Easy to implement, maintain and configure. Well worth the money.
Updated March 13, 2025
Easy to implement, maintain and configure. Well worth the money.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Modules Used
- WatchGuard Network Security
Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security
I use the WatchGuard Network Security for their security features, protecting us from the outside. I also will use the VPN capabilities, but mainly for myself and one or two others that access the sites remotely.
Pros
- Protection from the outside world
- Numerous updates daily to security definitions
- VPN access is very easy
Cons
- Sometimes the firewall rules are a bit confusing as far as Cloning and Creating, but that could just be me
- We no longer spend any time/money cleaning up bugs, viruses, or advertising infections
- Really helps with secure remote access when needed, saves money and time when people are traveling or unable to come in to the office
- Saves a lot on travel when the techs don't have to be onsite and can do some things remotely
JSCM Group, we adore them and have no intention of working with anyone else!
As of right now, I am not using that platform. I do a handful of things in the cloud controller. I would have to be more familiar with it to comment on how it would be useful, but I haven't had time to familiarize myself with it.
If you are referring to the Cloud Controller, cloud.watchguard.com, I find that useful. I can check logs there, I can see the status of each device, and I can also reboot the devices and schedule firmware upgrades.
I went to a security seminar hosted by WatchGuard Network Security, my first foray into devices besides Netgear and Linksys from Best Buy. I never really looked any farther. I have had to work a few other devices here and there, and I have clearly been spoiled by WatchGuard Network Security.
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
2 - Myself and co-worker. I am the admin, set up the devices at each location and office. My co-worker may log in from time to time to adjust something if needed.
2 - You've got to be organized and realize how adjusting some rules may affect other things also. You need some basic networking skills to get it online and working and some more advanced knowledge if you get into the VPNs and adjusting the proxy rules and filters.
- Router for internet access
- Firewall for protection
- Easy way to separate all my different networks easily
- VPN access so I can support things from my office
- A little filtering for browsing
- I dedicated a "jack" to Public Wifi, it is isolated and all on its own
- Isolated my entire POS system also, easier for PCI compliance
- VPN connections back to the main office to transmit documents securely
- Controlling the Wifi and proxy rules for that also
- VPN connections between the locations, but that is a way off if we ever see a need for it
Evaluating WatchGuard Network Security and Competitors
Yes - Simple Netgear and Linksys routers. As the business grew the needs did also, security became more of a concern, needed better performance, better bandwidth. Streaming cameras, credit cards, TeamViewer, the internet is getting used for so much more and we needed to keep up.
- Scalability
- Ease of Use
Ease of use, I had networking knowledge as far as the typical Netgear routers involved. Internet access, port forwarding, simple VPN stuff, and wifi settings. The Watchguard Network Security allowed me to take the next step without too much overly complicated jargon and configuration. Plus, the Branch Office VPN portion was interesting, but not using it yet :)
I might do a little more learning up front, but I would likely land with the Watchguard again.
WatchGuard Network Security Implementation
- Implemented in-house
Change management was minimal
- A few things were blocked by default that were unexpected, caused credit cards to quit working after 15 minute of being online, even after rebooting the Watchguard it happened again.
- Some features also blocked some device on the LAN to quit working properly, advertisements were blocked and a ROKU on a Public TV no longer worked because of that.
- Exceptions had to be made for the ATM
WatchGuard Network Security Training
Configuring WatchGuard Network Security
Don't get too granular if you don't need to, the proxy list can start to get confusing.
No - we have not done any customization to the interface
No - we have not done any custom code
I don't customize, so nothing to add here.
WatchGuard Network Security Support
Support, no. I used to pay per phone call to my dealer, and that was not often. So the premium support was not needed in my case. I can handle most things on my own.
It wasn't Watchguard directly, but my Watchguard dealer. For no reason, the WebBlocker service broke, and since it was broken no web traffic could take place. But the credit cards were still working as they must have used different ports besides 80 and 443. Anyway, it appeared as if the world was on fire and they were able to sign in and diagnose the problem quickly and fix it.
| 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 |
- The IKE2 VPN set up
- WebBlocker
- DNSWatch
- When I start cloning proxies and applying them to different groups, I need to think it through
- Setting up different level of access for different users, I can get a little turned around
WatchGuard Network Security Reliability
Integrating WatchGuard Network Security
We haven't integrated it with anything.
There are no plans to integrate.
none of those things.
Nothing really, not used here
Relationship with WatchGuard Technologies
As far as payment? I order the device, approve the quote, they send the device and we pay by paper check or bank transfer within 15 days or so. But I didn't negotiate anything, that's just the way it works!
I really have no issues, nothing to comment on here.
Upgrading WatchGuard Network Security
Yes - I have upgraded the firmware of many devices over many year now and I have never had an issue. Even when doing it while the business is open, downtime is only a few minutes. I typically do them at night remotely, never an issue. Or I schedule it with the Cloud Interface.
- Increased security over a standard router
- Better performance overall
- Better VPN set up than what a basic home router would provide
- Isolate networks from each other easily.
- Whatever is in the firmware upgrade, I do them as they are released to be protected from the latest threats
- Maybe there are code and bug fixes too that fix performance issues, but things I may not be aware of
Yes - I used the Basic Protection on a couple devices, the Total Protection is not much more in the big scheme of things for what you get. They make it easy to upgrade :)
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