Firewall Modernization and Migration with Palo Alto Networks
MAJOR ISSUES
Several clients from Logistic and IT industries were facing critical challenges in their network security posture due to outdated or limited firewall systems
- Legacy Firewalls (Cisco ASA and Checkpoint) lacked modern threat prevention features.
- Policy inefficiencies were present due to outdated or poorly structured rule bases.
- Limited visibility into application and user-level traffic.
- The need for scalable, future-ready security infrastructure for growing digital operations.
- Support lifecycle concerns with legacy platforms necessitated urgent migration.
IMPACT
The migration to Palo Alto Networks and, in some cases, integration with Fortinet, delivered significant security and operational improvements:
- They experienced enhanced traffic isolation, faster response times, and simplified operations post-migration from Cisco ASA to PA-460 using Palo Alto’s tools.
- Our Client benefited from enhanced threat detection and application visibility, using advanced features such as App-ID, User-ID, Advanced Wildfire, DNS Security, and SDWAN.
- Client achieved seamless firewall migration across 9 sites from Checkpoint to PA-460/1410, with no loss of security controls and improved VPN configurations viaGlobal Protect.
HIGHLIGHTS
Migration:
- Replaced Cisco ASA5515 with Palo Alto PA-460.
- Used Expedition for automated policy migration and optimization.
- Fully leveraged Palo Alto’s advanced features instead of replicating old rules.
Deployment:
- New setup with Palo Alto PA-460 (Internet) and FortiGate 200F (MPLS).
- Enabled advanced security tools: App-ID, User-ID, Threat Prevention, URL Filtering, DNS Security, SD-WAN.
Migration:
- Migrated from Checkpoint 3310 to Palo Alto for 9 sites.
- Used GlobalProtect VPN and Expedition for secure and efficient policy migration.
- Ensured audit readiness and no policy gaps post-migration.
KEY STRATEGIES
- Policy Optimization Over Replication: Instead of copying legacy firewall rules, policies were rebuilt and optimized to take advantage of Palo Alto’s contextual and identity-based security features. Policy
- Tool-Based Migration Efficiency: Utilized Palo Alto Expedition Tool for smooth and automated migration, minimizing human error and migration time.
- Segmentation of Traffic: Strategic use of Palo Alto for internet and Fortinet for MPLS in Adani Enterprise ensured traffic isolation and better security performance.
- Advanced Feature Utilization: Full stack deployment including Advanced WildFire, DNS Security, and SD-WAN ensured proactive threat mitigation and operational efficiency.
- Scalability and Support Planning: Projects were executed with 3- to 5-year premium support, ensuring long-term continuity and upgrade paths.