With the recent catastrophe surrounding Sony’s security breach, large enterprises are reevaluating their network security systems. If it can happen to a company as highly regarded at Sony, can it happen to anyone? The answer depends on the strength of the network security system that is in place when a security breach is attempted. Unfortunately, viruses, hackers, and malicious software are part of the price a business pays for being globally connected to the World Wide Web. However grim that truth may be, there are new tools and effective solutions available to mitigate risks and data exposure. To address these concerns, WatchGuard now offers its latest next-generation firewall and flagship security appliance, the WatchGuard XTM 2050.
Today, WatchGuard unveiled the XTM 2050, part of a new line of next-generation firewalls geared towards large enterprises, university campuses, managed security service providers (MSSPs), data centers, manufacturing plants, and school districts. The XTM 2050 includes: advanced firewalling, Application Control, IPS, and LiveSecurity, all for a fraction of the price of comparable 20 Gbps next generation firewalls.
Using a “defense-in-depth” approach, WatchGuard next-generation firewalls utilize the latest in network security technologies. For example, the XTM 2050 is the only next generation firewall to include stateful packet inspection, deep packet inspection and proxy technologies as part of its comprehensive firewall protection. Application Control allows enterprises to control more than 1,800 applications, and regulate acceptable use policy with high granularity and user visibility. Using continually updated signatures, the Intrusion Prevention Service (IPS) scans network traffic to detect and block incoming threats.
As Sony has shown, the costs of having inadequate network security can be devastating to an enterprise. Now more than ever, businesses need to take a proactive stance in stopping hackers and malware. The WatchGuard XTM 2050 next generation firewall provides the high performance and high security features that enterprises expect and need for today’s Internet-driven economy. And, needless to say, we at WatchGuard are proud to be leading the pack in protecting enterprise networks, applications and data.
Your Next Generation Firewall does not appear to support IPv6, which is very disappointing. I know that you guys have been stating IPv6 is coming (for a length of time privately and recently publicly on your website statement), but to class this unit as a “Next Generation” and not support IPv6 is ridiculous.
No IPv6 support is the reason why we had to look elsewhere for 10 XTM1050 equivalents to support our native IPv6 network. I was very disappointed, having used Watchguard products in the past.
George
IPv6 is a most desirable feature. Isn’t this a Firmware feature? When the function is required,would implementation present any problems.
Is this supposition correct?
Mike Ryan – Brass Razoo Group
Hey George of the Jungle, why didn´t you simply ask WG for an ETA of IPv6 support? Maybe waiting a month or two would have solved your problem?
HI Guybrush,
I’ve been dealing directly with Watchguard for over 2 years on this issue. I have a letter from their higher ups showing Q4 2010 as their Phase 1 of IPv6 support. This would have been configurable from the CLI only.
I like Watchguard products, having used them for years. I wanted to put them in place to protect the Corporate assets in a national business that I joined. We operate native IPv6 nationally, and all equipment we purchase, be it printers, SANS, wireless access points, anything with a network interface, must run IPv6.
I’m first to admit that Watchguard are not the only laggards in respect to this issue. However, to release their Next Big Thing without support for IPv6 I believe is a poor choice. Sure, it will come eventually, and it may well be an excellent system, but the need for IPv6 is here and now.
Unfortunately, I missed the IPv6 webinar yesterday but hope to catch up with a recording of it today, if it is available. I am very interested in what they have to say.
If WatchGuard XTM 2050 Has any problems, upgrade firmware from official site.
Good to know about it .Thanks for sharing it