WatchGuard Launches XTM 33 Security Appliance

Included is real-time monitoring, secure logging and more than 65 report templates that give businesses insight as to what is going in and out of their network and by whom.

WatchGuard Technologies, a provider of business security solutions, today unveiled its latest small-business firewall, the XTM 33. Ideal for midmarket businesses with five to 30 users, the XTM 33 appliance provides enhanced network protection in an all-in-one, small form factor security appliance.

Features include defense-in-depth protection, such as identity-based firewalling, plus WatchGuard's proxy technology. The XTM 33 is available now from authorized WatchGuard channel partners. List pricing for the XTM 33 begins at $890, and a wireless version is available starting at $990.

Whether it is used to create secure virtual private network (VPN) tunnels for the Apple iPad, iPhone and other iOS-based devices, or to enable secure remote connectivity for mobile employees, the XTM 33 helps simplify setting up a VPN. The appliance also features firewall functionality via Application Control. This allows businesses to utilize Web 2.0 apps while keeping employees focused on work.

"Hackers go after small businesses because they tend to have either outdated security systems or consumer-grade endpoint protection, which makes them easy targets," said Tim Helming, director of product management at WatchGuard. "For this reason, WatchGuard developed the XTM 33 to have enterprise-class security, but in a form factor and at a price that works for any small business. It truly is a no-compromise, ultimate firewall that is optimized for today's threat landscape."

With upgraded intrusion prevention, spam blocking and gateway antivirus capabilities, the XTM 33 is designed to keep malware, spyware, viruses, worms and hackers out of small-business networks. The XTM 33 also leverages WatchGuard's Reputation Enabled Defense service, which is a cloud-based IP and URL reputation solution that stops threats in the cloud before they ever hit the network edge.

Also included is real-time monitoring, secure logging and more than 65 report templates that give businesses insight into what is going in and out of their network and by whom. "For the price point, the XTM 33 offers unbeatable value, performance and functionality.  It embodies expert security for the non-security expert," Helming said.

In December, the company announced its top security predictions for 2012, including a major breach of a top cloud provider, the rise of advanced malware attacks through virtual systems and mobile applications, and an increased reliance on virtualization, which will reawaken a need for virtual security.

WatchGuard said it suspects that malware will increasingly leverage geolocation to customize attacks, thus increasing its money-making potential. A simple technique already in use is to forward victims in specific locales to targeted fraud sites that work best in that region. The company anticipates hackers will find even more malicious ways to exploit geolocation in malware next year.