WatchGuard Network Security - Network Hardware and Software You Can Rely On
September 05, 2022

WatchGuard Network Security - Network Hardware and Software You Can Rely On

Peter Farrell | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security

The WatchGuard brand came recommended to us through a trusted network partner. In a time where cyber security is a significant concern, the WatchGuard router and software are a blessing.

Configuration is, for the most part, simple assuming you have some network knowledge and once installed it 'runs itself.' Essentially plucking our BT fiber access, removing the BT router, and taking over, the feature set is extensive, covering all of the areas you would expect such a system to cover however we specifically like the features around email traffic. As a company that processes thousands of emails per day one of the more significant threats is through this route. The SPAM blocker is excellent and plays a secondary role in our server-side SPAM software.

There are options to block/delete all or mark as SPAM prior to delivery, adding wording of your own to the emails before they make it through. Their technology for identifying emails is not perfect, none is, but it is fantastic at generally capturing the majority of the emails that bombard us. There are annual software charges, but for an SME such as ours, we found them to be reasonable and most certainly worthwhile to play an important role in our day-to-day business functions.

All in all a great brand/product. There are a number of variations, so read up on which best suits your requirement and budget but generally speaking, I cannot recommend WatchGuard Network Security enough.
  • Replacement router for the standard BT fiber setup
  • SPAM filter software
  • I cannot actually recommend any adjustments, great system
  • The ROI cannot be calculated, but ultimately we trust this as part of our network installation to protect our network which it does with a high degree of efficiency
We used a long-standing network partner, 'faIT,' based in Solihull, Birmingham, UK. The team is excellent in their services and support, swift to react, knowledgeable, and fairly priced. I cannot recommend them enough.
Moving from a traditional network setup into WatchGuard Network Security's 'managed solution' has been a blessing. Following a relatively simple install which I recommend, you have a trained network engineer to assist with the ongoing maintenance, and the data available to you is fantastic. Having a simplified annual bill means we can report within our accounting process and forecast as part of our IT budget.

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

WatchGuard Network Security has some excellent controls embedded within its software. Detailed analytics are output via a web-based user interface that allows instant visibility of all network traffic, internal and external, and how and where it is coming to you from. You can quickly identify and isolate problem areas and create firewall rules/policies that suit your business needs.

The wide scoping feature set includes:
Access Portal
Application Control
APT Blocker
Botnet Detection
Data Loss Prevention
DNSWatch
Gateway AV
Geolocation
IntelligentAV
Intrusion Prevention Service
Mobile Security
Network Discovery
Quarantine Server
Reputation Enabled Defense
SpamBlocker
Threat Detection
WebBlocker

Different licenses allow different access, so check before you purchase which model/software subscription you are accessing however, you should find the range has all of the features you need.

My experience of the SPAM email blocker software, in particular, is very positive, for the most part capturing the majority of the traffic we do not wish to see and usually marking for review those it isn't certain on. The only better system I have seen is Microsoft 365. We have some elements of the company where MS 365 exchange manages the emails, which ruthlessly (arguably too ruthlessly sometimes) dismisses anything it thinks is SPAM. Sometimes to a supplier or customer's frustration, but to be fair, it gets the job done.

WatchGuard Network Security Feature Ratings

Identification Technologies
9
Visualization Tools
8
Content Inspection
8
Policy-based Controls
9
Active Directory and LDAP
Not Rated
Firewall Management Console
8
Reporting and Logging
8
VPN
Not Rated
High Availability
9
Stateful Inspection
Not Rated
Proxy Server
Not Rated