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

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I use it to allow my users to connect to the Data Server via RDP. I also use it to prevent intrusions and as an added anti-virus. I also use it to block unwanted websites. Occasionally Users of Authpoint will attempt to login on to the VPN client but will fail and neither the client nor the app will tell them why it happened.

Pros and Cons

Allows for Connection to the network for Terminal Services.
The authPoint allows me to use Active Directory to add/remove users
The authPoint allows me to be compliant with MFA without too much difficulty.
Updating has become easier by simply using the WebUI

The authpoint could be easier to configure
Setting up the web blocker I would like to see that get easier.
Sending alerts via SMS could come in handy.
MFA available for workstations located inside the firewall.

Return on Investment

The VPN client fails but often doesn't say why it failed.
The VPN app works for not only the WatchGuard but also for our Webmail.
It has blocked multiple intrusion attempts.

WatchGuard Network Security Partner

I worked with Insight for purchase, but for implementation, I worked with WatchGuard. Both Insight and WatchGuard were very helpful when I needed help with both Purchase and implementation. I found the emails warning me that my Security Suite was about to expire very useful in reminding me I needed to update the Security on my firewall.

Implementation Rating

I don't have any insights regarding the implementation of WatchGuard Network Security. The only thing I can really say is if you're having issues call WatchGuard Technical Support. It does indeed benefit to pay for the Technical Support. I have used it many times and often I can get any problems resolved via the WatchGuard Manage My Cases. It may take longer to get the problem resolved, but if it's not an urgent matter it saves waiting on the phone.

WatchGuard Network Security Packaging and Licensing

It would have been nice if I could combine both my Network Security Packages together, but I can see how having a single license per appliance helps keep track of which appliance needs to be updated. Also, you don't have to worry about overlapping Security Packages with a Single package per device.

Alternatives Considered

SonicWall VPN Clients and SonicWall TZ

WatchGuard was much easier to implement and once I switched to WatchGuard I have never looked back. The Technical Support is much better than Sonicwall and I think both the WebUI and the WSM are much easier to use. The initial setup was not easy, but after that, it became much easier to manage once the WatchGuard was set up.

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?

Would you buy WatchGuard Network Security again?

Yes

Likelihood to Recommend

When you have multiple locations that access a single database server. Allows your Network Security to be compliant with Cyber Insurance companies. I can easily lock out users with my WatchGuard Security, this comes in handy when a user is terminated. You need to implement Multi-Factor Authentication. When I first implemented the Web Blocker all my users were upset that the internet had slowed.

Simply Happy

Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security