Watchguard to the Rescue.
Updated September 23, 2022
Watchguard to the Rescue.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security
We have been using Watchguard firewalls and UTM products for a decade. We use these devices at the network edge for both our HQ and remote/branch office(s). When paired with the "Total Security" subscription, they provide a very robust and easy-to-manage network security solution. Support has always been on-time and on-point. Only once have I had an issue that was not solved on first contact.
- MFA with Authpoint is a great multifactor solution.
- Watchguard cloud is another great feature.
- SDWAN without additional licensing costs.
- Multi-WAN for those who are not ready for SDWAN.
- Log messages are very cryptic and require additional resources to decypher.
- A last logon time would be nice for mobile VPN connections.
- Watchguard firewalls have reduced the time spent by our internal IT team.
We initially worked with Digital Graffiti for the purchase and license renewals for our Watchguard firewalls. Recently we have started renewing directly through Watchguard.
We opted for the fully featured Total Security bundle.
- Sophos NAC Advanced (discontinued) and SonicWall NSA Series
Sophos is a relic now, SonicWall is too pricey, and PFSense is too "roll your own." Watchguard sits at the sweet spot of fully functional and easily managed.
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 Feature Ratings
Using WatchGuard Network Security
64 - All. Collection staff, accounting, sales, IT, etc.
2 - If you are willing to read a bit, you can understand and configure network security products on the Watchguard firewalls/UTM devices.
- Firewall
- Geofencing
- HTTPS inspection
- Spam filter for in-house SMTP server
- Web filter for all users
- SSL VPN access to corp network.
Evaluating WatchGuard Network Security and Competitors
- Price
- Product Features
Our first watchguard device came as a requirement from a software vendor. It made a positive impression and we have never seen the need to look elsewhere when renewing.
no changes.
WatchGuard Network Security Implementation
- Implemented in-house
Change management was a small part of the implementation and was well-handled - Backup config(s) to USB makes it extremely easy to move it to another device. The WSM and policy manager utilities also allow you to create and test a config before applying it to the live device.
WatchGuard Network Security Support
We did not purchase premium support. Our internal staff has enough firewall savvy to install and manage the device(s). All support required has been successfully handled via email.
We had a unit fail. With one call to Watchguard support, they were able to ship me a replacement and provide me with a temporary feature key so that we could install a retired unit while waiting for the replacement. Entire site was back up and running in less than an hour.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed No escalation required Immediate help available Support understands my problem Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response | None |
Using WatchGuard Network Security
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using | None |
- adding sites to white/black lists
- configuring VPN and BOVPN
- Interpreting log messages
- Certificate maintenance
Yes, but I don't use it