Point.

I would rate Check Point Security Management a seven out of ten considering the skills that are required and the ease of use and management.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
ICT Officer at Kenyatta National Hospital
Real User
Top 10
Has good identification capabilities that link with the Active Directory
Pros and Cons
  • "I love the URL filtering as well as the identification capabilities which link with the Active Directory and work for me even with bandwidth regulation. These allow me to select to whom to do what, and when."
  • "In future releases I'd like to see better integration with other applications and solutions. Also, the cost of the license is too high, it's too expensive."

What is our primary use case?

We use it for the firewall and the filtration. The accounts are put on a server and even the SmartConsole is installed on a server environment.

What is most valuable?

In terms of most valuable features, I love the URL filtering as well as the identification capabilities which link with the Active Directory and work for me even with bandwidth regulation. These allow me to select to whom to do what, and when.

What needs improvement?

As for improvement, again, the bandwidth regulation is an issue - it is not up to my expectations. If they could improve that it would be good.

In future releases I'd like to see better integration with other applications and solutions.

Also, the cost of the license is too high, it's too expensive.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Check Point Security Management for the last five or six years.

How are customer service and technical support?

I used to contact customer service, but nowadays, I'm authorized to handle that. We have our own internal team in the company to maintain this solution on our own. I know a few people at Check Point so we work together.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Yes, we were using Dell SonicWall.

How was the initial setup?

In terms of initial setup, at the beginning when I was not an expert, it was difficult but now that I'm an expert it is no longer difficult at all.

I don't know how long the setup was the first time since it was done by a client. But nowadays, because I'm an expert, it doesn't take long. It takes about an hour or two and I've done everything.

What other advice do I have?

On a scale of one to ten, I'd give Check Point Security Management a nine because it is not yet available in our country.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Systems Administrator with 201-500 employees
Real User
Affordable, easily deployable, user-friendly security management
Pros and Cons
  • "This solution is easy to install and deploy. It is also user-friendly."
  • "I would like for users to have more control over the platform in the next release. Right now, the system is very central and general requiring new rules to be created that better-suite our requirements."

What is our primary use case?

This solution is used to control OPC's. You are also able to generate reports with it.

How has it helped my organization?

Our organization is now able to easily see if our computers are running smoothly or not.

What is most valuable?

This solution is easy to install and deploy. It is also user-friendly.

What needs improvement?

I would like for users to have more control over the platform in the next release. Right now, the system is very central and general requiring new rules to be created that better-suite our requirements.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution since 1993.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This is a stable solution.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

This is a scalable solution, we currently have three to four hundred users.

How are customer service and support?

We hardly contact Check Point support thanks to help from our partner. However, if there is an issue neither of us can resolve, we open a case with Check Point and they are able to resolve the issue quickly.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We were using Symantec for its antivirus and backup capabilities, but now that Check Point offers antivirus, we are only using Symantec for backups. And Check Point is one fourth of the price!

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was not complex. There was still a bit to learn with the program, but it was not complex. Initial installation took about a day and a half and it took one week for deployment in total after running some tasks.

What about the implementation team?

We had support from a Check Point partner perform the initial setup. We now have four members of our technical group maintaining the solution.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Check Point is much cheaper than the competition ($4/server as compared to $17/server).

What other advice do I have?

I would rate this solution an eight out of ten (nine for its antivirus capabilities).

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Network Administrator at N S PHARMACY SDN.BHD.
Real User
Good interface, excellent technical support, and very helpful additional features
Pros and Cons
  • "The additional features offered by the solution are excellent. We didn't have a lot fo these on a previous solution, and they've proven to be an advantage for us."
  • "The reporting should be improved in future releases. It needs to be very explicit. This is very important."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution based on the results that are provided. We've tried others previously and they didn't give us the results we receive on this particular product.

What is most valuable?

The additional features offered by the solution are excellent. We didn't have a lot of these on a previous solution, and they've proven to be an advantage for us.

Based on my personal use of the system, the interface is quite good.

What needs improvement?

It depends on the user, but all of the checkpoints need improvement. The only place I need a bit of an update, for example, is in the endpoint management. There are some policies that are embedded that you have to examine if you have sensitive users. 

For some applications, the default acts as a manager. However, in a system with a history of being breached or where users are given access based on their job function, we seem to have issues particularly there.

The reporting should be improved in future releases. It needs to be very explicit. This is very important.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for about a year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Over the past nine or ten months that we've been using the solution we've found it to be very stable. We haven't had any issues at all. Since we have a monetary drive to enforce stability, when we see a flagged issue we will address it immediately.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability of the solution is excellent. We haven't faced any negative aspects when trying to scale up.

How are customer service and technical support?

The technical support of the solution has been very good. They are much better than what I previously had. I find that we get attention within 24 hours if we flag something. We are purchasing the support so it may be the reason we get such a quick and helpful response.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We did previously use a different solution. They didn't have support locally in my country and this was difficult for us. Everything was done via mail or phone and it was not helpful. With this solution, if the situation cannot be remotely addressed within 48 hours, they will come to my office in person and attend to me. It's much better.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is very straightforward. Deployment takes about three working days. In our case, we had to import policies from SonicWall but not on the same platform, so we had some little challenges like that, however, overall it was quite straightforward.

We have an in-house team that handles maintenance.

What about the implementation team?

We had an integrator that assisted us with the implementation of the product. We use them for support as well.

What other advice do I have?

We're still in the testing phase in terms of using the solution. Soon, it will be one year since we have fully deployed it. So far, it's been very good. I would rate it eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Head of IT
Real User
Web filtering and built-in VPN are key features, but the user interface is overly complicated
Pros and Cons
  • "Key features include the ability to include logs for everything that you do for admin. Also, it has web filtering built in and VPN."
  • "I would like the ability to have an overview, cross-site: One portal that does all firewalls. Also, the user interface is overly complicated."

What is our primary use case?

Perimeter protection. It has performed well. It's good.

How has it helped my organization?

It hasn't really improved the way our organization functions. It has just provided that extra functionality. That is something we now demand of all firewalls.

What is most valuable?

The ability to include logs for everything that you do for admin. Also, it has web filtering built in and VPN. Those are the main features we use.

What needs improvement?

I would like the ability to have an overview, cross-site: One portal that does all firewalls.

For how long have I used the solution?

One to three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability is good, but that's because we've got a high-availability configuration.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is scalable, but, as I said before, you are not able to connect across multiple sites for a similar firewall.

How are customer service and technical support?

I would say tech support is about a six out of 10.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

There was no previous solution. I inherited this one.

When selecting a vendor, the most important criteria are history, reputation, and looking at the industry ratings.

How was the initial setup?

Although I wasn't involved in the initial setup, I believe it was quite complicated.

What other advice do I have?

Do the homework because Check Point is rather expensive. There are better firewalls on the market now that are cheaper and provide better functionality and security.

I rate it a six out of 10 because the user interface is overly complicated.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Check Point Security Management Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: April 2024
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Check Point Security Management Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.