WatchGuard has announced updates to its Firebox Tabletop series of firewalls, enhancing them with advanced networking capabilities and AI-powered security features. These small-form-factor network security appliances are tailored for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that require protection for IoT devices, medical equipment, and other local IT assets.
As businesses increasingly balance cloud security solutions with on-premises devices, the need for local network protection remains critical, particularly for industries that rely on connected devices. WatchGuard is addressing this need by introducing four new models in the Firebox Tabletop series:
- T115-W: Entry-level wireless model featuring Wi-Fi 7 and 4GB RAM, suited for solo professionals and small offices.
- T125: A top-selling model with enhanced UTM capabilities, ideal for retail and small businesses, also supporting Wi-Fi 7.
- T145: Offers a high-speed 10G network port with low power consumption and optional Wi-Fi 7.
- T185: The most powerful model, offering 250% faster branch office VPN performance than its predecessor, and designed for quiet operation.
The models primarily feature MediaTek processors, which are known for their balance of performance, reliability, and cost. The T185, however, utilizes an Intel processor to achieve high performance, catering to those needing rack-mount capabilities.
Additionally, all new devices run Fireware 12.x, WatchGuard’s custom Linux-based operating system, with a significant focus on software development. The firewalls will now be managed via WatchGuard Cloud, integrating AI capabilities from their XDR (Extended Detection and Response) system to enhance cybersecurity. This centralization allows for automation, such as quarantining affected systems when threats are detected.
Compliance issues are another driving force behind the need for tabletop firewalls, especially as even small contractors face new cybersecurity mandates imposed by larger clients. Common compliance frameworks like PCI DSS for retail, alongside NIST and CIS standards, underscore the regulatory pressures fueling this market.
In line with ongoing hardware modernization efforts, WatchGuard plans to release updated rack-mount appliances in the coming year, reinforcing its commitment to providing robust security solutions for SMBs amidst the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
