WatchGuard reveals Open MDR for enhanced security solutions

WatchGuard Technologies has announced an expansion of its managed detection and response (MDR) services with the introduction of WatchGuard Open MDR. This development aims to allow managed service providers (MSPs) to enhance security services across diverse environments without forced platform changes.

Open MDR takes a streamlined approach by providing protection crafted for tangible deployment in mixed customer settings. Powered by a Security Operations Center (SOC), it focuses on surfacing crucial threats and rapid response.

Open MDR integrates native WatchGuard tools with third-party solutions into a consolidated operational view. This integration allows MSPs to experience smoother onboarding, reduced friction during renewals, and standardised service delivery without requiring platform migrations.

MSPs and customers seek to benefit from three primary advantages:

• Minimal disruption, enabling quick and effective threat detection and response.
• Proprietary AI/ML to intelligently reduce noise and accurately identify threats promptly.
• Empowering smaller MSPs to operate at an enterprise level without the associated complexities.

Through Open MDR, WatchGuard’s clients gain unified visibility across their infrastructure, facilitated by 24/7 monitoring from WatchGuard’s SOC. This seeks to ensure that threats are isolated swiftly, reducing disruptions and maintaining operational continuity.

Many organisations possess security tools, but lack proficient management resources. Open MDR aims to resolve this by offering monitoring and timely responses, containing incidents before they escalate. With AI-powered threat hunting, hidden risks can be identified sooner, enhancing overall security posture.

WatchGuard Open MDR is designed for MSPs, allowing them to provide scalable security solutions while maintaining ownership of client relationships. Supported by Technical Account Managers (TAMs), partners receive guidance for ongoing security operations.

Key features includes coverage across WatchGuard and third-party tools such as Microsoft Defender, CrowdStrike Falcon, and AWS, all achieved without necessitating migration.