Item: WatchGuard Network Security
Rating: 9
Author: Joe Cullen

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We are an MSP that supports around 30 businesses with WatchGuard Network Security firewalls. In most cases, we do not support the internet line, so we use the firewall as the DHCP and UTM device. VPN is often a requirement for the business and it's not uncommon to route static NATs and other bespoke setups. A few of our customers also have WatchGuard Network Security Access points connected to the device for secure WiFi.

Pros and Cons

Blocks unknown traffic
Flexible policy setups
Bespoke requirements always accommodated

Reporting has gotten much better since the Cloud portal became available, however, it still feels limited
Monitoring can be very hard to filter and identify problems when lots of traffic is going through the Firebox - A better way to filter, search, and trace

Return on Investment

Our objective is to keep the business secure - WatchGuard Network Security does that well.
We make a small amount of money from WatchGuard purchases, but nothing substantial.
The portal allows our engineers to monitor and address issues from one unified portal, which helps internal efficiencies.

WatchGuard Partner

We work directly with WatchGuard representatives. The service is good. I am happy with our contacts in WatchGuard and what they offer, etc.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

As an MSP, this is very valuable to us. It helps internal efficiencies and allows us to address problems quickly.

WatchGuard Cloud

We have moved all our Fireboxes into the Cloud portal. It helps with monitoring and reporting, and our engineers can perform standard maintenance like Firmware upgrades easily.

Alternatives Considered

Microsoft Defender XDR

Microsoft works great when users are roaming (i.e. remote workers). WatchGuard Network Security works great when in a single location (i.e. in an office).

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?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of WatchGuard Network Security go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy WatchGuard Network Security again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Sentinel, N-able N-central, Microsoft Defender XDR

Likelihood to Recommend

Generally speaking, our customers have standard requirements and the WatchGuard Network Security Firebox is there to ensure they stay protected. We've never had a successful breach on a customer's on-premise setup with a WatchGuard Network Security Firebox installed. 3rd parties (like CCTV, Printers, Login Systems, etc.) do not know which port their devices work over, so we have to identify that with them and there are often delays when this occurs.

WatchGuard Network Security Review

Modules Used

Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security