WatchGuard Firebox Reviews

We have all kinds of customers, including schools, colleges, institutes, and organizations. We do not work in a specific area, and we have a wide range of customers in various sectors.

The Firebox offers valuable features such as network security, URL filtering, UTM features, intrusion prevention and detection, and authentication. It also supports VPN, IPsec, and point-to-point communication. I did not encounter any problems after configuring threat detection and protection, intrusion prevention systems, and intrusion detection systems.

The only problem I have with Firebox is the grouping issue. When implementing a rule using a group of IPs, it is not possible to do that directly. I have to manually add all the IPs, and this is where I think WatchGuard should improve.

I have been using this solution since 2016.

The support system is similar to EPDR and EPP. They will register my case and either call me back, email me, or send me an article or key bulletin if things are sorted out. 

Otherwise, they will take a remote session to resolve the issue. They have a centralized portal where I can get support for EPP and EPDR.

Setting up Firebox is not an easy task for everyone. To set up Firebox, one should have at least professional knowledge. Not everyone can do a Firebox setup because it is executed based on protocols. 

One cannot simply pick up Firebox and go through a basic configuration. For Firebox setup, having knowledge equivalent to Cisco CCNA associate level plus professional level is essential. 

Additionally, understanding basic routing and switching is necessary. Having knowledge of IPs and professional skills is crucial. Unlike Sophos, which is easy with a 'next' approach, configuring Firebox requires deep knowledge about protocols and how they work.

My only issue with Firebox is the grouping issue. I recommend Firebox since this device will not let anyone down. If someone drives a Volkswagen, they may find it challenging to switch to another car. It is the same with WatchGuard; once someone adopts this device, they will likely not buy another.  

I rate the overall solution a nine out of ten.

WatchGuard is easy to implement and inexpensive. When we get a bulk-off license, we get a very discounted price that is competitive with alternative or competitor solutions.

We can manage multiple sites within one console through the cloud.

Since WatchGuard acquired Panda, there may be synergies in consolidating both solutions under a single name to reduce customer confusion. Additionally, WatchGuard must address the issue of commercial licenses available at very low prices online, creating conflicts and challenges during sales to end users.

I have been using WatchGuard Gateway AntiVirus for five years. We are the distributor of WatchGuard in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

It's stable. It does not cause any system crashes. Upgrading and updating are very easy and straightforward.

I rate the solution’s stability a nine out of ten.

The scalability is high because we can add additional workstations or endpoints. It's very easy to add to the management console.

It is for all solutions because it will depend on the number of licenses. If it is an enterprise, the cost will be low as it depends on the number of licenses.

We have some issues with technical support. They provide low responses.

Neutral

It is easy to implement and configure. It depends on the number of workstations that we will install. If we are going for one machine, it will not take more than ten to fifteen minutes.

I rate the initial setup an eight out of ten, where one is difficult, and ten is easy.

The price is acceptable compared to competitors. It is the lowest price of all cybersecurity solutions.

I rate the product’s pricing a six out of ten, where one is cheap, and ten is expensive.

The endpoint itself is an agent. It is implemented on-prem, but the management can be done on-prem or in the cloud.

We recommend the solution.  Overall, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

WatchGuard Firebox serves as the main firewall for customers' premises and data centers, a VPN server and a site-to-site VPN server. It is utilized for web filtering, and we have also deployed XDR solutions on it.

Cloud integration is one of the best features.

I have been using WatchGuard Firebox as a partner for eight years.

I rate the solution’s stability a ten out of ten.

We've deployed for companies with over one thousand people. Firebox is scalable. For instance, it supports high availability with a primary and secondary box configuration. You can purchase a high-availability device to enhance reliability. Additionally, if you need to expand, you can upgrade the device by paying for the upgrade, and they'll provide you with a more powerful unit.

The technical support is awesome. We are a scalable partner with them. Whenever we need expert assistance from WatchGuard, a whole team is connected with us, helping us when things get difficult. You have to work hand in hand with them.

Positive

The initial setup is straightforward. You can deploy it on-premises or using the cloud. If you configure the device to connect to the cloud, you can deploy the Firebox based on templates. You can add a template for a specific client and deploy it for a particular use case. For example, if you're setting it up for a restaurant or a cafe, you can have templates tailored for those businesses. This significantly reduces deployment time, especially if you have several customers of the same type of business.

One person is enough for the solution's deployment, but it will run in less than an hour.

A network security engineer meets with clients to gather configuration requirements. He prepares a configuration template before the implementation. When he arrives at the site, he turns on the device, applies the template, tests everything, and then migrates the settings from the existing router or firewall to the Firebox.

