WatchGuard can be expensive but It's Worth It!
July 19, 2022
WatchGuard can be expensive but It's Worth It!
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security
Currently our firm uses six WG devices. We are using a Comcast fiber private network between three of the main offices. Our main office houses the larger Firebox which is the main firewall for those three offices. The other offices use smaller Fireboxes and connect via BOVPN. We are a Mac environment for all users and use NAS devices for internal services, file sharing, and redundant backups. Before the Watchguard Cloud was introduced, I was in the complete dark on network usage, habits, and security. WG Cloud was a HUGE benefit added at no additional cost. Because of being a Mac environment and the WG Cloud and trust of WG services blocking malicious traffic I am able to be the sole network tech for a firm with 50+ users spanning six locations.
- The security services provided with the paid subscriptions is worth it!
- I've blocked major countries where most malicious traffic originates. With traffic monitor and WG Cloud detailed logs I know it's working.
- Setting up multiple VLANS via different ethernet interfaces helps give more control.
- WG provides extensive help guides to understand what each setting means and gives best practice tips. This has helped me rely less on a 3rd party tech support.
- The ability to migrate settings, etc. to a newer model is much better than what it used to be.
- The SpamBlocker, I've tried many times and spent MANY hours trying to get that to work with no luck. Help guides haven't fixed it.
- There is a learning curve for setting up networks and creating firewall policies. Be patient and don't give up.
- Would LOVE to see SpamBlocker use the Geolocation services to give the ability to block emails originating from certain countries. This would block at least 90% of phishing and spam received. The originating IP address is right in the email header, this could be a no-brainer feature to add.
- Once set up, WG Fireboxes and their services work very well with practically zero downtime.
- They are very well built and reliable.
- They are headquartered out of the Seattle area, which is really nice for a local Puget Sound business.
- They provide multiple online webinars and free on-demand videos on YouTube.
We have used Firstline (previously called All Phase) and also BlueAlly (Virtual Graffiti) for purchasing. Firstline was the one who helped initially set up the implementation. Both companies are highly recommended.
Yes, simplifying the selling of the hardware and licensing is very helpful to understand and explain to the bosses who are less tech-savvy. Also worth noting, if device licensing expires, it will NOT just quit and turn off. It turns off all the firewall and security services but will continue to operate as a standard router. This is nice for being able to use older devices for simple network management like DHCP, wifi, and the likes.
We use both Synology and Ubiquiti products and have noticed they offer firewall and security features. We have not considered using their services due to being satisfied with Watchguard. Also, Watchguard is solely based out of the USA. Which is nice. We very much like and heavily use Synology products, but they do "phone home" to Taiwan.
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