Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Firewall PA-460

The Palo Alto Networks Enterprise Firewall PA-460 is a cutting-edge solution designed to secure distributed enterprise branches, retail locations, and midsize businesses. As part of the PA-400 Series, this compact, desktop-form-factor firewall combines advanced machine learning (ML) capabilities with robust threat prevention technologies. It delivers signatureless attack prevention, stopping zero-day threats and phishing attempts with real-time updates from the cloud.

The PA-460 provides comprehensive visibility into network traffic, identifying applications, users, and threats across all ports and protocols, even within encrypted traffic. Its integration with IoT security ensures seamless policy enforcement for all connected devices, while its ability to apply policies based on user behavior supports Zero Trust principles.

Powered by PAN-OS®, the PA-460 offers consistent performance through its innovative Single-Pass Architecture, reducing latency and simplifying network operations. It integrates with centralized management tools like Panorama and Strata Cloud Manager for unified visibility, predictive analytics, and streamlined administration.

The firewall also includes SD-WAN functionality for efficient traffic routing and an optional 5G cellular modem for uninterrupted connectivity. Designed for high availability and scalability, the PA-460 features active/active and active/passive modes, along with flexible decryption capabilities for privacy and compliance. Its ability to block malware, ransomware, and command-and-control activity makes it a reliable choice for securing diverse industries such as healthcare, retail, and financial services.

With its advanced capabilities and user-friendly design, the PA-460 empowers organizations to enhance their security posture while reducing operational complexity.

Overview

• The PA-460 is part of the Palo Alto Networks PA-400 Series, designed for distributed enterprise branches, retail locations, and midsize businesses.
• Powered by ML-based intelligence, it offers advanced security for modern network challenges, including IoT security and zero-day threat prevention.
• Utilizes the PAN-OS® software, ensuring consistent performance across all Palo Alto Networks NGFWs.

Key Features

ML-Powered Next-Generation Firewall

• Threat Prevention: Inline, signatureless attack prevention for file-based threats.
• Behavioral Analysis: Detects IoT devices and recommends policies.
• Cloud Integration: Pushes real-time updates for zero-delay threat signatures.

Application Identification

• Full Layer 7 inspection identifies applications across all ports and protocols.
• Enables granular control of traffic based on applications, not just IP addresses.

Encrypted Traffic Protection

• Inspects and applies policies to encrypted traffic, including TLS 1.3 and HTTP/2.
• Provides visibility into encryption protocols without compromising privacy or compliance.

Single-Pass Architecture

• Processes networking, application, and threat analysis in a single flow.
• Ensures low latency and consistent performance, even with active security subscriptions.

Centralized Management

• Managed via Panorama for unified visibility, configuration, and reporting.
• Supports AI-powered Strata Cloud Manager for predictive analytics and real-time compliance checks.

Networking Features

• SD-WAN Functionality: Integrated with industry-leading security for efficient network routing.
• 5G Cellular Modem: Ensures business continuity with 5G as a backup WAN.
• Dynamic User Groups: Time-bound security actions without requiring directory updates.

Security & Connectivity Features

• Advanced Threat Prevention: Blocks known and unknown exploits, malware, and command-and-control (C2) traffic.
• URL Filtering: Identifies and stops malicious websites in real-time.
• DNS Security: Prevents data theft and malware leveraging DNS.
• IoT Security: Implements Zero Trust for smart devices at unmatched speed.

Technical Specifications

• Form Factor: Compact, desktop design with optional redundant power supply.
• Performance: Predictable throughput with security services enabled.
• Availability Modes: Active/active and active/passive for high availability.
• Decryption Capabilities: Flexible TLS/SSL decryption based on policies.

Use Cases

Industry-Specific

1. Retail: Protects point-of-sale (POS) systems from cyberattacks and ensures secure transaction processing.
2. Healthcare: Safeguards sensitive patient data while meeting compliance standards like HIPAA.
3. Financial Services: Prevents phishing and credential theft to secure financial transactions.

Application-Specific

1. IoT Networks: Identifies and secures all connected devices with automatic policy generation.
2. SaaS Protection: Monitors and manages traffic from sanctioned and unsanctioned SaaS applications.

Other Real-Life Applications

• Remote Branch Offices: Ensures secure connectivity with 5G and SD-WAN.
• Education: Filters harmful content and ensures compliance with educational standards.

Documentation

• Download the Palo Alto Networks PA-400 Series Specification Datasheet
• Download the Palo Alto Networks Firewall Overview Datasheet 

Conclusion

1. The PA-460 delivers advanced, ML-powered threat prevention with minimal latency.
2. Its flexible management capabilities simplify deployment across distributed networks.
3. Centralized visibility and real-time compliance checks enhance operational efficiency.
4. Broad application support makes it ideal for industries requiring high security and compliance.
5. Future-ready with support for 5G, IoT, and cloud integration.

This compact, powerful firewall is a robust solution for modern enterprises needing reliable, scalable, and intelligent network security.