Meet FireCloud Internet Access: The Future of Secure Remote Connectivity

With hybrid and remote work now the norm, organizations face an urgent challenge – how to provide employees with seamless, secure access to critical applications without the performance and security drawbacks of traditional VPNs. 

At WatchGuard, we recognize that businesses need a modern, scalable security solution that meets the demands of a distributed workforce. That's why we're thrilled to announce the launch of FireCloud Internet Access, the initial offering in our FireCloud family of secure access service edge (SASE) solutions. 

What Is FireCloud Internet Access? 

FireCloud Internet Access delivers enterprise-grade security to remote workers, ensuring that wherever they are, their connections remain fast, secure, and seamless. Designed for organizations with lean IT teams and easily delivered by our managed service provider partners, it provides firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS) and secure web gateway (SWG) protections, ensuring that employees can safely access Cloud-hosted applications while eliminating existing security gaps. 

Built on WatchGuard Cloud, FireCloud Internet Access eliminates the complexities of traditional remote worker security solutions. IT administrators can centrally manage uniform network and remote worker security policies, enforcing the same protection across all users – no matter their location. 

Why FireCloud Internet Access? 

1. A Modern Alternative to VPNs 

VPNs have long been the go-to for remote access, but they come with performance, security, and scalability limitations. FireCloud Internet Access removes the need for VPN backhauling by routing users through a global network of secure points of presence (PoPs). This ensures low-latency access to SaaS applications, Cloud workloads, and the Internet – without the bottlenecks and security risks of VPNs. 

2. Enterprise-Grade Security, Simplified 

With advanced security capabilities baked into FireCloud Internet Access, organizations gain complete visibility and control over remote workforce security. Features include: 

• Intrusion Prevention Service (IPS)
• Gateway AntiVirus (GAV)
• Application Control & Web Filtering
• Botnet Detection & DNS Security
• Geolocation Blocking 

Unlike VPNs, which grant broad network access, FireCloud Internet Access enforces identity-based security, ensuring that users only access authorized applications and resources. 

3. Seamless Hybrid Security Integration 

FireCloud Internet Access isn't just a stand-alone solution, it integrates seamlessly with WatchGuard Firebox. Organizations with existing on-premises firewalls can extend the same security policies to remote employees, creating a unified hybrid security model. 

This hybrid approach is a game-changer for businesses managing both on-premises infrastructure and Cloud applications. IT teams can apply consistent security controls across both Firebox and FireCloud, reducing operational complexity. 

4. Global Points of Presence for Optimal Performance 

FireCloud Internet Access leverages globally distributed points of presence (PoPs) that WatchGuard manages, and user access is included in the FireCloud license. Rather than forcing traffic through a centralized data center (as VPNs do), FireCloud dynamically connects users to the nearest PoP. This reduces latency, enhances performance, and keeps employees productive. 

5. Simple Deployment, Scalable Security 

Deploying FireCloud Internet Access is effortless. Organizations can: 

• Activate licenses and manage users via WatchGuard Cloud
• Configure security policies in a familiar interface (aligning with Firebox policies)
• Easily deploy the FireCloud client across employee devices
• Scale security as the business grows – without adding hardware 

With automated policy enforcement and real-time threat protection, businesses can confidently secure remote teams without the headache of complex setups. 

Who Should Use FireCloud Internet Access? 

FireCloud Internet Access is designed for managed service providers (MSPs) and lean IT teams securing organizations with: 

• Remote & hybrid employees who need seamless, secure access
• Cloud-first environments leveraging SaaS applications like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Salesforce
• MSPs seeking to offer next-gen security services to clients embracing Cloud and remote work 

Get Started with FireCloud Internet Access 

Security shouldn't be an afterthought for remote and hybrid teams. With FireCloud Internet Access, WatchGuard is delivering the future of secure remote connectivity. 

Interested in learning more? Contact us to see how FireCloud Internet Access can transform your security strategy. Our press release provides more information.