Expecting All-in-One Security Headaches

All-in-one security devices are becoming more popular. They integrate what administrators have traditionally deployed as separate devices, such as proxies, routers, firewalls, email gateways, intrusion protection, print servers and other devices. While these all-in-one devices may work well for a home office or small office (SOHO), they are probably less desirable for medium to large organizations.

The referenced article points out there are security risks inherent with an all-in-one device, not to mention other issues (like single point of failure).

Our recommendation is to keep the devices separate (giving you added layers of defense), and buy best of breed products for your proxy, firewall, router, etc. You'll be glad you did the in the long run.