The price is reasonable. It's a powerhouse. The device is stable and fast. Its software is excellent for deployment. It outperforms its stated capabilities. I haven't had any malfunction or damage in eight years due to power outages or similar issues.

With WatchGuard Firebox, we have deployed IP as part of our security measures. Thanks to the additional layer of protection provided by the IPS, our clients and networks are more secure. Additionally, we benefit from a gateway antivirus and an intelligent antivirus that employs AI for enhanced protection. This intelligent antivirus scans all files and information flowing through the gateway.

WatchGuard Firebox's threat detection and response capabilities are highly effective and fast. We've witnessed its efficiency firsthand during various events, such as DNS service attacks. It swiftly halts the attack and notifies you of the details promptly.

The notification time usually doesn't take long, maybe around five minutes after the event.

We have two shifts of engineers monitoring our NOC. They look at the devices, check alerts, and can take action based on the alerts received. We have one expert for tier one and another for tier two.

You can have a powerhouse in a box with the best price on the market. WatchGuard Firebox offers the best price. We work with Cisco and other brands, but their firewall and UTM solution has the best price in the market.

If you deploy a UTM, you deploy Firebox. For example, if you deploy another solution for EDR, you’re going to have two separate EDR solutions. You’re going to have a UTM disconnected from whatever you use from another brand. What ends up happening is that when you purchase all the security solutions from WatchGuard, you’re going to have all solutions combined in a single pane of glass. The learning curve and investment you make will be solid, with one solution that is easy to use, understandable, reasonably priced, and highly effective in security.

Overall, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.

WatchGuard Threat Detection and Response is used to monitor traffic and give alarms to the administration if something goes wrong. It reacts when services protected by it are attacked and sends notifications that something is amiss.

There is a significant improvement in the security of our organization. It's challenging to quantify the cost savings precisely, but it prevents potential breaches and protects our intellectual property. If a breach occurs, it could be catastrophic and very costly.

The most valuable features include the ability to raise alarms when there are issues, easier configuration compared to other vendors, centralized update management, and keeping the product updated efficiently.

The pricing of WatchGuard Threat Detection and Response could be improved. It's not the cheapest option available. That said, it often meets our needs effectively. There are areas for improvement in making the product more economical. 

In the future, I would like to see enhancements in eliminating threats more intuitively, allowing easier identification of issues.

I have been working with WatchGuard Threat Detection and Response for about five years.

In terms of stability, there have been no major issues after upgrades. I would rate the stability of the solution an eight out of ten. There were no significant problems related to this part of the solution.

WatchGuard Threat Detection and Response is quite scalable. It is designed to handle expansion and increase in usage efficiently. I would rate its scalability an eight out of ten.

The customer service and support from WatchGuard are excellent. In Finland, the technical support team has always provided outstanding service whenever required. I would rate the technical support team ten out of ten.

Positive

The initial setup involves configuring many elements, which can be a bit challenging. However, with detailed knowledge and preparation, the setup process can be completed in a day or two.

Usually, WatchGuard's sales team in Finland includes a great technical team. I often turned to them if there was something I could not resolve right away. They provided really good support.

It's challenging to put a monetary value on the return of investment for this product as it primarily enhances security. Its effectiveness in preventing breaches significantly impacts overall cost savings.

WatchGuard Threat Detection and Response is not the cheapest solution. It usually falls in the middle of the price spectrum. However, considering the overall picture, including support and ease of use, it can be more economical in the long run.

There are alternative solutions available, but if you are using WatchGuard firewalls, it is quite easy to use this product too.

In selecting security solutions, it's essential to consider the overall support and long-term ease of use. WatchGuard products, including firewalls, tend to be easier to configure and use compared to some cheaper alternatives.

I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.

The primary use case of the Firebox mainly revolves around bandwidth management, unnecessary web blocking, application control, and protection against brute force attacks. It is also implemented for load balancing, SD-WAN, and branch-to-branch connectivity from one location to another. We also use it for securing access through VPN and enforcing network security policies.

The WatchGuard Firebox has helped in securing our network by implementing a strong firewall with various features like VPN support, gateway antivirus, and application control. It has aided in preventing brute force attacks and managing our bandwidth effectively.

Some of the most valuable features of the Firebox include web blocking, application control, protection against brute force attacks, load balancing, SD-WAN, and VPN support. These features help us manage and secure our network efficiently.

One area for improvement is the limitation in the product portfolio compared to competitors like Fortinet, which offers a broader portfolio including Authentication, VPNs, FortiMail, Sandbox, and Email Security. WatchGuard's focus on UTM solutions may not meet the needs of all enterprise customers.

