WatchGuard accredited as a Friendly WiFi Approved Provider

WatchGuard Technologies is helping children to stay safe online through a new partnership with the 'Friendly WiFi' scheme, designed to identify public places such as shops, restaurants, cafes and cinemas, providing secure filtered WiFi. Initiated by the UK Government with support from the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) and manged by the RDI trade organisation, the scheme means that children, parents and guardians can look for the Friendly WiFi logo to be sure that the public network has been tested and verified to make sure pornographic and child abuse websites are blocked.

WatchGuard has also become an accredited "Friendly WiFi Approved Provider, meaning that businesses or public facilities using WatchGuard secure WiFi solutions have the correct filtering to ensure inappropriate material remains blocked to users. Once checked by RDI, they can then join the scheme and display the logo.

Under the new partnership, WatchGuard will actively promote Friendly WiFi through its UK reseller channels, creating greater awareness around the dangers faced by young people online and offering a safe solution. WatchGuard partners are also able to assist RDI in rolling out the scheme by signing up end user customers directly to the Friendly WiFi scheme.

Jonathan Whitley, Regional Sales Director, Northern Europe at WatchGuard said, “We are delighted to play a part in promoting and delivering safe online WiFi for younger users. It's a great concern for any parent, guardian or teacher and we look forward to seeing Friendly WiFi become a universal beacon of reassurance."

RDI spokesperson, Mike Davies said; “Working with WatchGuard is a great opportunity for us to spread the Friendly WiFi message through the company's extensive channel network and wide range of customers in key sectors such as hospitality, retail and schools. WatchGuard's expertise and passion for security will make a valuable contribution to our commitment to make a positive difference to online safety for families everywhere."

About WatchGuard Technologies

WatchGuard® Technologies, Inc. is a global leader of integrated, multi-function business security solutions that intelligently combine industry standard hardware, best-of-breed security features, and policy-based management tools. WatchGuard provides easy-to-use, but enterprise-powerful protection to hundreds of thousands of businesses worldwide. WatchGuard is headquartered in Seattle, Wash. with offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. To learn more, visit WatchGuard.com.

For additional information, promotions and updates please follow WatchGuard on Twitter @WatchGuardUK on Facebook, or on the LinkedIn Company page.

For more information on Friendly WiFi, please go to www.friendlywifi.com and follow on Twitter @friendywifi1