WatchGuard Acquires CyGlass to Beef Up Unified Security Platform

WatchGuard Technologies is buying CyGlass Technology Services to add capabilities to its Unified Security Platform architecture.

CyGlass provides cloud-and network-centric threat detection and response solutions that help organizations see risks, stop threats and prove compliance. Its cloud-native platform uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities to deliver enterprise-class cyber defense across hybrid networks, to SMBs.

The CyGlass technology will add to the WatchGuard Unified Security Platform architecture, delivering AI-based detection of network anomalies with a future network detection and response (NDR) service. It will also accelerate open extended detection and response (XDR) capabilities within WatchGuard ThreatSync.

WatchGuard CEO Prakash Panjwani said NDR has historically been restricted as a solution for larger enterprises.

WatchGuard’s Prakash Panjwani

“The integration of CyGlass into the WatchGuard Unified Security Platform architecture will enable our partners to offer an enterprise grade, AI-enhanced XDR and hybrid NDR solution that is compelling, affordable and available to enterprises of all sizes,” he said. “Once integrated into WatchGuard’s platform, customers and partners will benefit from the latest security advances to keep network attacks at bay, enhanced XDR insights and actions with telemetry from third-party devices including switches, and easier regulatory and cyber insurance compliance with powerful built-in reports.”

MSPs Can Provide NDR Capabilities via Unified Security Platform

Other NDR products commonly rely on expensive hardware and must be managed by experienced security analysts, meaning only larger enterprise businesses can deploy them, Panjwani said.

“CyGlass’ product and approach are different,” he said. “As a fully cloud-based solution, it allows MSPs to provide NDR capabilities at a very reasonable cost of ownership to enterprises of all sizes. Furthermore, once integrated with our Unified Security Platform architecture, it will enable WatchGuard MSPs to offer their customers an even richer set of services, increasing revenue and margin opportunities.”

The immediate focus of the combined company is continuing to support current CyGlass customers and partners with existing CyGlass solutions, and integrating the CyGlass technology into the WatchGuard platform, Panjwani said.

“CyGlass partners will benefit from the additional resources and support that CyGlass can now leverage as part of a larger organization,” he said. “Once CyGlass NDR capabilities are integrated with WatchGuard’s Unified Security Platform architecture, current CyGlass partners and customers will also be able to leverage WatchGuard’s complete portfolio of unified security solutions.”

Moving forward, WatchGuard will continue to support existing CyGlass customers and partners on the current CyGlass platform, Panjwani said.

“WatchGuard partners and customers can buy the new NDR service once integration into WatchGuard Cloud is completed,” he said. “New WatchGuard NDR capabilities are expected to be released in the next six to nine months, with open XDR capabilities following several months afterward.

“We founded CyGlass with the goal of helping organizations better defend their hybrid networks with new levels of intelligence that protect against the most sophisticated attacks,” said Ed Jackowiak, CyGlass’ founder and CEO. “Joining WatchGuard and integrating our capabilities into its impressive Unified Security Platform architecture takes our mission to the next level and makes it available to an established global network of partners and customers.”