Sophos Released Version 23 of Firewall Software
The latest early access update introduces AI-driven rule management and deeper identity provider integration.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Cybersecurity
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Sophos has launched version 23 of its firewall software, which is currently available through an early access program. The update introduces over 30 new features, including an AI-powered firewall rule assistant and broader identity management support.
Why it matters
These updates are designed to enhance firewall management, automation, and scalability for enterprise environments. The move reflects a broader trend of integrating administrative AI assistants and cloud identity providers into network security infrastructure.
The version 23 release brings 30+ new features, including an AI-powered assistant for rule creation and a redesigned REST API for improved management. The update adds support for DNS over HTTPS and DNSSEC, alongside identity integrations for Entra ID and Google Workspace.
The players
Sophos
A cybersecurity firm specializing in network security hardware, endpoint protection, and managed detection services.
The details
The update improves network administration by integrating identity providers directly into the firewall, facilitating single sign-on for Chromebook users. REST API — a set of programming interfaces that allow different software systems to communicate over the web — has been redesigned to support increased automation. Additionally, the firewall now supports DNS over HTTPS, which encrypts domain name system requests to prevent eavesdropping, and DNSSEC, a suite of protocols designed to ensure the integrity of domain name data.
Timeline
Sophos released the early access version of the firewall on September 30, 2026.
The Tech Race
Sophos is competing with major network security vendors by embedding generative features into firewall management interfaces. This development aligns with the industry-wide transition toward AI-powered security operations to automate complex rule-setting tasks.
Network administrators and security teams can test the new features by registering through the Sophos EAP portal. Once registered, users will receive the upgrade package via email to deploy within their managed environments.
The takeaway
This release signals that automated rule management is becoming a standard expectation for enterprise firewall platforms. Admins should monitor the Sophos blog for the transition from the early access phase to full production release.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in network defense, see Cybersecurity.
More information
To register for the update, visit the Sophos Firewall v23 EAP Registration Page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SOPHOS.
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