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How to find and delete duplicate files on your Mac

From priceless photos and important documents to music files and videos, duplicate files are commonly found on most computers. That said, they take up valuable storage space and make it harder to find what you need.

This article is a step-by-step guide to find and remove duplicate files, a vital hygiene practice for maintaining an organized, efficient, and smooth-running workspace. 

Explore Parallels Toolbox (included in your Parallels Desktop subscription) to learn how to dedupe files and free up your hard drive in mere minutes.

How to find and remove duplicate files on a Mac

Users can open Parallels Desktop on a Mac to find and remove duplicate files with the built-in “Find Duplicates” tool.

If you’re using Parallels Toolbox, here’s how to find and remove duplicates on a Mac.

1. Open Parallels Toolbox

2. Locate and launch the “Find Duplicates” tool within Parallels Toolbox

3. Choose the folders or drives that may contain duplicates—you can even scan multiple locations simultaneously

4. Initiate the scanning process; the tool will search for duplicate files across your selected locations

5. Once the scan is complete, you’ll receive a list of duplicate files—the results are typically organized by file type, making reviewing a whole lot easier

6. Review the duplicates carefully; the tool lets you preview files before deletion to ensure you don’t remove important content

7. Select the duplicate files you want to remove; Parallels Toolbox offers “smart” selection options to help you choose which duplicates to delete

8. After selection, remove the duplicates using the “Move to Trash” option—it’s that easy

To mitigate lengthy processing time, consider scanning multiple smaller sections of your drive rather than tackling the entire system simultaneously.

Does Apple have a duplicate file finder?

MacOS does not have a built-in duplicate file finder. If you can believe it, that’s one thing Apple has not developed!

Because of this, users must rely on manual methods (ack!) or a trusted third-party application like Parallels Desktop to identify and remove duplicate files.

Finder’s Smart Folders provide a powerful tool for those who prefer a more hands-on approach.

Finder’s Smart Folders create dynamic folders that display files based on specific search criteria, giving users full control over their file management.

Users can manually sift through potential duplicates by setting parameters such as file type, date created, or file size.

However, this process can be tedious and may only catch some things, especially if files have slightly different names or formats.

Is it safe to delete duplicate files on Mac?

Yes, it is safe to delete duplicate files on your Mac if you need storage space. Be sure to follow a few basic guidelines so you don’t find yourself in a pickle.

Here are examples of files safe to delete on Mac.

  1. User-generated files are safe to delete. Any file you create or download can be safely removed if it is duplicated on your drive.
  1. Duplicate system files are usually safe to remove, but it’s best to avoid deleting them until you’re confident you don’t need them. If you inadvertently delete a file that macOS needs to run, that could cause unwanted issues—and require IT assistance!
  1. Always take a quick look at your files before deleting them. Even when using automated tools, it’s prudent to double-check files to ensure you’re not removing anything important.
  1. Back up your hard drive before performing bulk deletions. This step will ensure you can recover any accidentally deleted files—better safe than sorry!
  1. We can’t stress this enough: if you’re unsure about a file’s purpose, it’s better to leave it alone.

The long and short of it is that you can optimize your hard drive by deleting duplicate files, but it really is best practice to use a reputable tool like Parallels when you do it.

And don’t skip reviewing your files before deleting them!

This step will help ensure you don’t accidentally remove critical data and have to spend hours trying to recreate all of it (although the Find Duplicates tool does include a “restore” option in some cases).

How to find and remove duplicate files on Windows 10

The simplest way to identify (and remove) duplicate content on Windows 10 is to use the built-in features or third-party software like Parallels.

If you choose to brave the built-in Windows features, here are some things to try:

  1. File Explorer: Use the search function and sorting options to identify duplicates manually. (This can be grueling depending on how long you’ve owned your computer and how many files and folders you have on your hard drive).
  1. Windows PowerShell: Use commands to find and delete duplicate files automatically. (This can also be tricky if you use different naming conventions on your dupes.)
  1. Or you can use Parallels Toolbox, which has a tool that is specifically designed to remove duplicate files.

