The Problem with Cloud-Native Firewalls and NAT Gateways

In the modern cloud landscape, security is non-negotiable, especially for businesses that rely on cloud infrastructure to store data, manage applications, and facilitate operations. Firewalls, along with NAT (Network Address Translation) gateways, are critical to protecting your cloud environments from unauthorized access and securing your network. However, managing these services across different cloud platforms like AWS and Azure can become complex and costly.

That’s where Enforza steps in. Enforza offers a cost-efficient, multicloud firewall solution that provides the same robust features as AWS Network Firewall, Azure Firewall, AWS NAT Gateway, and Azure NAT Gateway—but at a fraction of the cost. If you’re looking to streamline your cloud security while reducing your spending on firewall and NAT gateway services, Enforza is the smarter choice.

The Problem with Native Cloud Firewalls and NAT Gateways

While AWS and Azure both offer native firewall solutions (AWS Network Firewall, Azure Firewall) and NAT gateway services (AWS NAT Gateway, Azure NAT Gateway), these platforms come with their own set of challenges—high costs, complex configurations, and a steep learning curve for those who aren’t deeply familiar with each cloud provider’s terminology and services.

AWS Network Firewall & AWS NAT Gateway Costs

Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides robust network security services with its AWS Network Firewall and AWS NAT Gateway. However, these services can be incredibly expensive for businesses, especially when processing large amounts of data:

• AWS Network Firewall charges not only for firewall deployment but also for data processing. The data processing fees are charged on a per-GB basis, which can escalate rapidly if your business handles substantial traffic.
• Similarly, AWS NAT Gateway imposes both hourly charges and data processing fees, which can significantly drive up costs, especially for high-volume traffic environments.

Azure Firewall & Azure NAT Gateway Costs

Microsoft Azure follows a similar model with its Azure Firewall and Azure NAT Gateway:

• Azure Firewall charges an hourly rate for running the service, plus data processing fees based on the volume of traffic that passes through.
• Azure NAT Gateway operates in much the same way, charging both a base rate and additional fees for data processed through the gateway.

For businesses using these native firewall services, costs can quickly spiral out of control. But beyond the price, managing firewalls and NAT gateways across different cloud providers also introduces operational complexity. AWS and Azure have distinct service architectures, interfaces, and terminology, making it necessary for IT teams to master multiple platforms to maintain consistent security policies across different cloud environments.

Enforza: A Cheaper, Unified Solution for AWS and Azure Firewall Management

Enforza solves both the cost and complexity problems associated with using native firewalls and NAT gateways in cloud environments. It provides the same powerful features as AWS Network Firewall, Azure Firewall, AWS NAT Gateway, and Azure NAT Gateway—such as stateful inspection, traffic filtering, and advanced security configurations—but does so in a cost-effective and multicloud manner.

Significant Cost Savings

One of the key advantages of using Enforza is its affordability. Native cloud provider services like AWS and Azure charge premium rates for their firewall and NAT gateway solutions, often saddling businesses with hefty fees for data processing. In contrast, Enforza offers a cheaper alternative without sacrificing the quality of protection.

By using open-source firewall technologies, Enforza eliminates the data processing fees that cloud providers like AWS and Azure impose. This allows businesses to secure their cloud environments while keeping costs under control. Additionally, Enforza’s pricing structure is straightforward, meaning you only pay for the firewall capabilities you use—no hidden fees or surprise data transfer charges.

No More High Data Processing Fees

One of the most frustrating aspects of using AWS Network Firewall or Azure Firewall is the unpredictable data processing costs that accompany high traffic loads. These charges can significantly inflate your cloud bill, especially if you’re processing large volumes of data.

With Enforza, you can avoid these high data processing fees entirely. Whether you’re managing large-scale applications or handling high volumes of incoming and outgoing data, Enforza’s platform ensures that your firewall and NAT services won’t cause your cloud costs to skyrocket.

Unified Multicloud Management

Another major benefit of Enforza is its multicloud compatibility. For businesses that operate in multi-cloud environments, managing firewalls across AWS, Azure, and other platforms can be a daunting task. Each cloud provider uses its own distinct terminologies, interfaces, and rulesets, which means that IT teams need to invest considerable time and effort into learning how each system works.

Enforza simplifies this by providing a single, unified platform to manage your firewall rules and network security across multiple clouds. Whether you’re securing an AWS VPC, an Azure Virtual Network, or both, you can do so through Enforza’s intuitive cloud-managed interface. This eliminates the need to learn multiple platforms, reduces the likelihood of configuration errors, and ensures that your security policies are consistent across all your cloud environments.

Same Features, Less Cost

Despite being more affordable, Enforza doesn’t skimp on features. It provides the same core capabilities as AWS Network Firewall, Azure Firewall, AWS NAT Gateway, and Azure NAT Gateway, including:

• Stateful firewall inspection to monitor traffic entering and leaving your network.
• Advanced security rules to block unauthorized access and protect against external threats.
• Traffic filtering to ensure only approved data flows through your network.
• Multi-cloud support, so you can secure multiple cloud environments without managing separate firewall configurations for each provider.

These features are essential for maintaining a secure cloud infrastructure, but with Enforza, you can achieve them at a lower cost and without needing to worry about the expensive, unpredictable fees often associated with AWS and Azure.

Comparing Enforza to AWS and Azure Firewalls: A Cost and Complexity Breakdown

As shown in the table, Enforza provides all the same security features that businesses need from a cloud firewall or NAT gateway, but without the high costs and complexity of AWS and Azure’s native services. It eliminates data processing fees entirely, significantly reducing your overall cloud spending.

Conclusion: Save Money and Simplify Security with Enforza

When it comes to cloud firewall management, Enforza is the ideal choice for businesses that want to save money without compromising on security. It offers the same powerful features as AWS Network Firewall, Azure Firewall, AWS NAT Gateway, and Azure NAT Gateway, but at a lower cost and without the high data processing fees. Moreover, its multicloud support and intuitive interface simplify firewall management, eliminating the need to master the specific terminology and services of each cloud provider.

With Enforza, you get:

• Cost-effective security for your cloud environment.
• No data processing fees, even for high-traffic networks.
• Unified, multicloud management, simplifying firewall setup and maintenance across AWS, Azure, and more.
• Same robust firewall features, without the complexity.

If you’re ready to cut costs and take control of your cloud security, visit Enforza today to learn more.