WatchGuard
Unified Threat Management (UTM) devices, Next-generation firewalls, secure Wi-Fi devices, cloud-based threat intelligence, device detection | |
Revenue | $252.1 Million USD (2022) |
---|---|
Number of employees | 1,200+ |
Website | watchguard |
WatchGuard, formally known as WatchGuard Technologies, Inc, is an
The company was founded in 1996.
History
WatchGuard was initially established in 1996 under the name Seattle Software Labs, Inc.[2] Its inaugural product was a network firewall known as the WatchGuard Security Management System,[3] which included the WatchGuard Firebox, a "firewall in a box" security appliance, along with configuration and administration software.[4]
In 1997, the company rebranded itself as WatchGuard Technologies, Inc.[2]
Come July 1999, WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. went public, trading on Nasdaq.[5]
In October 2006, the company was acquired for $151 million by private equity firms Francisco Partners and Vector Capital. Bruce Coleman assumed the role of interim CEO.[6]
In August 2007, Joe Wang took over as the company's permanent CEO, succeeding Coleman.[7][6]
In May 2014, CEO Wang stepped down, and interim CEO Michael Kohlsdorf, an operating partner with Francisco Partners, assumed leadership.[8]
In April 2015, Kohlsdorf passed the CEO mantle to Prakash Panjwani.[9] It was announced that both Panjwani and Kohlsdorf were joining WatchGuard's board.[10]
In June 2016, the company acquired HawkEye G, a threat-detection and response technology from Hexis Cyber Solutions, now part of KEYW Holding Corp.[9] In October, the company launched the WatchGuard Wi-Fi Cloud to expand its network security coverage to Wi-Fi networks.[11]
In August 2017, WatchGuard acquired Datablink, a provider of multi-factor authentication software used to secure laptops, servers, and other devices.[12]
In January 2018, the company acquired Percipient Networks, a
In July 2018, the company unveiled AuthPoint, an application designed to offer multi-factor authentication security for businesses.[14]
In March 2020, WatchGuard announced an agreement to acquire Bilbao-based Panda Security, a provider of network endpoint security.[15] The deal was finalized in June.[16]
Products
The company develops security products and services for businesses.[17] There are four product groups: Network Security, Endpoint Security, Secure Wi-Fi, and Multi-Factor Authentication.
The Network Security devices are categorized as
The Endpoint Security offering includes products and services that provide advanced endpoint security, endpoint antivirus, security operations, and DNS-level protection and content filtering.[16]
The Secure Wi-Fi product line consists of secure indoor and outdoor Wave 1 and Wave 2
The Multi-Factor Authentication group includes the company's AuthPoint application, a multi-factor authentication management and reporting tool that prevents unauthorized users from accessing sensitive cloud applications, VPNs, and networks.[14]
The company also issues a quarterly security report based on feed data from WatchGuard UTM appliances installed at customer sites. The report highlights the type and frequency of malicious attacks occurring on computer networks.[20]
References
- ^ "Cyberattack scramble: sifting through code, a midnight patch and a lost weekend". seattletimes.com. May 16, 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ a b "Company Overview of WatchGuard Technologies, Inc". bloomberg.com. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ "About to buy a firewall? Read this first". gcn.com. August 4, 1997. Archived from the original on August 1, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ "Firewalls get watchdog". cnet.com. February 3, 1997. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ "WATCHGUARD TECHNOLOGIES INC (WGRD) IPO". nasdaq.com. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ a b "Watchguard Names CEO". crn.com. April 24, 2007. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ "Company Overview of WatchGuard Technologies, Inc". seattlebusinessmag.com. August 1, 2013. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ "Watchguard CEO Joe Wang resigns; Michael Kohlsdorf named interim replacement". geekwire.com. May 13, 2014. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ a b "WatchGuard Technologies buys threat-detection software for $3M plus stock". geekwire.com. June 15, 2016. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ "WatchGuard names Panjwani as CEO". seattletimes.com. May 18, 2015. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ a b "WatchGuard Technologies Looks To Take On Cisco Meraki With New Wi-Fi Cloud Solution". crn.com. October 18, 2016. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ "WatchGuard buys Datablink for authentication". enterprisetimes.co.uk. August 9, 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ "WatchGuard Buys Percipient Networks To Fortify Its Malware Protection Capabilities For SMBs". crn.com. January 17, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ a b "WatchGuard Introduces Multifactor Authentication Product". channelpronetwork.com. January 17, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ "Seattle-based WatchGuard to acquire endpoint protection provider Panda Security". GeekWire. March 9, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
- ^ a b "WatchGuard Completes Panda Acquisition". Infosecurity Magazine. June 2, 2020. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
- ^ a b "WatchGuard Technologies CEO: We're On The Hunt For Acquisitions". crn.com. July 20, 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ "2017 Mobility 100: 30 Coolest Mobile Security And Device Management Vendors". crn.com. May 8, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
- ^ "Product Information: WatchGuard T30-W and WatchGuard Dimension". scmagazine.com. May 2, 2016. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
- ^ "WatchGuard Report Shows Rapid Growth of Attack Techniques, Malware". channelpartnersonline.com. December 12, 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2018.