The Find Duplicates feature inside Parallels Toolbox can be used on Mac and Windows to search and delete duplicate files without hassle.

This Parallels feature automatically searches every drive and folder to quickly identify the identical file taking up your disk space and delete it. Other software may not find identical files named differently, but Parallels will!

To start using the Parallels Toolbox to find duplicates, just:

  1. Download Parallels Toolbox.
  1. Double-click on the downloaded image file to start the installation process.
  1. Open the tools by clicking on the app from the Applications folder.
  1. Click on Find Duplicates to begin searching for duplicate files.

If you’re visually oriented, watch this video to see Parallels Toolbox in action.

Does Microsoft have a duplicate file finder?

Microsoft does not provide a built-in duplicate file finder specifically for Windows 10.

Users typically need to rely on third-party applications (like Parallels!) to locate and remove duplicate files effectively. While Windows Explorer and PowerShell can identify duplicates manually, they do not offer a dedicated tool.

No more duplicate files: A happy ending

Everyone’s a fan of happy endings and choosing Parallels Toolbox to remove duplicate files is a good decision for several reasons.

Parallels Toolbox offers a comprehensive suite of over 50 tools designed to enhance your computer’s performance by efficiently managing storage space.

The “Find Duplicates” tool is quite powerful and enables users to trash redundant files that clutter the system, saving valuable disk space and helping speed up your Mac and improve overall system performance.

Additionally, this feature is simple to use and provides a straightforward interface that makes locating and deleting duplicates easy—even for non-tech-savvy users.

Finally, Parallels Toolbox integrates with Mac and Windows systems and supports many file types, making it a flexible and trusty tool for maintaining a clean and efficient digital workspace.

Try Parallels Toolbox for free (plus, it is included in Parallels Desktop subscriptions) and discover why millions of users trust Parallels to optimize the way they work.

 

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Parallels 
Parallels® is a global leader in cross-platform solutions, enabling businesses and individuals to access and use the applications and files they need on any device or operating system. Parallels helps customers leverage the best technology available, whether it’s Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android or the cloud.

SASE vs. ZTNA: What’s the Difference?

In the vast, complex, and somewhat terrifying landscape of cybersecurity, few topics generate as much buzz (and confusion) as Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). These two acronyms are often tossed around in boardrooms and tech meetings as if everyone knows exactly what they mean. But let’s be honest—if you’re not an IT professional who eats, sleeps, and breathes network security, these terms might as well be Greek. So, let’s break them down, shall we?

The Basics: What Are SASE and ZTNA?

Let’s start with the basics. Think of SASE as the Swiss Army knife of network security. It’s an all-in-one framework that combines wide area networking (WAN) capabilities with comprehensive security functions. The goal? To deliver secure access to applications and data no matter where your users or resources are located—whether in the cloud, on-premises, or somewhere in between.

ZTNA, on the other hand, is more like a highly specialized scalpel. It’s a specific security concept within the broader zero-trust architecture that ensures users can only access the specific applications or services they’re explicitly authorized to use. ZTNA operates on a principle that, frankly, could use some more application in daily life: trust no one. Not even users inside your network. Everyone has to prove their identity and authorization before gaining access to anything.

In short, SASE is a comprehensive security framework, while ZTNA is a focused strategy within that framework. One could say SASE is the peanut butter to ZTNA’s jelly—though both can, theoretically, be enjoyed on their own, they’re better together.

The Primary Roles of SASE and ZTNA

Now that we’ve covered the basic definitions, let’s delve into the primary roles of these technologies.

SASE’s Role:

SASE’s main gig is to bring together the best of networking and security into a single cloud-delivered service. This makes it a favorite for organizations that have scattered, hybrid, or remote workforces—a reality that became all too common in the post-pandemic world. SASE converges several security functions, including:

  • SD-WAN: It optimizes traffic routing for performance and cost-effectiveness.
  • Secure Web Gateway (SWG): It protects against malicious web traffic.
  • Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): It ensures secure access to cloud resources.
  • Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS): A cloud-based firewall that scales with your business.
  • ZTNA: Yes, ZTNA is a part of SASE, ensuring that only authenticated users access specific services.

