Palo Alto Networks PA-3440

The Palo Alto Networks PA-3440 is a powerful, next-generation firewall designed to provide comprehensive, scalable security for modern enterprise networks. Built with advanced machine learning (ML) capabilities, it enables real-time detection and prevention of cyber threats, ensuring proactive defense against evolving risks.

The PA-3440 leverages cloud-delivered security services to enhance its ability to block unknown threats, detect zero-day exploits, and safeguard against malware and phishing attacks. With flexible deployment options, including Layer 2, Layer 3, and virtual wire modes, it adapts seamlessly to diverse network infrastructures. The firewall’s high throughput, combined with robust threat prevention and low latency, allows businesses to maintain optimal performance while ensuring security at scale.

Integrated with Palo Alto’s Next-Gen Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) and WildFire® malware prevention, the PA-3440 offers end-to-end protection across cloud, network, and endpoints. It also features advanced networking protocols and secure SD-WAN capabilities, providing flexibility for modern, distributed work environments.

Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) and centralized management via Panorama™ simplify deployment and ongoing operations, making it ideal for enterprises seeking streamlined security management.

The PA-3440 ensures secure connections for both on-premises and remote users, supporting policies that adapt dynamically to changing business needs. With built-in redundancy and high availability features, it guarantees continuous protection even in the face of network failures or high traffic loads. Its combination of performance, scalability, and advanced security features positions the PA-3440 as an ideal solution for businesses across a wide range of industries, from financial services to critical infrastructure.

Overview

The Palo Alto Networks PA-3440 is a part of the PA-3400 series, an advanced line of ML-Powered Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) tailored for high-speed internet gateway deployments and enterprise data centers. Designed to secure traffic across diverse network environments, the PA-3440 combines industry-leading machine learning (ML), cloud-delivered security services, and advanced analytics to deliver exceptional threat prevention, visibility, and scalability.

This appliance enables organizations to prevent unknown threats, secure IoT devices, and simplify security management through features like Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) and centralized administration via Panorama™. With its robust performance metrics and flexible connectivity, the PA-3440 is ideal for safeguarding modern networks and applications.

Key Features

1. ML-Powered Security Capabilities

Signatureless Threat Prevention: Inline machine learning blocks file-based attacks and phishing attempts in real-time.
IoT Security: Behavioral analysis automatically detects IoT devices, offering Zero Trust security faster and without deploying additional sensors.
Dynamic Cloud Integration: Continuously updates zero-delay signatures and threat intelligence through cloud-based ML processes.
Policy Automation: Simplifies configuration with automatic policy recommendations, reducing human errors.

2. Advanced Threat Detection and Prevention

Cloud-Delivered Services: Industry-leading solutions like Advanced Threat Prevention, DNS Security, WildFire®, and Advanced URL Filtering.
Full Layer 7 Inspection: Inspects applications, payloads, and traffic patterns to detect and block malicious activities, even in encrypted traffic.
Integrated SaaS Security: Protects against sanctioned and unsanctioned SaaS traffic through the Next-Gen CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker).

3. Networking and Connectivity Enhancements

Flexible Deployment: Supports Layer 2, Layer 3, virtual wire, and tap modes for diverse network architectures.
Advanced Routing Protocols: OSPFv2/v3, BGP, and RIP, along with multicast protocols like PIM-SM and IGMP v3.
SD-WAN Functionality: Simplifies the adoption of SD-WAN with built-in security and superior end-user experience through reduced latency and packet loss.

4. Scalability and Reliability

High Availability: Offers active/active and active/passive modes with HA clustering and failure detection.
Single-Pass Architecture: Efficiently processes networking, policy enforcement, and threat detection in one pass, ensuring predictable performance even under heavy loads.
Zero-Touch Provisioning: Automates deployment for streamlined scalability.

Detailed Technical Specifications

1. Performance Metrics

Firewall Throughput: 30.2 Gbps (HTTP mix).
Threat Prevention Throughput: 11.0 Gbps.
Max Sessions: 3 million.
New Sessions Per Second: 268,000.

2. Networking Interfaces

12 x 1G/2.5G/5G/10G Ethernet.
10 x 1G/10G SFP/SFP+.
4 x 25G SFP28.
2 x 40G/100G QSFP/QSFP28.

3. VPN Capabilities

Encryption: AES-128/192/256, 3DES.
Authentication: SHA-1, SHA-256/384/512.
IPsec VPN Throughput: 14.5 Gbps.

4. Hardware Specifications

Redundant 450-watt AC power supply with 155W typical power consumption.
Storage: 480GB SSD for system operations.
Dimensions: 1U rack mount, 14.15” x 17.15” x 1.70”.
Weight: 15.5 lbs (standalone).

5. Environmental Tolerances

Operating Temperature: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C).
Humidity: 10% to 90%.
Maximum Altitude: 10,000 ft.

Security and Connectivity Features

1. Comprehensive Threat Prevention

Detects and blocks exploits, malware, spyware, and malicious URLs.
Mitigates risks from encrypted traffic using TLS/SSL inspection, including TLS 1.3.
Ensures secure web access by stopping 76% of malicious URLs 24 hours before competitors.

2. IoT and Endpoint Security

Identifies unmanaged devices and applies real-time security policies.
Enforces identity-based security through Cloud Identity Engine for Zero Trust environments.

3. Network Visibility and Control

Application Command Center (ACC) provides granular insights into traffic patterns and threats.
Policy Optimizer ensures secure migration from legacy Layer 4 rules to App-ID-based rules.

4. Zero Trust Architecture

Consistent policies across users and devices regardless of location.
Enables MFA at the network layer without altering applications.
Prevents credential theft and misuse by enforcing dynamic user group actions.

Use Cases

By Industry:

Financial Services: Protect sensitive data, ensure regulatory compliance, and prevent insider threats.
Healthcare: Secure patient data, meet HIPAA compliance, and safeguard IoT medical devices.
Retail: Protect point-of-sale systems and secure customer data against breaches.
Manufacturing: Secure smart factories and industrial IoT (IIoT) devices against advanced cyberattacks.

By Application:

Securing SaaS applications with advanced CASB integration.
Implementing safe SD-WAN solutions in distributed enterprise environments.
Enabling secure remote work by extending policies to mobile devices and home networks.

Other Real-Life Use Cases:

Government: Protect national infrastructure and secure classified communications.
Education: Enable secure e-learning platforms while filtering unsafe web content.
Critical Infrastructure: Safeguard energy grids, transportation systems, and water supply networks.

Documentation

Download the Palo Alto Networks Firewall Overview Datasheet
Download the Palo Alto Networks PA-3440 Series Specification Datasheet

Conclusion

The PA-3440 delivers cutting-edge security powered by machine learning and cloud intelligence.
Its robust performance ensures organizations can scale security without compromising efficiency.
Advanced connectivity and management features simplify deployment and operations.
Industry-specific use cases make the PA-3440 versatile across sectors like healthcare, finance, and retail.
Organizations adopting the PA-3440 achieve enhanced threat prevention and a seamless path toward Zero Trust security.

The Palo Alto Networks PA-3440 is a comprehensive solution that meets the evolving needs of modern enterprises, providing both advanced threat prevention and the flexibility to secure complex, distributed environments.