Item: WatchGuard Network Security
Rating: 8
Author: Zachary Child

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

WatchGuard's Firebox line provides an easy-to-use and powerful platform in the NGFW space. With the ability to centrally manage and deploy with WatchGuard cloud services and the added visibility of cloud logging and on-premises solutions such as Dimensions this product is a no-brainer in the edge security space. We have been using their products for years and as a partner, we are able to get quick expert support when problems arise. Their forward-thinking approach means there are always new features to get excited about.

Pros and Cons

A traffic monitor is easy to use and allows junior techs to troubleshoot complicated network problems.
Client and branch office VPNs are a snap to setup and troubleshoot.
Subscription services such as DNS Watch are turnkey.

Security defaults are very lax and need to be adjusted during deployment.
Cloud integration does not allow for comanagement between on-prem and cloud environments.
There is no integration with their EDR products and the FireBox.

Return on Investment

Our partnership with WatchGuard allows for good margins on sales.

WatchGuard Network Security Partner

We are a partner and reseller for WatchGuard.

Implementation Rating

FireBox security defaults are very lax and need tuning for the firewall to be considered secure or compliant.

WatchGuard Network Security Packaging and Licensing

The simplified licensing makes the product very easy to sell and to work with sales engineers as you can be sure your clients are all on a consistent stack. This helps alleviate fragmentation across clients that use the service so the techs can offer a consistent support framework for the clients.

Alternatives Considered

Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series

WatchGuard lags behind Palo Alto when it comes to security and EDR/XDR integration. It also does not natively support features such as MFA on client VPNs without additional products. Where it excels however is usablility. The console is easy to navigate, the product is easy to deploy and support.

Other Software Used

Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Barracuda Cloud-to-Cloud Backup, Datto SIRIS

Key Insights

Do you think WatchGuard Network Security delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with WatchGuard Network Security's feature set?

Yes

Did WatchGuard Network Security live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of WatchGuard Network Security go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy WatchGuard Network Security again?

Yes

Likelihood to Recommend

WatchGuard FireBoxes are best suited for smaller to medium businesses that leverage underskilled/junior techs for support such as MSP workers. They offer enterprise-grade equipment however most larger organizations will go with a vendor such as Palo Alto or CIsco. The integration with their other offerings such as Wifi and ATP allows for a consistent user experience but I have found they do not scale well.

Watchguard - Easy to use and good choice for SMBs

Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security