Have you ever wondered how well protected your network really is when you browse the web, share files, or simply check your email? Most cyber threats make no noise, show no warnings, and often go unnoticed… until it’s too late. That’s why, beyond installing an antivirus or changing passwords, having a strong first line of defense is crucial. And this is where next-generation firewalls come into play.
Over time, Sophos has evolved its firewall lineup to meet new security challenges. First came the UTM series, then the XG, and now we have its most advanced version yet: the XGS family. Each generation served its time well, but the reality is that the landscape has changed.
The rise in encrypted traffic, the need for deeper inspection without compromising performance, and the demand for simple, centralized management have outgrown older solutions. Traditional firewalls can no longer keep up—and that’s where XGS makes all the difference.
UTM Firewalls: Innovative in their time, but no longer enough
For years, UTM (Unified Threat Management) firewalls represented a breakthrough in network security. Combining firewall, VPN, antivirus, web filtering, and application control in a single device was a brilliant idea for its time. But the all-in-one architecture that made them so popular has now become their biggest limitation.
The problem lies in their monolithic design, which doesn’t scale well and struggles to handle encrypted traffic—especially now that over 90% of web traffic uses HTTPS. Moreover, their integration with modern tools like XDR, cloud-based management, or SIEM systems is virtually nonexistent. For IT teams, this means not only less visibility and agility, but also more manual work and greater risk.
Sophos XG Firewalls: A Significant Step Forward in Their Time, But Their Cycle Has Ended
With the introduction of XG firewalls, Sophos made a major leap forward. They brought a more intuitive console, user-based policies, better performance, and smoother integration with Sophos Central. For a long time, they were an excellent choice for organizations looking for strong security with simple management.
But let’s be clear: XG is no longer a priority for Sophos. While they are still supported, they no longer receive major new features and their development has come to a halt. For companies still relying on this line, now is a good time to consider migrating to the XGS family—before support becomes limited or increasingly costly to maintain.
Read more: What is Sophos Firewall?
XGS Firewalls: Extreme Performance, True Security, and a Future-Ready Design
This is where the game truly changes. Sophos XGS firewalls aren’t just an upgrade—they’re a completely new platform, built from the ground up to tackle today’s challenges. Featuring a dual-processor architecture (main CPU + dedicated security processor), the XGS series delivers what others can’t: deep inspection of encrypted traffic (TLS 1.2 and 1.3) without sacrificing performance.
And that’s just the beginning. Here are some of the features that make XGS a true next-generation network security solution:
-
Xstream Engine for advanced network inspection up to Layer 7—including encrypted traffic.
-
Intelligent SD-WAN, with policies that adapt based on performance, user, or application.
-
Network segmentation to prevent internal threats from spreading laterally.
-
High Availability (HA) in active-active or active-passive modes for critical environments.
-
Real-time alerts, with full context and integration with SIEM and other platforms.
-
Granular control over evasive or uncategorized applications—ideal for environments where productivity and security must go hand in hand.
And the best part: all this power is managed through Sophos Central, the cloud platform that eliminates the need for on-prem servers and enables complete control—no matter how many branch offices you have or how distributed your team may be.
A Game-Changing Fact: Speed + Security
One of the most striking figures is this: XGS firewalls are up to 5 times faster than previous generations when inspecting encrypted traffic. And they achieve this without increasing latency or compromising user experience—even in networks with thousands of simultaneous connections.
Read more: Sophos NDR (Network Detection and Response)
What Does Migrating to XGS Involve?
Making the move from solutions like UTM or XG to Sophos XGS Firewalls might sound complex, but in reality, Sophos has designed everything to make the transition as smooth as possible. With tools like the Sophos Firewall Migration Assistant, configurations can be migrated automatically—minimizing errors and saving valuable deployment time.
But beyond the technical process, migrating to XGS is a strategic decision with real, tangible benefits for your organization:
-
Guaranteed Operational Continuity: XGS is Sophos’ current product line, with ongoing support and updates for years to come—ensuring your infrastructure won’t become obsolete anytime soon.
-
Cost Reduction: Thanks to a more efficient architecture, XGS devices consume fewer resources, are easier to manage, and integrate more seamlessly with other platforms.
-
Next-Level Security: XGS firewalls leverage technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, backed by SophosLabs and multiple global intelligence sources, to detect and neutralize threats in real time.
For IT teams, having a modern firewall isn’t just about protection—it’s also about increasing productivity. Fewer irrelevant alerts, a clearer interface, easier-to-apply policies, and much more precise control over what’s happening on the network.
Is your company still using UTM or XG? Now’s the time to take the next step
Technology evolves—and so do attackers. That’s why XGS firewalls aren’t just a technical upgrade; they’re a real-world response to today’s demands for security, connectivity, and performance.
If your organization is still operating with UTM or XG devices, migrating to XGS is a strategic investment that prepares you for the challenges of today—and tomorrow.
At TecnetOne, We Make Migrating to XGS Easy
As certified Sophos partners, we at TecnetOne understand exactly what a migration like this entails. That’s why we support you every step of the way—from initial assessment, planning, and migration to optimization and ongoing infrastructure support.
Our team is ready to help you modernize your network without disruption, offering:
-
Expert technical support
-
Personalized consulting
-
Tailored solutions for your operation
If you’re thinking about upgrading your firewall, let’s talk. Migrating to XGS might be easier than you think—and the benefits are huge.
