WatchGuard
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 | |
Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Network security and Computer security |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | , |
Key people | Joe Smolarski, CEO[1] |
| Products | 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 Technologies, Inc, is an American cybersecurity company based in Seattle, Washington. It specializes in network security solutions aimed at safeguarding computer networks from external threats such as malware and ransomware.[2]
The company was founded in 1996.[3]
WatchGuard was initially established in 1996 under the name Seattle Software Labs, Inc.[4] Its inaugural product was a network firewall known as the WatchGuard Security Management System,[5] which included the WatchGuard Firebox, a "firewall in a box" security appliance, along with configuration and administration software.[6]
In 1997, the company rebranded itself as WatchGuard Technologies, Inc.[4]
WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. went public, trading on the Nasdaq in July 1999.[7]
The company was acquired in 2006 by Vector Capital and Francisco Partners. Vector Partners became the majority owner in 2022.[3] Bruce Coleman assumed the role of interim CEO.[8]
In August 2007, Joe Wang took over as the company's permanent CEO, succeeding Coleman.[9][8]
In May 2014, CEO Wang stepped down, and interim CEO Michael Kohlsdorf, an operating partner with Francisco Partners, assumed leadership.[10]
In April 2015, Kohlsdorf passed the CEO mantle to Prakash Panjwani.[11] It was announced that both Panjwani and Kohlsdorf were joining WatchGuard's board.[12]
In October, the company launched the WatchGuard Wi-Fi Cloud to expand its network security coverage to Wi-Fi networks.[13]
In July 2018, the company unveiled AuthPoint, an application designed to offer multi-factor authentication security for businesses.[14]
Acquisitions
In June 2016, the company acquired HawkEye G, a threat-detection and response technology from Hexis Cyber Solutions, now part of KEYW Holding Corp.[11]
In August 2017, WatchGuard acquired Datablink, a provider of multi-factor authentication software used to secure laptops, servers, and other devices.[15]
In January 2018, the company acquired Percipient Networks, a domain name system security service provider. Later, it was renamed to DNSWatch. [16]
In March 2020, WatchGuard announced an agreement to acquire Bilbao-based Panda Security, a provider of network endpoint security.[17] The deal was finalized in June.[18]