Item: WatchGuard Network Security
Rating: 10
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

The WatchGuard Network Security firewall provides us with a web filter, SD Wan, VPNs, authentication and much more. Once you have all the services and features enabled, it works great to block malicious traffic. The cloud reporting and management options are getting better. Additionally, it offers a web UI as well as Windows apps for management. WatchGuard Network Security manager has been great for setting up VPNs between sites and for overall policy management.

Pros and Cons

Web Filtering
SD Wan
VPN
Firecluster Failover

The units should have more RAM; check the hardware specs and choose a higher model than needed
The Audit Trail should have more details on the exact changes made to policies including values
Content inspection should have fewer certificate errors

Return on Investment

A firewall with as many features as a WatchGuard Network Security has kept the bad guys out which is priceless.

WatchGuard Network Security Partner

We worked with a partner to get our first WatchGuard firewall installed many years ago. Since then, we've expanded to several locations and now have 8 firewalls, two of those being fire clusters. Everything since the initial first installation has been done by a single person in our IT department. This shows us that the products can be user-friendly once you get the hang of it.

Implementation Rating

Once the firewall is installed, slowly start enabling more security services and fine-tuning the devices to get the maximum value and security.

WatchGuard Network Security Packaging and Licensing

The licensing has been pretty straight forward. The Total Security package includes all we need and is easy to renew.

Alternatives Considered

We've been using WatchGuard Network Security since the DSL days. There's never been a reason to switch or try anything else.

Other Software Used

Samsung SSD, Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Microsoft Azure Active Directory

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 Network Security is not really a set-and-forget-it kind of
device. You'll want to make sure it's fully configured so that you're
utilizing all the security services. Once the content inspection is enabled along
with strict web filtering, you'll need someone to manage your device. This person can
respond to user needs and issues should any website compatibility issues arise. Be sure to keep the device updated with all
the latest features and security fixes.

WatchGuard Network Security Comes Recommended

Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security