We have been using the WatchGuard Firebox for approximately five years.

The stability of the WatchGuard Firebox can vary depending on the customer network environment. The performance and latency may differ from customer to customer and infrastructure to infrastructure.

The scalability of the Firebox depends on the specific model and the number of concurrent users it can support. Different models offer different VPN capacities and can be tailored to fit the needs of various sizes of organizations.

Customer service and support are not explicitly mentioned in terms of rating, but overall feedback seems positive.

Positive

I have previously used various solutions including CyberRooms, Sophos, Fortinet, SonicWall, and other competitors. We largely switched to WatchGuard to integrate their UTM solutions and later their acquired endpoint security portfolios.

The initial setup of the WatchGuard Firebox is straightforward and time-saving. It is designed to be user-friendly even for those with basic IT knowledge, making it easy to deploy and manage.

Implementation can be done by internal IT teams. WatchGuard also provides support for implementation, ensuring that the configurations are appropriately pushed as per the model and requirements.

WatchGuard offers cost-effective solutions, especially beneficial for economically-constrained customers. Pricing and discounts are deal-dependent and vary based on customer requirements.

We evaluated multiple products, including Fortinet, SonicWall, Sophos, CyberRooms, and various others in the market.

To maintain the efficacy of the Firebox, it is crucial to renew the subscription to get security updates and additional support features. Ensuring the subscription is up-to-date is necessary for ongoing product support.

The solution controls who can connect to the Internet and who cannot and which protocols and services are allowed to pass through. It manages VPNs, including back-office VPNs. It also provides web-blocking features for users who want to restrict access to certain types of content.

Compared to competitors in the same segments, WatchGuard Firebox is an excellent firewall to implement.

WatchGuard Firebox offers DNS protection along with geofencing features. Additionally, the SSL VPN combined with multifactor authentication is excellent and a standout feature. 

The product is expensive. The pricing could be improved.

WatchGuard Firebox offers various models, each designed to meet different needs. While it's true that the models share many features, consolidating the lineup into fewer models could be beneficial. For example, they could have distinct models for small, medium, and large enterprises, each capable of scaling according to the number of users or throughput requirements. This approach would streamline their offerings, making it easier for customers to choose the right Firebox for their needs.

I have been using WatchGuard Firebox for 25 years.

The solution is very stable. I rate the solution’s stability a ten out of ten.

The solution’s scalability is good. 20 customers are using this solution.

I rate the solution’s scalability an eight out of ten.

WatchGuard support is highly effective. They maintain an excellent support and help desk service.

Positive

Once, I had to connect with a Cisco device on the remote side, which also went smoothly. It was between a customer and a third-party firm conducting business with my customer. They needed to establish a connection to their Cisco Firewall, and the implementation process was as smooth as setting up the back-end VPN.

The initial setup is straightforward. A simple installation for a small business takes about four to six hours. One IT guy is enough for the deployment.

I rate the product’s pricing an eight out of ten, where one is cheap, and ten is expensive.

The solution is transparent and easy to set up and maintain. 

WatchGuard Firebox has always been very effective for many customers who use Firebox to connect their remote sites. Additionally, many customers log in to a Firebox using the WatchGuard Mobile VPN with multi-factor authentication. This setup has proven to be very stable, high quality, and easy to configure.

Customers find WatchGuard Firebox to be an expensive solution, but some of them recognize its necessity. However, some customers initially fail to see the need for a firewall. Yet, when it comes time for renewal, after a year or three, they begin to understand its importance, often aided by a chart explaining its benefits. Just like a car requiring periodic servicing, a firewall also necessitates attention.

I recommend WatchGuard Firebox to others because it's a very good product. Firstly, it boasts numerous nice features. It's straightforward to implement, maintain, and understand. One particularly appealing feature is the real-time traffic monitoring.

Overall, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.

We primarily use WatchGuard Firebox for security and connections. It's a web and endpoint, and we have different connections to associates and customers through internal networks, which is a big part of it.

The performance has been satisfactory for all of them, and I appreciate how it simplifies configuration. While it does require a certain configuration process, once completed, it works seamlessly. Personally, I find the ease of configuration to be the most valuable aspect of this product.

We're primarily using the on-prem version, but we do use the cloud-based version a little bit as well. When I was with my previous company, we had many customers with WatchGuard devices, and the cloud-based services were quite good. One feature that I really liked was the ability to configure settings and push them straight to the cloud, which made it easier to distribute them to different firewalls.