ZTNA’s Role:

ZTNA’s job is to enforce the “never trust, always verify” mantra. Whether you’re inside or outside the network, ZTNA requires constant authentication and authorization checks. It minimizes the risk of lateral movement—a fancy way of saying that even if a bad actor gets in, they won’t be able to hop from one system to another like a kid in a candy store.

Primary Use Cases

SASE Use Cases:

SASE is ideal for organizations that need to secure a diverse, geographically distributed workforce. Some primary use cases include:

  1. Hybrid Work Environments: With employees working from various locations, SASE ensures consistent security policies across all access points.
  2. Cloud Migration: SASE supports organizations moving their applications and data to the cloud, providing security without the need for traditional, hardware-based solutions.
  3. Digital Transformation: Companies embracing digital transformation can rely on SASE to secure their new, more complex IT environments.

ZTNA Use Cases:

ZTNA is the go-to solution for organizations that need granular access control. Its primary use cases include:

  1. Remote Access: ZTNA is perfect for securing remote access to internal applications without exposing the entire network.
  2. Third-Party Access: When vendors or contractors need access to specific parts of your network, ZTNA ensures they only get what they need—nothing more.
  3. Protecting High-Sensitivity Data: ZTNA is crucial in environments where highly sensitive data is involved, providing strict access control at all times.

Benefits and Weaknesses

SASE Benefits:

  • Simplicity: SASE consolidates multiple security functions into a single service, reducing complexity.
  • Scalability: As a cloud-native solution, SASE scales effortlessly with your business needs.
  • Performance: By integrating SD-WAN, SASE optimizes traffic and improves application performance.

SASE Weaknesses:

  • Complex Implementation: Despite its goal to simplify, implementing SASE can be complex and requires a solid understanding of your network architecture.
  • Vendor Lock-In: Given its comprehensive nature, SASE often ties you closely to a specific vendor, which might not be ideal for everyone.

ZTNA Benefits:

  • Enhanced Security: ZTNA’s granular control ensures that only the right people get access to the right resources.
  • Reduced Attack Surface: By hiding resources from unauthorized users, ZTNA significantly reduces the potential for attacks.
  • Flexible Deployment: ZTNA can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud, making it adaptable to various environments.

ZTNA Weaknesses:

  • Limited Scope: ZTNA is focused on access control and doesn’t provide the broader security coverage that SASE does.
  • Potential Latency: Continuous authentication checks can introduce latency, impacting user experience.
  • Complex Management: Implementing and managing ZTNA across a large organization can be challenging.

Potential Vulnerabilities

SASE Vulnerabilities:

  • Given its all-in-one nature, a vulnerability in the SASE platform could potentially expose multiple layers of your security infrastructure. Also, the reliance on a single provider could be a risk if that provider suffers an outage or breach.

ZTNA Vulnerabilities:

  • While ZTNA reduces the attack surface, it’s not immune to zero-day vulnerabilities or sophisticated phishing attacks that target user credentials. If an attacker gains access to the ZTNA system itself, they could potentially bypass security controls.

Conclusion

While SASE and ZTNA are both crucial in the modern cybersecurity landscape, they serve different, yet complementary, roles. SASE offers a comprehensive security framework ideal for distributed networks, while ZTNA provides granular access control within that framework. Whether you choose one, the other, or both, remember: in the world of cybersecurity, it’s always better to be paranoid than to be the headline of the next breach. And let’s be honest, who needs that kind of stress?

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

Guardz Delivers Enhanced MSP Control with New Security Features

In the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, ensuring robust protection while minimizing operational interruptions is a constant challenge for MSPs. To help strike this balance, we are thrilled to launch two sophisticated features designed to streamline security processes and enhance client satisfaction. 

