Panda Acquired by WatchGuard, Extending Security From Network to Endpoint
WatchGuard—a leading global provider of network security and intelligence, secure Wi-Fi and multi-factor authentication—closed on its acquisition of the advanced endpoint protection provider, Panda Security in June 2020.
As a partner of Panda, we at TechVAR have closely followed their transition to being a wholly-owned subsidiary of WatchGuard. The acquisition serves to consolidate fundamental security services for protection from network to endpoint under a single company to ensure customers and partners are satisfied and supported.
But what exactly does this acquisition mean for the organizations and end users who rely on these products? We view the merger as an opportunity for these two market leaders to combine powers and introduce an even stronger solution, perfectly suited for an era of growing cybersecurity concerns.
What is WatchGuard?
WatchGuard Technologies is a global leader in providing network security and intelligence solutions, and secure Wi-Fi and multi-factor authentication.
The quality of their award-winning products and services has led them to be trusted by nearly 10,000 security resellers and service providers from around the world to protect the networks of more than 80,000 customers.
Their core mission to make enterprise-grade security simple and accessible to companies of all types and sizes has made WatchGuard an ideal solution for all manner of mid-market businesses.
Some key benefits of WatchGuard:
Seen as the de-facto security solution for mid-market businesses
Functions so that single devices effectively provide multiple network security features
Provides advanced threat detection and response functionality
Prevents unauthorized access to sensitive cloud applications, VPNs, and networks
What is Panda Security?
Panda Security is an advanced endpoint protection provider that offers a suite of cybersecurity solutions for businesses—including features managing operating system vulnerabilities, endpoint detection and response, endpoint protection, and mobile protection.
Where WatchGuard is the de-facto choice for mid-market network security, Panda Security is its equally powerful counterpart for endpoint protection.
Through Panda Adaptive Defense 360, Panda provides both an endpoint protection platform (EPP) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities for one, cohesive threat protection and detection platform.
Some key benefits of Panda:
Centralized protection that covers Windows, Mac and Linux workstations
Covers all vectors including Network (firewall), Email, Web, and External devices
Protection for Exchange servers with Panda Endpoint Protection Plus
Eliminates spam and unauthorized websites for a more productive workforce
WatchGuard Acquires Panda
WatchGuard’s acquisition of Panda is part of a documented trend of network security vendors strengthening their offerings by adding additional protection platforms.
This trend aligns with what we’ve seen here at TechVAR—businesses are increasingly in need of implementing both network and endpoint protection measures in order to quickly detect, react, and recover from attempted breaches.
WatchGuard and Panda provide two different kinds of solutions, but they have a common goal: empowering organizations to keep their networks secure.
While WatchGuard’s services are focused on organizational security needs via network security, secure Wi-Fi, multi-factor authentication, network intelligence, and more—Panda’s services cover the individual element.
Panda’s products ensure individual endpoints are protected from nefarious actors and help businesses equip their users with the cybersecurity knowledge needed to recognize those threats.
A large part of WatchGuard’s reasoning for acquiring Panda is that it allows them to provide their partners and customers with a more powerful security platform that bridges the network and end users with a single, centralized solution that leverages automation.
“This is truly creating upside for the network side of our partners as well as the endpoint, and to bring the best of breed together in a single platform that’s all centrally managed,” said Prakash Panjwani, WatchGuard CEO via CRN.
In coordination with the acquisition, WatchGuard has also launched the Panda Security Early Access Program, which provides its resellers with access to the endpoint protection, detection, and response capabilities found on Panda Adaptive Defense 360.
In the near future, we expect to see these offerings consolidated further to create an all-in-one network resilience offering.
Network Security in an Era of Increased Threats
It’s no secret that the pandemic of 2020 was an opportunity seized by cyber attackers, and as a result, has been dubbed possibly the largest cyber threat ever.
The accelerated move to a remote workforce for many companies played a large role in this. Suddenly, the connections of thousands of desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones were open to external threats.
Now, organizations must adapt quickly to ensure remote employees have the tools and training they need to keep networks and endpoints protected.
New and improved WatchGuard-Panda network and endpoint protection services enable organizations to do just that.
Your Roadmap to Network Protection
Knowing this context around WatchGuard’s acquisition of Panda Security should give you a glimpse into what the future of endpoint security looks like.
Businesses need an action plan for ensuring all company networks and devices are adequately protected from outside threats—especially with employees working remotely.
Is your organization resilient to phishing attacks and ransomware? With more and more concerns emerging, it might be time to revisit your network security infrastructure.
Let TechVAR do the legwork for you. Our Technology Advisors work with you to understand your organization’s needs and will help identify the best security solution for your business. Contact us for a free consultation.
Let our experts find the perfect cybersecurity solution for your needs.
TechVAR is your personal shopper for all your IT needs.