Item: WatchGuard Network Security
Rating: 8
Author: Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use Watchguard Network Security to filter incoming and outgoing network traffic between our network and the Internet. It provides a barrier to prevent unwanted traffic and helps us prevent DDOS attacks and brute-force attacks. WatchGuard Network Security provides us with peace of mind and allows us a first line of defense that we can supplement with other products to keep our network safe.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Blocks DDOS attacks.
Prevents unwanted intrusions.
Provides secure VPN.
Provides first level antivirus packet inspection.

Cons

User interface could be easier to use.
VPN could be a little more robust.
Configuration requires advanced firewall knowledge.

Return on Investment

We have had a good long-term ROI on the use of this unit.
Older firewalls are kept current through updates.
Older units are not quickly abandoned like in other industries.

WatchGuard Partner

I am unaware if we worked with a Watchguard partner for purchase because the unit was purchased before my arrival. It was installed and configured by an outside MSP partner who did an OK job setting it up and configuring it, but it was not as secure as it should have been.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

We do not use the unified security platform, which does not apply to our case.

WatchGuard Cloud

We do not currently use Watchguard cloud products, which do not fit our use case.

Alternatives Considered

SonicWall NSA Series, Fortinet FortiGate and Sophos SG Firewall Appliances

WatchGuard Network Security is in league with SonicWall regarding value and features but is not as robust as Sophos or Fortinet. It is also not as simple to configure as Sophos or Fortinet. We selected WatchGuard based solely on the recommendation of an outside party, and that was before I arrived at this organization.

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?

I wasn't involved with the implementation phase

Would you buy WatchGuard Network Security again?

Other Software Used

Cove Data Protection, SentinelOne Singularity, Freshdesk, Action1, Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Microsoft Azure

Likelihood to Recommend

WatchGuard provides an excellent entry-level firewall for small to medium businesses. I recommend more robust firewalls for larger businesses or businesses that have a higher need for security. If the use case is a nonprofit or very small business, I recommend a firewall that is easier to install and configure since Watchguard firewalls do require advanced firewall knowledge to use.

WatchGuard Network Security Feature Ratings

Comments

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Watchguard Network Security a solid option for SMB.