Control Your Defender Exclusions

Purpose and Use Case:

This feature allows MSPs to configure specific exclusions in Microsoft Defender’s antivirus scanning process. It addresses the need to prevent trusted files, directories, and processes from becoming false positives and unnecessary security alerts.

Bottom Line: MSPs can define paths, processes, and extensions across their customers that should be excluded from antivirus scans within the device settings.

What’s New:

  • Global or Per-Customer Configuration Options: Choose whether to apply exclusions globally or customize them by company.
  • Configure and Manage Scan Exclusions: Fine-tune Windows Defender by specifying paths, processes, and extensions to exclude from scans.
  • Simplify Management & Review: View and manage exclusions in one place, sorted by type, name, and the date they were added.

How to Configure:

  • Security Controls -> Endpoint Security -> Microsoft Defender Exclusions

Beta users Invitation:
If you’re interested in becoming a beta tester, please contact us via email or chat, and we’ll guide you through the steps to get started.


Enhanced Spam Management for Email Security Module

Purpose and Use Case:

This feature lets MSPs decide how to manage potential spam emails for their customers.
It’s now possible to tailor the email security strategy according to your customer’s specific needs.

With the increasing volume of spam emails, it’s crucial to have flexible options for managing these messages. This feature is designed to allow you to customize the spam handling process, ensuring that the inboxes are kept clean and secure without unnecessary disruptions.

What’s New:

  • Spam Detection Toggle: A new section called “Spam Detection” has been added under “Email Protection Scan.”
    Users can easily turn spam detection on or off according to their preferences.
  • Customizable Spam Handling: Users can now configure the system to perform one of the following actions when a spam email is detected:
    • Add a banner and move the email to the junk/spam folder (Recommended).
    • Add a banner and quarantine the email.
    • Add a caution banner to the email.
  • Improved Threat Management:
    • New “Spam Emails” Issue Type: A new issue type, “Spam Emails,” has been added, which will recognize spam emails that, while not reaching the risk threshold, are typically unwanted.
    • When a spam email is detected, an info-level issue will be generated under this new type.
    • Admin Notifications: Admins who do not wish to receive alerts for spam-related issues can adjust their notification settings to avoid alerts for Info severity issues.
      (My Profile -> Email Notification Settings)

This update aims to provide users with more control and flexibility in managing spam emails, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the Email Security Module.


Improvements:

Suspicious Logins Improvements:

We’ve updated our logic for detecting suspicious logins from new locations to reduce noise and false positives.
Introducing Benchmarks: a new method to help identify safe logins.
Our Benchmarks mechanism is taking under consideration the following:

  1. Frequent use of the same User-Agent.
  2. Logins from familiar devices within the same organization.
  3. Trusted IPs.

We can’t wait for you to experience the newest updates! Keep your eyes peeled for more to come!

Start Free Trial

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Guardz
Guardz is on a mission to create a safer digital world by empowering Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Their goal is to proactively secure and insure Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) against ever-evolving threats while simultaneously creating new revenue streams, all on one unified platform.

Portnox Selected as 2024 SC Awards Finalist for Best Authentication Technology in the Trust Category

With Conditional Access for Applications, Portnox delivers a unified solution for zero trust access control.

 

Austin, TX – Aug. 30, 2024—Portnox, a leading provider of cloud-native, zero trust access control solutions, today announces that Portnox has been recognized as a 2024 SC Award finalist in the Trust Award category for Best Authentication Technology. The company entered its Conditional Access for Applications product, which launched in March. Conditional Access helps distributed, heavily SaaS-reliant organizations combat the rise in device-based attacks against enterprise applications through a risk-based approach that works lockstep with infrastructure and network security efforts.

This announcement was made on Thursday, August 29, 2024, as part of SC Media’s 2024 SC Awards coverage. The SC Awards recognize the solutions, organizations, and individuals that have demonstrated exceptional achievement in advancing the security of information security. Find Portnox and the complete list of finalists here.

“The finalists for the 2024 SC Awards truly represent the forefront of cybersecurity innovation and leadership,” said Tom Spring, Editorial Director at SC Media. “These solutions, organizations, and professionals have demonstrated outstanding capabilities in addressing today’s complex and ever-changing threat landscape. We are proud to recognize their contributions to the cybersecurity community.”

