Can you test our SonicWall without disrupting our network?

Yes. Sherlock Forensics tests your SonicWall by simulating real attack traffic, not by modifying your firewall. We deploy ShadowTap on your internal network and test whether your SonicWall detects and blocks threats. Your SonicWall configuration remains untouched. Standard validation costs $5,000 CAD.

Our SonicWall is managed by our MSP. Can you still test it?

Yes. We test from the attacker's perspective, so we do not need management access for the Standard assessment. We recommend informing your MSP about the engagement so they can observe their own detection and response capabilities during the test. For the Comprehensive assessment, read-only access to the management interface helps us provide more detailed remediation guidance.

We have an older SonicWall model. Is it still worth testing?

Especially worth testing. Older SonicWall models often run firmware that has reached end of support, meaning no new security patches. They may also lack features available in newer models like advanced threat protection and real-time deep memory inspection. Our assessment documents exactly what your current model can and cannot protect against, helping you make an informed upgrade decision.

What if you find our SonicWall has default credentials?

This is more common than you would expect, especially on secondary interfaces, SSLVPN portals and GMS management consoles. If we discover default or weak credentials, we document them as critical findings with immediate remediation steps. We do not exploit them beyond confirming access, and we notify your team immediately so the issue can be fixed during the engagement rather than after.

SonicWall Validation

You Run SonicWall. Does Your Configuration Actually Stop Attacks?

500K+ networks. Most never tested.

Sherlock Forensics offers SonicWall security validation starting at $5,000 CAD. We test whether your SonicWall firewall configuration actually stops real attack techniques. Using our ShadowTap platform, we check for default admin credentials, test DPI-SSL inspection coverage, validate content filtering rules and assess firmware security posture. You receive a detailed report showing what your firewall blocked, what it missed and specific remediation steps. Comprehensive validation with full internal and external testing is available at $12,000 CAD.

Purchase Validation Book a Scoping Call

Common Misconfigurations

What We Find in SonicWall Deployments

Default Admin Credentials

SonicWall appliances ship with well-known default credentials. An alarming number of production deployments still use these defaults on management interfaces, SSLVPN portals or secondary admin accounts. A single default credential gives an attacker full control of your firewall, including the ability to disable every security feature silently.

Outdated Firmware

SonicWall has disclosed multiple critical vulnerabilities in SonicOS over the past three years, including actively exploited zero-days. If your firmware is not current, known exploits exist that can compromise your firewall remotely. We check your firmware version against the CVE database and identify exactly which vulnerabilities apply to your deployment.

DPI-SSL Not Enabled

Deep Packet Inspection for SSL traffic is the only way your SonicWall can inspect encrypted connections. Without DPI-SSL, over 80% of modern web traffic passes through your firewall completely uninspected. Many SonicWall deployments have DPI-SSL disabled because of certificate deployment complexity or performance concerns.

GMS Misconfiguration

SonicWall Global Management System centralizes firewall management. Misconfigurations in GMS can expose management credentials, allow unauthorized policy changes or create inconsistencies between managed firewalls. We test GMS access controls, authentication mechanisms and policy synchronization.

SSLVPN Portal Exposure

SonicWall SSLVPN portals are frequently exposed to the internet with weak authentication. Without multi-factor authentication, strong password policies and proper session management, the VPN portal becomes a direct entry point. We test authentication strength, session handling and post-authentication access controls.

Content Filtering Gaps

SonicWall Content Filtering Service blocks malicious and unauthorized web content, but only when properly configured. Default category selections, missing HTTPS inspection and user-based policy gaps leave holes that attackers use for command-and-control communication and malware downloads.

Our Process

What We Test

Internal Attack Simulation

We deploy ShadowTap on your internal network, simulating an attacker who has bypassed the perimeter. This tests your SonicWall's internal segmentation, zone policies and east-west traffic inspection. Your firewall protects the front door. We test the windows, the basement and the hallway.

Credential and Access Testing

We test all externally accessible SonicWall interfaces for default credentials, weak passwords and authentication bypasses. We also test SSLVPN authentication strength, session management and whether compromised VPN sessions can access unauthorized network segments.

Evasion and Exfiltration

We test whether your SonicWall detects encrypted tunnels, DNS exfiltration, protocol tunneling and other evasion techniques that attackers use to bypass firewall inspection. These tests reveal whether your DPI engine actually inspects traffic or just passes it through.

Frequently Asked Questions

SonicWall Validation FAQs

Can you test our SonicWall without disrupting our network?: Yes. We test by simulating attack traffic, not by modifying your firewall. Your SonicWall configuration remains untouched throughout the engagement. Standard validation costs $5,000 CAD.
Our SonicWall is managed by our MSP. Can you still test it?: Yes. We test from the attacker's perspective, so we do not need management access for the Standard assessment. We recommend informing your MSP so they can observe their own detection and response capabilities during the test.
We have an older SonicWall model. Is it still worth testing?: Especially worth testing. Older models often run end-of-support firmware with known vulnerabilities. Our assessment documents exactly what your current model can and cannot protect against, helping you make an informed upgrade decision.
What if you find default credentials on our SonicWall?: This is more common than you would expect. We document default or weak credentials as critical findings with immediate remediation steps. We notify your team immediately so the issue can be fixed during the engagement rather than after.

Validate Your Investment

500K+ networks run SonicWall. Most have never been independently tested.

Standard SonicWall Validation: $5,000 CAD. Comprehensive Validation with ShadowTap internal testing, lateral movement simulation and executive report: $12,000 CAD.

Purchase Validation

Ready to Test Your SonicWall?

Tell us about your SonicWall deployment and we will scope a validation assessment. Free scoping call, fixed-price quote, testing typically completed within 5-10 business days.

Call 604.229.1994

Phone: 604.229.1994
Burnaby Office: Burnaby, BC, Canada
Coquitlam Office: Coquitlam, BC, Canada
Related Pages: All Vendor Validations · ShadowTap Platform · NDR Validation