WatchGuard

WatchGuard was founded in 1996 as Seattle Software Labs, Inc.[3] Its first product was a network firewall called the WatchGuard Security Management System,[4] which included the WatchGuard Firebox "firewall in a box" security appliance, along with configuration and administration software.[5]

In 1997, the company changed its name to WatchGuard Technologies, Inc.[3]

In July 1999, the company went public on NASDAQ.[6]

In October 2006, the company was acquired for $151 million by private equity firms Francisco Partners and Vector Capital, and Bruce Coleman was brought on as interim CEO.[7]

In August, 2007, Joe Wang became the company's permanent CEO, replacing Coleman.[8][7]

In May 2014, CEO Wang stepped down and was replaced by interim CEO Michael Kohlsdorf, an operating partner with Francisco Partners.[9]

In April 2015, Kohlsdorf was succeeded as CEO by Prakash Panjwani.[10] It was announced that both Panjwani and Kohlsdorf were joining WatchGuard's board.[11]

In June 2016, the company acquired HawkEye G threat-detection and response technology from Hexis Cyber Solutions, now Sensage, part of KEYW Holding Corp.[10] In October, the company launched the WatchGuard Wi-Fi Cloud, to extend its network security to Wi-Fi networks.[12]

In August 2017, WatchGuard acquired Datablink, a provider of multi-factor authentication software used to secure laptops, servers and other devices.[13]

In January 2018, the company acquired Percipient Networks, a domain name system service provider.[14]

In July 2018, the company announced an application called AuthPoint, designed to provide multi-factor authentication security for businesses.[15]

In March 2020, WatchGuard announced an agreement to acquire Madrid-based Panda Security, a provider of network endpoint security.[16]

The company develops security products and services for businesses.[17] There are three product groups: Network Security, Secure Wi-Fi and Multi-Factor Authentication.

The Network Security devices are categorized as Unified Threat Management (UTM), whereby a single device provides multiple security features. The devices include WatchGuard Dimension, a network discovery tool that allows administrators to identify devices on the network, including mobile devices; and WatchGuard cloud, giving the devices access to online threat intelligence.[18][19]

The Wi-Fi product line consists of secure indoor and outdoor Wave 1 and Wave 2 802.11ac Wi-Fi hardware, security subscription services and WatchGuard's Wi-Fi Cloud, a management platform used to control the devices.[17][12]

The Multi-Factor Authentication group includes the company's AuthPoint application, a multi-factor authentication management and reporting tool which prevents unauthorized users from accessing sensitive cloud applications, VPNs and networks.[15]

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]

• Official website