Sophos antivirus architecture

FastPath is software-based and is available as Virtual FastPath VFP , enabling us to maintain a common architecture for Sophos Firewall devices and the software and virtual deployments. XGS series appliances have a dual-processor architecture, which combines a multi-core x86 CPU with a dedicated Xstream Flow Processor for hardware acceleration.

After inspecting the initial packets in a connection, the x86 CPU offloads trusted traffic to Xstream FastPath, which runs on the dedicated Xstream Flow Processor specifically designed for FastPath operations. To turn firewall acceleration on or off through FastPath and to see the status, use the following CLI commands:.

Traffic for a connection flows in the stateful firewall mode initially. The firewall stack processes the first packet and does the following:. After one packet from each direction passes through Sophos Firewall, the firewall stack fully classifies the flow and programs a connection cache in FastPath.

It offloads kernel processing for subsequent packets in the same connection to FastPath. With stateful tracking of individual connections, FastPath processes the packets fully, saving CPU cycles and memory bandwidth.

FastPath only acts as directed by the kernel. The direct delivery eliminates the need to retain copies in the kernel memory. The DPI engine inspects traffic from layer 4 and higher through streaming processing.

Offloading decisions are taken at each stage of security processing. Intrusion prevention and Application control : With application control turned on, the initial packets are delivered to IPS for application identification. IPS classifies the application after a few packets and gives a policy verdict for application control, which may give new forwarding behavior and QoS parameters.

The DAQ layer communicates these decisions to the kernel and the hardware. From this point onward, the connection may be completely offloaded to FastPath. IPS may pass a verdict to stop security processing based on factors, such as a safe signature or verdict from SophosLabs, a matching IPS policy with bypass action, or based on earlier guidelines.

Antivirus and Web filtering : If the IPS verdict is that the traffic is safe, antivirus scanning doesn't take place. If web filtering applies, web traffic scanning continues until the end of the flow, depending on the HTTP responses.

From this point onward, FastPath offloads traffic from the kernel and handles layer 2 and layer 3 processing. The ability to offload some or all processing minimizes the load on the CPU.

Here are examples of rules and policies that enable FastPath to handle traffic fully, bypassing the firewall stack and the DPI engine:. Deployment options. Managing Sophos Firewall. Current activities. Report settings. Zero-day protection. System graphs. Packet capture. I would suggest you enter a feature request through our Sophos Ideas site for a variant that will be compatible for Surface Pro X. Site Search User. On-Premise Endpoint. Thread Info. RSS More Cancel. If removed, all computer information will be lost from the console.

Different versions of the management server have different database names and the later versions may have more than one database depending on the server components you choose to install. Read, Sophos Enterprise Console: associated database names. This is the main application that coordinates database updates, software updates, and messaging throughout the system. By default, the Management Server is installed on the same server as Enterprise Console; however, it can be installed on its own with Enterprise Console installed on any computer capable of connecting to the Management Server.

This installation of Enterprise Console is called a remote console. This is used for storing management and updating credentials centrally in Enterprise Console. This manages the Sophos Anti-Virus service on the client computers.

This service issues client computers with certificates. Certificates are used to digitally sign messages to assert that messages sent between Sophos Message Routers are genuine. When a client computer becomes managed, it requests a certificate from the Sophos Certification Manager. This service manages the status of the system, sending information via the Remote Management System. Network computers send information about themselves to the Sophos Management Service that records it in the database.

The Sophos Management Service also sends information to network computers, instructing them for example to update, install, or change their configuration. Dependencies: RPC service. This service provides communication between various components. Its main purpose is to send and receive information between the server and managed computers. It also queues messages if the network goes down.

Sophos Message Router is also used by client computers. Receives assessment results from endpoint patch agents. Dependencies: Message Queuing. Processes endpoint reports of missing patches. Manages data and update distribution from Sophos. Microsoft related. Provides storage, processing, and controlled access of data, and rapid transaction processing. This service controls the SQL database where all the data is stored. Introducing Synchronized Security Our products are fully integrated to share information in real time, providing a unified, coordinated defense.

Sophos Firewall Regain control of your network with superior visibility into risky activity, suspicious traffic, and advanced threats. Learn More. Sophos Wireless Always know the status of your Wi-Fi networks, access points, connecting clients, and your environment to identify potential risks or inappropriate use of your resources.

Sophos Email Stop ransomware, spam, and phishing attacks, as well as protect sensitive data with email encryption and data loss prevention. Sophos Web The ultimate in web security, control, and insights. Manage all your Sophos products from a single interface.

Sophos Encryption With the increase in remote working, it is more important than ever to secure devices and data on the move. Sophos Mobile Let mobile users work the way they want, on whatever devices they want — securely. Sophos Server Secure your cloud, on-premises, or hybrid server environments. Sophos Endpoint Block ransomware attacks before they wreak havoc on your organization with the predictive deep learning technology in Sophos Intercept X.

Centralized Management Get dressed. The future arrived early. Cloud-based Management With Sophos Central. Sophos Cloud Security Move Fast and Stay Secure Secure cloud workloads, data, apps, and access from the latest advanced threats and vulnerabilities. Try For Free Learn More. Sophos XG Firewall is light years ahead.