SonicWall’s Latest SSLVPN Flaw Raises Questions About Cheap Firewall Reliability
SonicWall has disclosed a critical SonicOS SSLVPN vulnerability that can crash firewalls outright, raising fresh concerns about the reliability of budget firewall solutions. While there’s no evidence of active exploitation yet, the company is urging customers to patch immediately or disable SSLVPN until updates can be applied. This flaw is just the latest in a string of incidents that have put SonicWall in the headlines. And when you zoom out, a troubling pattern emerges: SonicWall and Fortinet — two of the most popular “affordable” firewall vendors — seem to be trading places in the news cycle, each grappling with vulnerabilities that undermine trust in their products.
A Timeline of SonicWall’s Recent Woes
September: A breach exposed customer firewall configuration backup files, essentially handing attackers a blueprint of defenses.
October: Threat actors compromised over 100 SonicWall SSLVPN accounts using stolen credentials.
November: Two additional vulnerabilities were identified in SonicWall’s Email Security appliances, adding yet another layer of risk.
Now: A high‑severity SonicOS SSLVPN flaw that can crash firewalls outright.
With incidents stacking up month after month, it’s hard not to wonder what December’s exploit will be.
Cheap Firewalls, Expensive Consequences
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: SonicWall and Fortinet are often chosen because they’re cheaper firewall solutions. But in security, you really do get what you pay for. Think of it this way: your firewall is your first line of defense. Choosing a bargain firewall is like installing a screen door to protect your house instead of a deadbolt storm door with an added security system. Sure, the screen door is cheaper, but it won’t stop anyone determined to get in.
When your firewall vendor is constantly in the headlines for breaches, flaws, and compromises, it undermines trust in the very technology meant to protect you. Firewalls are supposed to be the sturdy gatekeepers of your network. Instead, SonicWall and Fortinet are starting to look more like revolving doors.
Why This Matters for Small Businesses
For small businesses, these headlines hit especially hard. Unlike large enterprises, small businesses often don’t have dedicated security teams or the resources to constantly monitor vendor advisories. They rely on firewalls to be reliable, low‑maintenance, and trustworthy.
When your firewall vendor is repeatedly compromised, it forces small businesses into reactive mode. Instead of focusing on growth, customer service, or innovation, they’re stuck scrambling to patch, disable features, or investigate suspicious activity. That’s not just inconvenient — it’s a drain on time, money, and confidence.
Headline Fatigue: SonicWall vs. Fortinet
It’s almost become a running joke in the industry: “Who’s in the headlines more — SonicWall or Fortinet?” But the reality behind the humor is serious. These aren’t harmless PR blunders. They represent real risks to businesses that rely on these products.
Every new flaw means another patch cycle, another emergency change window, another round of explaining to executives why the firewall they invested in is suddenly the weak link. Constant patching in response to headline‑worthy flaws is exhausting. It’s like buying a car that needs a recall every month. At some point, you stop asking “when will this end?” and start asking “is it time to switch brands?”
What Businesses Should Do Now
So what’s the practical advice?
Patch immediately. If you’re running SonicWall appliances affected by the SonicOS SSLVPN flaw, apply the latest patches without delay. If patching isn’t possible, disable SSLVPN until you can.
Review your exposure. If you were impacted by the September backup breach or the October credential compromises, take a hard look at your configurations and accounts. Assume attackers may already have insights into your environment.
Evaluate your vendor strategy. If your firewall vendor is consistently in the headlines, ask yourself whether it’s time to consider alternatives. Reliability and trust are non‑negotiable in security.
Seek expert guidance. Choosing the right firewall isn’t just about avoiding headlines. It’s about aligning technology with your business needs, compliance requirements, and risk tolerance.
Actionable Security Can Help
At Actionable Security, we know small businesses don’t have time to play “headline roulette” with their firewall vendors. That’s why our vCISO Advisory services are designed to help you cut through the noise. We’ll work with you to evaluate your current firewall, assess your risks, and recommend solutions that stay out of the headlines.
Because cybersecurity shouldn’t be about reacting to the latest vendor crisis. It should be about building confidence, protecting your business, and focusing on what you do best. If you’re ready to stop worrying about whether SonicWall or Fortinet will be the next headline, let’s talk. Visit Actionable Security’s vCISO Advisory services to learn how we can help you choose a firewall that quietly does its job — and keeps your business out of the breach reports.
Conclusion
The SonicWall saga is a reminder that even the biggest names in security can stumble. But for small businesses, the stakes are too high to gamble on vendors that can’t stay out of the headlines. Whether it’s SonicWall, Fortinet, or another vendor, the lesson is clear: your firewall should be a shield, not a liability. Cheap firewalls may look attractive on paper, but when they fail, the costs are anything but cheap. Your first line of defense deserves more than a screen door. It deserves a deadbolt storm door, reinforced with a security system, and backed by a vendor you can trust.
#BlackFridayFirewall #FirewallFacepalm #NeitherFortinetNorSonicWall