This year, the SC Awards received a remarkable number of entries across 34 specialty categories. Entries were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges, including cybersecurity professionals, industry leaders, and members of the CyberRisk Alliance community from sectors such as healthcare, financial services, education, and technology.

“Complete cybersecurity protection goes well beyond just controlling access; IT teams must meet ever-evolving security compliance requirements. That means they need to be able to monitor and mitigate the risk every connected endpoint poses — including managed devices, unmanaged BYOD, and insecure IoT,” said Denny LeCompte, Portnox CEO. “With Portnox, the endless list of enterprise applications no longer serves as a directory of easily targeted access attack vectors.”

Winners of the 2024 SC Awards will be announced on September 17, 2024.

 

About CyberRisk Alliance

CyberRisk Alliance provides business intelligence that helps the cybersecurity ecosystem connect, share knowledge, accelerate careers, and make smarter and faster decisions. Through our trusted information brands, network of experts, and more than 250 innovative annual events we provide cybersecurity professionals with actionable insights and act as a powerful extension of cybersecurity marketing teams. Our brands include SC Media, the Official Cybersecurity Summits, Security Weekly, InfoSec World, Identiverse, CyberRisk Collaborative, ChannelE2E, MSSP Alert, LaunchTech Communications and TECHEXPO Top Secret. Learn more at www.cyberriskalliance.com.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

Third-party reviews: Check Point alternatives and competitors

In 2024, increased attacks on serverless technologies, predicted by Google Cloud’s Security report, became a reality. Misconfigured cloud environments contributed to 30% of incidents in the first half of the year. That’s why it’s important not only to choose a robust Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) cybersecurity solution but also to ensure it is properly configured to protect your company.

In this article, we’ll compare Check Point alternatives, including NordLayer, Fortinet, and Zscaler, to help organizations find the best solutions for enhanced security and protection.

In brief,

  • Check Point, Fortinet, and Zscaler are enterprise-level providers with effective but costly and complex solutions.

  • While NordLayer doesn’t cover all SASE features, it offers a highly-rated solution with some SSE features (part of SASE). It also stands out for its proactive configuration assistance and 24/7 support.

Let’s explore these solutions and see which one might best suit your organization’s protection and security needs.

Check Point software overview

Check Point Software is a long-standing player in the cybersecurity market. It was founded in 1993 and has offices around the world, including in sanctioned countries such as Russia and Belarus.

Check Point offers a wide array of cybersecurity software solutions, but here are the main five areas.

  1. Cloud (Check Point CloudGuard): Provides cloud security services to protect public, private, and hybrid environments. It includes firewall, threat prevention, and posture management software.

  2. Security for remote users (Harmony): Protects remote users with endpoint security tools. Harmony secures devices, web browsing, email, and collaboration software solutions.

  3. Security ops (Horizon): Supports security operations by providing services for threat detection, incident response, and automation.

  4. Network security (Quantum): Delivers advanced firewall and intrusion prevention services to protect networks.

  5. All (Infinity Platform): Integrates multiple security products into one platform. This product covers network, cloud, and endpoint security.

As you can see, Check Point offers a wide range of products that can address various security needs from a product standpoint.

Most mentioned product strengths

Check Point Software offers features that help to secure various network infrastructure and cyber security aspects. Here are some mentioned by users:

  1. Secure network access for businesses

  2. Advanced threat prevention and real-time threat detection

  3. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) features

  4. Deep packet inspection and SSL inspection

  5. Firewall with VPN access management for remote users

  6. Geo-location filtering and detailed URL filtering

  7. Zero-day attack protection with quick patch updates for vulnerabilities

  8. Network mapping and compliance testing across environments

  9. Environment-specific reports generated for better oversight

Most mentioned overall product benefits of Check Point

Here are some things users often mentioned about Check Point products overall:

