The WatchGuard Network Security firewalls are the core of our infrastructure. They are used to allow VPN access to all internal reources, to manage IPSec connections to remote offices, to provide a realiable and strong internal filtering policies between subnets and to protect trusted networks from an untrusted networks by filtering traffic according to a specified security policies. In addition, they provides, with very low false positives (after a learning period) the first line of protection against multiple threats (spam, viruses, botnet, IDS).
Pros
VPN users policies by security groups
IDS
IPSEC performances
spam,botnet, anctivirus
Cons
The user interface for WatchGuard Firebox has room for improvement
The reporting area has room for improvements
The log inspection has room for improvement
Likelihood to Recommend
Watchguard network security is well suited in the policies definition area: it allows very fine and granular policies per user, network interface, protocol, service.... but it can be tricky to identify a specific issue by watching the logs or the traffic traversing the interfaces. This area has room for improvement.
I use WatchGuard to manage our network access and network security directly. This product allows us to streamline the use and access to our servers internally and externally by providing secure internet routing to our internal workstations and a trusted VPN to protect our information, as well as access to our company files and tools for those who work from home.
Pros
Blocks unwanted threats and bots from accessing our email servers.
Provides secure WAP Deployment.
Allows us to manage and control what websites our employees can access.
Prevents potentially threatening Phishing and Spam emails from every coming to our servers.
Cons
For those who would like top level security and deployment of their security and protection, I would recommend easier quicker to use interfaces for users at smaller companies that do not have the experience with the provided services, so they can better utilize and deploy the software/equipment.
Have easy to understand, easy to access tutorials from the web interface to help new users and non IT Professionals to use the services provided.
Streamline the interface more to allow for easier understanding for all users, appealing to others so they feel less intimidated by the interaction with your services goes far, especially with smaller companies who have owners who want to know, have basic understanding of managing it, especially if they do not have an IT Professional or IT Consultant readily on staff. Not every company even knows they need this kind of protection, and trying to explain it to them, with the very technical and unique lexicon of words Information Technology and Security provides does at times prove to be difficult.
Likelihood to Recommend
I was able to easily implement and deploy the WatchGuard when initially charged with setting up the network infrastructure of my company's new office. Leading into the big move and me taking on the position of IT Administrator, the company was using a simple ONT Gateway, ISP Provided Router, and Netgear 10 Port POE Switch. There were zero levels of protection for the data that they carried outside of the Windows Defender provided by Windows 10 and Server 2019. I upgraded all of the Network as I built it into the building's construction and server room. The fact WatchGuard didn't require SIP Protocols to be set up made it much easier when dealing with an externally hosted VOIP, Yet still provided the security to stop bots from coming through our email that would clone our server data and protect our customers.
From the perimeter firewall to endpoint security, WatchGuard is used throughout the organization to address many of our network and business needs.
Pros
Continuous Improvement
Perimeter Network Security
Usability
Cons
Price
Integration
Features are only specific to WatchGuard products
Likelihood to Recommend
WatchGuard is a fantastic product for the SMB market and competes well with higher-end firewall products on a feature-to-cost comparison. The solution is easy to use and manage and comes with great support.
VU
Verified User
Executive in Information Technology (Utilities company, 51-200 employees)
I have used Watchguard security appliances and now cloud appliances for the last 22 years. Our current use case has about 14 WatchGuard devices deployed using Watchguard Branch Office VPN at remote sites securing our OT/SCADA infrastructure and 2 devices protecting our main office. Using WatchGuard is a no-brainer. It's cost-effective, and easy to deploy and configure both on-site, and in the cloud. Centralized reporting with Dimension and strong integrated tools along with secure WI-FI and VPN for staff at remote sites.
Pros
Branch Office VPN
Cloud Deployment
Ease of configuration
Centralized Management
Cons
SAML/SSO
Easier licensing for add on products
Likelihood to Recommend
Watchguard is well suited for most instances that require a firewall or security device. We really like the cloud appliance and how easy it was to integrate too. I can't think of a scenario where I would not consider a Watchguard solution, perhaps if advanced routing was required I would consider another option.
