Aging firewalls are more than just a performance bottleneck—they’re a risk multiplier. The FBI has warned that unsupported devices are prime targets for botnets, ransomware, and other automated campaigns. Yet many organizations still rely on Cisco ASA 5500 appliances that are approaching or already at end of life.
Cisco Secure Firewall offers a modern, enterprise-grade path that strengthens security without overloading your IT team.
What's Changing and Why It Matters
-
Unsupported = Exposed
Once a product ages out, security updates stop. Attackers know this and actively scan for outdated gear. (See the FBI's public service announcement on risks from end-of-life network equipment.) -
Cloud Apps & Encrypted Traffic
Most business traffic is now encrypted and app-driven. Port-based rules aren’t enough—you need deeper visibility. -
Hybrid Work & Distributed Networks
More branches, more remote users, more policies to manage. Automation and consistent controls are no longer optional.
What is Cisco Secure Firewall
Cisco Secure Firewall (formerly Firepower Threat Defense) brings next-generation firewall technology together with advanced threat prevention and policy automation. It’s built to give mid-market IT teams the same protection large enterprises rely on, with easier management and actionable visibility.
Cisco Secure Firewall key capabilities include:
- Deep visibility: Application and identity-based controls, intrusion prevention, and URL filtering.
- Threat intelligence: Backed by Cisco Talos for continuously updated protections against emerging threats.
- Encrypted traffic analytics: Identifies hidden threats in encrypted flows without requiring full decryption.
- Consistent policy: Apply, monitor, and audit policies across sites and users with ease.
Legacy ASA vs. Cisco Secure Firewall: What You Gain
|
Capability |
Legacy Cisco ASA |
Cisco Secure Firewall |
|
Support & Updates |
End-of-life for many models |
Actively supported with security updates |
|
Threat Prevention |
Basic controls |
Next-gen IPS, malware protection, URL filtering |
|
Visibility |
Port/protocol-centric |
Application, user, and device-level visibility |
|
Encrypted Traffic |
Limited analytics |
Encrypted traffic analytics and policy controls |
|
Management |
Device-centric |
Centralized policy and automated workflows |
|
Integration |
Standalone |
Integrates with Cisco SecureX and Talos intel |
|
Compliance Support |
Manual evidence gathering |
Granular logging and reporting for audits |
Built With Your Valuable Time in Mind
-
Reduce Alert Fatigue – Talos-backed intelligence filters noise so your team sees what matters.
-
Simplify Operations – Centralized policies speed up change control and cut repetitive work.
-
Scale Seamlessly – Add sites and users without costly re-architecture.
-
Strengthen Compliance – Improved visibility and reporting streamline audits and insurance renewals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does an ASA-to–Secure Firewall migration take?
Most mid-sized environments complete in weeks, depending on complexity, change windows, and testing requirements.
2. Can we reuse existing policies?
Yes. We translate legacy rules into application-aware policies and remove redundant objects to reduce risk and complexity.
3. Will this help with audits and cyber insurance?
Improved logging, reporting, and current vendor support strengthen your position with auditors and insurers.
Why Partner with BBH Solutions for Your Upgrade
Technology alone isn’t enough to protect your business. As a Cisco Certified Partner and trusted MSSP, BBH Solutions delivers more than just the right tools—we provide 24/7 monitoring, automated detection, and expert remediation. Our SOC 2 Type II–certified analysts act as an extension of your team, ensuring you’re never caught off guard and always backed by experienced security professionals.
We help small and mid-sized organizations transition from legacy ASA to Cisco Secure Firewall—designing, deploying, and managing the entire journey so you can reduce risk quickly and avoid costly downtime.
Act Now For Your Complimentary Assessment
BBH is offering qualified companies a complimentary Microsoft 365 CIS Assessment (a $5,000 value). Take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to identify gaps, strengthen compliance, and give your business the confidence to face audits, insurers, and evolving cyber threats.
Get a clear, low-risk plan to replace legacy ASA and boost your security posture.
