Tag: WatchGuard

WatchGuard swallows CyGlass

WatchGuard Technologies has snapped up the cloudy security outfit CyGlass Technology Services.

For those not in the know, CyGlass’s cloud-native platform uses AI and ML capabilities to deliver cyber defence across hybrid networks, primarily to SMEs who need more hardware.

Watchguard wants CyGlass to help it deliver AI-based detection of network anomalies with a future network detection and response (NDR) service. It also aims to accelerate open eXtended detection and response (XDR) capabilities within WatchGuard ThreatSync.

WatchGuard chief product officer Andrew Young said that CyGlass’s success in the last year demonstrates that mid-sized companies and MSPs are seeking innovative detection and response solutions independent of costly hardware.

WatchGuard hires HoJin Kim as new VP

WatchGuard Technologies has appointed former Channel Company CRO HoJin Kim as its new senior vice president and chief revenue officer.

Kim will lead WatchGuard’s worldwide sales organisation and be responsible for driving revenue growth, scaling and expanding the global sales organisation, and adopting WatchGuard’s Unified Security Platform MSP framework.

With over 25 years of experience leading and growing IT channel organisations, Kim has led global and regional partner teams in developing and implementing channel strategies to build sustained competitive advantage for those companies.

WatchGuard Technologies CEO Prakash Panjwani said that “Kim’s depth of experience in all facets of the channel industry, combined with his knowledge of the security market, makes him a perfect fit for WatchGuard as we embark on our next phase of growth, focused on expanding our MSP ecosystem and driving adoption of our Unified Security Platform framework.”

“He is the ideal addition to our leadership team, and I look forward to seeing his contributions towards accelerating our stated company vision – to be the security platform provider for the MSP community.”

Before joining WatchGuard, Kim was the chief revenue officer for The Channel Company.

“I’m thrilled to join WatchGuard. I’ve spent my career working throughout all aspects of the channel, and WatchGuard’s singular focus on enabling the MSP with its Unified Security Platform approach is just what the industry needs to succeed in this cybersecurity landscape,” he said.

 

Security threats doubled last year

Security breach detections in the first quarter of the year were double that of the whole of 2021, according to the WatchGuard Threat Lab.

The latest quarterly Internet Security Report from the WatchGuard Threat Lab showed that in the first quarter, WatchGuard blocked a total of more than 21.5 million malware variants (274 per device) and nearly 4.7 million network threats (60 per device).

That’s despite Threat Lab’s fourth quarter report showing that ransomware attacks were trending downwards year-on-year.

Remote workers are a big security threat – shokka

A recent survey of UK cyber security, IT and business professionals commissioned by WatchGuard Technologies has come up with the surprising statistic that 75 percent of respondents believe that remote workers pose a greater IT security risk to their business than office workers.

We say surprising, in that while 75 percent is a big figure, it is what has been said for ages. What is more surprising is that 25 percent don’t see it as a threat even though it has been said for ages.

The report said that 83 percent of respondents feel that cyber-attacks on their business will increase over the next 12 months.

When it comes to identifying specific threats, phishing attacks are still at the top of the list, followed closely by ransomware. Over half of the organisations polled said that they had experienced an end-point attack targeted at end-user computers and mobile devices over the last 12 months.

Watchguard grows Partner Ecosystem by 50 percent

Watchguard has announced that both its existing and newly added partners from the Panda Security acquisition now have access to the full suite of products and services from both companies via WatchGuard’s worldwide network of authorised distributors.

Panda products are now available individually and through Passport, WatchGuard’s bundle of security services. Combining WatchGuard’s Total Security Suite and Passport allows partners to provide complete security from network to endpoint for their customers.

Watchguard senior vice president Michelle Welch said that opening a cross-sell opportunity for partners quickly was a major priority from day one, and it represents the latest milestone in WatchGuard’s ongoing mission to be the security provider for MSPs.

WatchGuard acquires Panda

WatchGuard Technologies has entered into a definitive agreement to buy Panda Security, a global provider in advanced endpoint protection.

The outfit said that once the integration is complete, its joint customer and partner community will benefit from a security platform that bridges the network and user perimeter, touting the same combination of innovative security features and simplified packaging, deployment and management capabilities.

WatchGuard adds Purdicom to line-up

WatchGuard has signed up Purdicom for its UK distribution operations to connect to more networking and cloud channel specialists.

The outfit already works with Nuvias and Northamber and will bring giving its latest distribution partner access to a portfolio that includes protection for wi-fi and networks.

WatchGuard wants to build more channel momentum and has been on the blower to MSPs and resellers from other disciplines that want to add security into the mix.

Watchguard releases a product to fill the authentication gap

Insecurity outfit WatchGuard has rolled out a multi-factor authentication product specifically for SMEs after it spotted a gap in the market.

The security player has introduced AuthPoint and has shared findings from CITE Research that indicated that 61 per cent of SMEs felt that the technology was only reserved for larger enterprises.

Alex Cagnoni, director of Authentication at WatchGuard said that a massive portion of data breaches involve lost credentials and since cyber criminals target organisations of any size, MFA is now a prerequisite for all businesses.

“In the absence of MFA, cyber criminals can usea variety of techniques to acquire usernames and passwords, such as spear phishing, social engineering and buying stolen credentials on the dark web, to gain network access and then steal valuable company and customer data”, he added.

Rebecca Fernyhough, account manager at UK channel partner Epic Network Support said that with the launch of AuthPoint, WatchGuard hadextended its product portfolio with a vital security offering that is often overlooked by SMBs and has done so in a way that is easy for the channel to sell, deploy and manage.

The WatchGuard release comes at a time when SMEs are struggling with keeping on top of security threats.