One thing, which I have been finding a bit annoying, is that it's too dependent on the Windows operating system. The configuration systems and software required to access WatchGuard always run on the Windows system. As my workstation is Linux, I need to have access to Windows to use WatchGuard. It's a little inconvenient for me, but it's not a big issue. For me, that's the most annoying thing, and I would like it to be more Linux-friendly.

In the next release, I would like to see better software and configuration systems that could also be used on Linux.

I've been using it for about ten years. We are using the latest version of WatchGuard Firebox.

It's been a rock-solid solution with no issues. I would rate it a ten out of ten. The WatchGuard Firebox has been a reliable and stable solution for us. Only once in the ten-year period did we experience some issues with the product, but practically never any issues with the solution.

It is a scalable solution. I would rate it a nine out of ten.

Overall, there are around 50 to 70 users using WatchGuard Firebox in our local office. There are also people using this solution in our head office in other countries.

The customer service and support team was good.

Positive

I have used some SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) products and some Cisco products. But very little. Because most of the time, I use WatchGuard Firebox.

In the beginning, around ten years ago, it was a little bit challenging. However, the support was excellent in Finland, where I am located. The team who worked there provided good courses, and now, everything else is much more straightforward to install than before.

They are so easy to configure, from the littlest firewall to the biggest one. That's very good cohesion in the whole lineup of devices. It's easy to change the model if you need more performance, and you can easily change the hardware. From the very small five boxes to the bigger ones, it's easy to change the model if you need more performance. When you purchase the WatchGuard Firebox, you usually get the software with the option that the new hardware comes with.

course, it takes longer if you want to modify everything to ensure that your email gateway is working as it should and your VPN tunnels are set up properly. However, it's still very fast. So, I just quickly put the network cables in, and it starts working. But, of course, it's important to get everything working correctly, which takes some time, not because of the WatchGuard Firebox, but because you need to put every server you'll be using in working order and ensure that everything is working well with the firewall. It takes time. But once everything is set up, it's good to go.

In a new installation, it will always take time to get everything working as desired. There will always be something that needs to be done and different things you may want to enhance. But, with WatchGuard Firebox, you can get it working very quickly and then modify everything later.

Usually, we have two people for maintenance because there are usually other things happening at the same time. When we know that we need to do something bigger for the firewall, we exchange the hardware for a better or newer one or do software updates. The big picture of software updates is made in stock. So usually, one guy maintains the firewall, another update the servers, and they oversee the maintenance and anything else that needs to be done. The job role of the maintenance team is IT administrator.

We usually keep up with the support subscriptions and usually make a three-year contract or buy a 3-year subscription. And then, it's time to update the hardware at the same time. Our size of the firewall has been from €5,000 to €7,000. I don't exactly remember the price, but that size of hardware was what we needed.

I would definitely recommend using WatchGuard Firebox. Overall, I would rate the solution a nine out of ten.

Our main use case for WatchGuard Firebox is to protect companies from Internet threats.

The most effective and helpful features of WatchGuard Firebox, especially when purchased with the full suite of applications, are its bundled applications and subscriptions for comprehensive protection against various threats. It is essential to renew licensing and subscriptions to safeguard against potential penetrations.

One area for improvement could be making the interface even more user-friendly.

I have been working with WatchGuard Firebox for a couple of years.

WatchGuard support is generally helpful and does a good job, although occasionally I may need to call for clarification on some technical matters.

Other products like Fortinet and Palo Alto have had security flaws, but WatchGuard Firebox fits within the budget of the client.

I also work with Cisco, and Cisco's CLI is highly customizable, though it requires more time to learn initially. Cisco's support is also quite good.

The main difference between Cisco and WatchGuard Firebox is the support structure. With Cisco, you can directly communicate with the manufacturer, while with WatchGuard Firebox, support is through local channels only, without the option to directly contact WatchGuard via email or open a ticket.

Managing WatchGuard Firebox is easy for experienced users. Initial setup and deployment typically take a couple of days, including preconfiguration before installation on-site to avoid potential issues.

The price of WatchGuard Firebox is generally lower than Cisco, making it easier to sell to customers. However, if the price were slightly lower than it is now, it would be even more appealing. Some customers underestimate the importance of the subscriptions included with the boxes, but with experience, I have seen how critical they are for protecting against hackers and data breaches.

WatchGuard Firebox works well for network security, email protection, and phishing prevention. It is cost-efficient and offers features like EDR or XDR without being overly expensive.

Overall, I would rate WatchGuard Firebox as a seven out of ten. It is a solid tool.