  1. Well-known and respected in the industry

  2. Reliable and effective

  3. Unified security management system

  4. Centralized firewall management with easy server integration

  5. User-friendly interface

  6. Minimal need for daily adjustments after the setup

Limitations of Check Point

Despite its strengths, Check Point Software may have some limitations that might not align with the needs of every organization. They might include:

  1. Complicated and costly pricing

  2. Complex setup and configuration

  3. Slowing down during heavy traffic

  4. Difficult advanced features and services

  5. Slow, upgrade-focused support

  6. Overwhelming product range

  7. Lacks competitive SD-WAN alternatives

  8. VPN client issues on MacOS

Disclaimer: This product review is based on information provided on VPN review sites and social networking forums such as Gartner, G2, and Reddit. It also assessed customer feedback shared on these platforms, accessed on August 13, 2024.

Let’s look at Check Point alternatives.

1. NordLayer

Overview of NordLayer

NordLayer is a network security solution designed to provide safe access to company resources from any location. It provides protection for networks, facilitates remote work, and aids in meeting compliance requirements. Developed by Nord Security, the creators of the popular NordVPN service, NordLayer offers a multi-layered defense for your network.

NordLayer assists organizations in implementing Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and Secure Web Gateway (SWG) principles, with a focus on the Secure Service Edge (SSE). It delivers SaaS security features to control access to the internet, resources, and networks.

NordLayer’s flexibility makes it a good fit for businesses of all sizes that need scalable protection.

Product strengths

Product benefits of NordLayer

NordLayer addresses three key business needs. First, it helps enable secure internet access, including for remote employees, and protection while browsing. Second, it segments and controls access to company resources. Third, it helps companies ensure compliance with key cybersecurity regulatory frameworks through easy-to-use visibility dashboards and straightforward identity and access management.

NordLayer primarily focuses on network protection and provides key SSE features, including:

  • Shared gateways and virtual private gateways

  • Quantum safe encryption

  • Dedicated servers with Fixed IP

  • Cloud Firewall

  • Device Posture Security

  • IP allowlisting

  • Web protection (formerly Threatblock)

  • DNS Filtering capabilities

  • NordLynx VPN protocol

  • Browser Extension that enhances performance while ensuring secure browsing

Overall product benefits of NordLayer

Compared to larger solutions discussed in this article, NordLayer offers several key advantages:

  • Transparent pricing, with plans starting at $7 per user per month

  • Proactive setup support to minimize misconfiguration risks

  • 24/7 live support, dedicated account managers, and personalized assistance

  • Direct influence on product development and growth

Limitations of NordLayer

Despite its many strengths, NordLayer has some limitations:

  • Less established brand and not as widely recognized

  • Fewer features and capabilities

  • Slows down the internet connection when using the VPN

  • Can’t adjust team size online; need to contact support to downgrade

  • Sometimes, NordVPN and NordLayer are confused

NordLayer reviews

Users frequently praise NordLayer for its ease of use, even for those without extensive IT knowledge. They also appreciate the helpful support provided at every stage.

Reviews

Disclaimer: This product review is based on information provided on our website, VPN review sites and social networking forums such as Gartner, G2, and TechRadar. It also assessed customer feedback shared on these platforms, accessed on August 13, 2024.

2. Fortinet

Overview of Fortinet

Fortinet is a well-known cybersecurity provider, established over 20 years ago in California. Overall, Fortinet is a versatile option for medium to large enterprises protection.

The company specializes in network security, unified SASE, and cloud security for enterprises. While Fortinet does offer solutions for small and midsize businesses, user reviews suggest that it is particularly well-suited for large companies that can benefit from using multiple Fortinet products together.

Most mentioned product strengths

Fortinet’s products are designed to offer comprehensive security services with a focus on performance and scalability.

  1. Well-built, stable hardware, particularly for perimeter firewalls

  2. Next-Generation Firewall featuring AV, IPS, web filtering, application control, and VPN

  3. Advanced Threat Protection

  4. Functions as a wireless controller at no additional cost

  5. FortiGuard Labs threat intelligence

  6. FortiGuard services, including antivirus, data loss prevention, and anti-spam

  7. SecureFabric for isolated communications

Most mentioned overall product benefits of Fortinet

Fortinet stands out due to its strong performance capabilities and broad security features that cater to various business needs.

