SonicWall has introduced the Gen 8 NSv XS, a new subscription-based virtual firewall designed specifically for MSPs and MSSPs delivering managed security services across small-scale and distributed cloud environments. The launch expands SonicWall’s Gen 8 platform into virtualized and cloud infrastructures, enabling partners to deploy the same Gen 8 protections used at the physical edge within virtual environments while supporting recurring revenue business models.
The release comes as organizations continue shifting infrastructure to cloud environments at an accelerated pace. According to SonicWall’s 2026 Cyber Protect Report, high- and medium-severity cyberattacks increased by 20.8% over the past year, driven by increasingly sophisticated attack techniques rather than a rise in attack volume. With more than half of enterprises now operating the majority of their infrastructure in the cloud, organizations relying solely on perimeter-based security remain exposed to significant risk. SonicWall positions the NSv XS as a solution aimed at addressing that security visibility and inspection gap.
“Cloud adoption didn’t wait for security to catch up and neither did the attackers,” said Chandro Prasad, SonicWall Chief Product Officer. “NSv XS extends our Gen 8 platform into the cloud and hypervisor environments for the first time, closing the inspection gap that perimeter-only security leaves behind. Paired with SonicOS 8.2.1 and purpose-built subscription tiers, it gives partners everything they need to build a managed virtual firewall practice without adding complexity or cost.”
Designed for Distributed Managed Security Deployments
The NSv XS targets the types of environments commonly managed by service providers, including micro-SMB customers, branch offices, and smaller remote locations. Despite being optimized for smaller deployments, SonicWall says the platform delivers significant gains in performance and threat protection capabilities.
Compared with the previous NSv 10 platform, the NSv XS nearly doubles threat prevention throughput. VPN throughput has increased to 780 Mbps from 500 Mbps, while encrypted traffic inspection capacity has expanded eightfold, providing additional scalability for organizations protecting larger and increasingly encrypted workloads.
The platform also includes built-in high availability without requiring separate licensing. In addition, NSv XS becomes SonicWall’s first virtual firewall offering to include embedded cyber warranty coverage through Cysurance, providing partners and customers with financial protection from the outset.
Deployment support spans a wide range of virtual and cloud environments, including VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, KVM, AWS, Azure, and Proxmox. SonicWall emphasized Proxmox support as a strategic addition, reflecting growing adoption of open-source hypervisor technologies among MSPs.
Subscription Options Tailored for MSP Business Models
SonicWall is offering NSv XS in three subscription tiers intended to align with different managed security service offerings.
The Secure Connect tier includes secure connectivity, centralized management, and high availability capabilities. The Advanced Protection Security Suite (APSS) adds cloud management functionality, full-stack threat prevention, and up to $100,000 in embedded cyber warranty coverage.
For providers seeking more operational support, the Managed Protection Security Suite (MPSS) includes co-managed security services delivered through the SonicSentry NOC team, after-hours critical support, and up to $200,000 in warranty coverage. The offering is designed to help MSPs scale managed security services without increasing staffing requirements.
SonicOS 8.2.1 and NSM 4.0 Add Automation and Management Enhancements
Alongside the NSv XS release, SonicWall also announced the availability of SonicOS 8.2.1 and NSM 4.0, updates focused on improving management efficiency and intelligence across the broader Gen 8 portfolio.
SonicOS 8.2.1 introduces several new capabilities, including automated blocking of compromised IP addresses, enhanced encrypted traffic transport, improved SD-WAN traffic routing, and continuous encrypted traffic inspection for larger-scale environments.
NSM 4.0 adds streamlined VPN policy administration, integrated compliance validation, and expanded reporting capabilities aimed at reducing the operational complexity associated with managing firewall services at scale.
Availability
The Gen 8 NSv XS, SonicOS 8.2.1, and NSM 4.0 are now available through SonicWall’s worldwide partner network under both monthly and annual subscription models, with no minimum purchase requirements or long-term commitments.
For more information, visit www.sonicwall.com
About SonicWall
For more than 30 years, SonicWall has championed a partner-first model that combines purpose-built technology, cloud-delivered security services and real-time threat intelligence to help businesses prevent breaches, reduce risk and stay operational in the face of evolving modern threats. We are committed to deliver the best security outcomes for our customers where others deliver features and functions. Through its unified cybersecurity portfolio and global community of over 17,000 partners, SonicWall enables managed service providers to actively manage, continuously optimize and measurably protect networks, cloud environments, endpoints and applications. The company is redefining cybersecurity around outcomes that matter to business leaders, including breach prevention, compliance achievement, cost efficiency and reduced human error, because protection is not about what a product can do but about what it actually delivers.
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