Final Reminder: Critical update regarding Microsoft Azure Network Adapter (MANA)

[skiingmadman]

FINAL REMINDER

We recently notified Check Point Azure customers of a critical update from Microsoft regarding their accelerated rollout of the Microsoft Azure Network Adapter (MANA). This change directly impacts Check Point Cloud Firewall (formerly CloudGuard Network Security) deployments running on Azure. The deadline to apply the opt-out tag is August 1, 2026. Microsoft has moved that timeline up significantly depending on region.

What changed
Microsoft Azure is deploying new network infrastructure that uses Microsoft Azure Network Adapters (MANA). Check Point currently recommends that our customers opt out of MANA for all applicable deployments.

What you need to do
Ensure the opt-out tag is set on all Check Point Cloud Firewall instances before your region is reached. Instances without the tag may be placed on MANA-enabled hardware, which could cause significant performance degradation.

The August 1, 2026 deadline still applies for all remaining instance types but for v5 virtual machines the window may have closed. To ensure your firewalls continue to perform optimally, please review the official Azure NVA Opt-Out Documentation and apply the necessary opt-out tag immediately. See Check Point sk183754 for additional details.

If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact Check Point Support or your account team.