  1. Intuitive and easy-to-use GUI

  2. Full-stack, single-pane integration

  3. SSL VPN with no extra licensing

  4. Easy firewall configuration

  5. Centralized control and visibility

  6. Cost-effective

  7. Simple management and customization

  8. Easy implementation across platforms

  9. Consistent OS across all devices

Limitations of Fortinet

While Fortinet offers extensive features, it may also have some drawbacks, depending on an organization’s specific needs.

  1. Limited technical support for security products

  2. Logging lacks real-time information and is hard to navigate

  3. Complex configuration and firewall software syntax

  4. VPNs frequently drop, affecting customer experience

  5. Documentation is complex and lacks vital information

  6. The learning curve for rich security features

  7. High license costs, challenging for small-scale organizations

  8. Frequent bugs impact product reliability

  9. Manual firmware updates hinder customer experience

  10. Needs flexible pricing and service options to protect smaller organizations

Disclaimer: This product review is based on information provided on VPN review sites and social networking forums such as Gartner, G2, and Reddit. It also assessed customer feedback shared on these platforms, accessed on August 13, 2024.

3. ZScaler

Overview of ZScaler

ZScaler, founded in 2007 and based in California, specializes in a cloud-native Zero Trust Exchange platform designed to protect customers from cyber-attacks and data loss. As a cloud-based security service provider, ZScaler focuses on securing internet traffic and managing user access to applications.

Most mentioned product strengths

ZScaler provides a range of capabilities designed to enhance security and manageability for organizations that operate in distributed and cloud environments.

  1. Wide array of security features

  2. Numerous customizable options

  3. Granular control in creating security policies

  4. Easy-to-generate reports

Most mentioned overall product benefits of ZScaler

ZScaler’s cloud-native approach and focus on zero trust make it a strong contender in the cybersecurity market.

  1. High performance

  2. Reliable connectivity

  3. Stable cloud-native architecture

  4. Centralized access management and security visibility

  5. User-friendly interface

  6. Scalable at any time

Limitations of ZScaler

Although ZScaler is innovative, it has drawbacks that might not suit every organization.

  1. Complex migration from legacy VPN to cloud-based Zero Trust Network Access

  2. The steep learning curve for users

  3. Incorrect URL classifications affecting security

  4. Disconnection during brief internet fluctuations

  5. Lacking detailed API documentation

  6. Poor customer support and response

  7. Time-consuming setup process

  8. Confusing pricing information for services and products

Disclaimer: This product review is based on information provided on VPN review sites and social networking forums such as Gartner and G2, and it assesses customer feedback shared on these platforms, accessed on August 20, 2024.

Choosing the right network security solution

Finding the right network security solution is crucial for your organization’s protection and growth. Here’s what to focus on:

  • Ensure the software integrates well with your current systems

  • Assess firewall capabilities that match your organization’s needs

  • Review each option’s ability to scale with your organization

  • Prioritize ease of use for smooth implementation and management

  • Evaluate the provider’s support and customer service

Start by considering these factors to secure your organization effectively.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only. It is based on publicly available third-party reviews, user feedback, and online sources accessed between August 13, 2024, and August 20, 2024, and should not be considered definitive or permanent. While we strive for accuracy and completeness, Nord Security Inc. and its affiliates make no guarantees regarding the information’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. We do not undertake, warrant, or represent that any product, or its feature, is or will remain publicly regarded as better or worse than other alternatives, serve any purpose, has mentioned features, benefits, strengths, and limitations for any period of time. Product features, pricing, and other details may change, and we advise readers to verify these directly with vendors. We disclaim any liability to any party for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information. The inclusion of competitor products does not imply affiliation or endorsement, and all trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Readers should conduct their research and seek independent advice before making purchasing decisions.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

Need help? Our team is just a message away