Item: WatchGuard Network Security
Rating: 7
Author: Geoff Davis

Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We needed a solution to help mitigate malicious URLs, have more oversight of software, and a much better solution for IPS. We have over 40 clients who have fireboxes that we manage. Each of our clients has a specific need. So we also needed something that would scale to the client's size, as well.

Pros and Cons

Pros

WebBlocker does an excellent job at blocking known-bad domains, and then when we need to add specific domains, WatchGuard has made it simple.
I love how easy and effective the setup and deployment of Site-to-Site VPNs and EKIv2 VPN are.
We have never had an issue with the gateway AV. IT does a great job at protecting the networks.

Cons

The log manager in WatchGuard Cloud is not great. I wish we could get logs for longer than 30 days without putting a ticket in.
I would like to see other options for system logs. Some of our tools do not play well with WatchGuard cloud.
I think the interface for locally managed fireboxes was way better than Cloud and would like to see more streamline functions. Such as to manage a firebox configuration you have to click 5 different times just to get to the config page.

Return on Investment

Becoming a Gold member, the return is much better.
We have been able to upsell clients due to them having few issues after an installation of the firewall and network gear. That is a testament to how easy it is to set up a Firebox.

WatchGuard Partner

We work with Tag National for purchasing. We have not had any issue with them and will continue to do business with them.

WatchGuard Unified Security Platform

I feel like it does a great job at simplifying management of incident and possible incidents. Having many tools in a central location makes it much easier for our NOC and Helpdesk to manage and inform leadership of event.

WatchGuard Cloud

It does simplify management of Fixeboxes and Accesspoints. Cloud seems to work well and accessing different tools like AuthPoint is simple. The layout and interface of Cloud does leave room for improvement.

Alternatives Considered

Sophos XG Firewall, Fortinet Secure SD-WAN and Fortinet FortiGate

I liked Sophos web interface, mainly because it was what I learned on. But WatchGuard made it easy for me to switch and learn. As far as the product, Fireboxes have been significantly more reliable.

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?

Yes

Did implementation of WatchGuard Network Security go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy WatchGuard Network Security again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Blumira, Liongard, Huntress, CYRISMA

Likelihood to Recommend

Small to medium size business with about 50 or less employees who do not have much of a current infrastructure. These business are a great match for being able to deploy a clean environment with a firebox at the opening to the world. It is simple and typically we have little to fix or address post install. Mostly it is just adding some firewall rules. When you pair that with the reliability it just makes sense.

WatchGuard Network Security Feature Ratings

Using WatchGuard Network Security

Users and Roles

6 - We have 2 teams that utilize Watchgaurd Network Security. Our IT Team who is responsible for all network and computer related issues and tasks. Then, our Network Operations Center, NOC, Team. They are responsible for reviewing and escalated incidents.

Support Headcount Required

4 - Our team has skills in networking, incident response, compliance and troubleshooting. Most of the team has a background in Cybersecurity or cyber analytics.

Comments

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