CISO Tribune

Vendor comparison · 2 companies

Agile Defense vs Guardz

Agile Defense provides Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity and Data Analytics solutions. Guardz sells an MSP-ready security platform that brings identity, endpoint, email, data, awareness, and exposure protection together. CISO Tribune files both under MDR and managed SOC. This page sets the two records side by side: what each sells, where it is based, who owns and funds it, the customers it names and its recent news, each fact numbered to its source.

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Up to four companies side by side.

  • Agile Defense
  • Guardz
Agile Defense vs Guardz: Products, Customers and Funding Compared
Agile DefenseAgile Defense provides Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity and Data Analytics solutions.agiledefense.comGuardzGuardz sells an MSP-ready security platform that brings identity, endpoint, email, data, awareness, and exposure protection together.guardz.com
What it sells
  • VSOC[2][7]Virtual security operation center offerings that protect enterprise systems used by federal government and commercial customers.
  • TorqSecure[6]An agentless, browser-based software bill of materials (SBOM) intelligence tool aligned to government risk models.
  • Workforce[6]A model-agnostic platform for building and integrating AI assistants, called Teammates.
  • Email Security[2][8]An API-based and AI-native engine to prevent credential theft, ransomware, and impersonation threats.
  • Security Awareness Training[2][4][10]Pre-scheduled security awareness training that alters behavior.
  • Phishing Simulation[14]AI-generated phishing attacks tailored by tone, industry, and language.
Categories
Headquarters
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Founded
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Ownership and funding
Not stated on its pagesPrivately held[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]
Named customers
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Recent news
  • April 29, 2026Agile Defense announced the hiring of Shawn Tyrie as its Chief Revenue Officer.[13]
  • April 27, 2026Agile Defense announced the hiring of James Nowotny as Vice President of Justice and National Security.[14]
  • November 25, 2025Agile Defense announced the full integration of IntelliBridge into the company.[2]
  • November 2, 2026Guardz added browser protection from Palo Alto Networks' Prisma Browser for Business to its security platform for managed service providers serving small businesses.[17]
  • March 3, 2026Guardz announced a strategic partnership with FoxPointe Solutions, a cybersecurity advisory firm focused on governance, risk management and virtual CISO services.[18]
G2 and Gartner Peer Insights
  • G2: Not stated on its pages
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
  • G2: listed, seen November 3, 2026[13]
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
Who it fits
From its own pages, Agile Defense sells mainly to national security and civilian government customers. Agile Defense states that it provides digital transformation solutions to the Department of Defense and other national security customers. Agile Lion brings support to federal, civilian, state and defense agencies. Offerings from XOR Security address cybersecurity threats to federal civilian, law enforcement, national security and commercial customers. VSOC offerings protect enterprise systems used by federal government and commercial customers.From its own pages, Guardz sells mainly to MSPs, and describes its platform as built for them. Guardz says small businesses find it difficult to keep up with their external posture. Guardz says MSPs can use a prospecting tool to attract new clients by showing the extent of SMEs' exposure. Guardz says even non-security experts can respond to cyber events. Guardz says it gives clients visibility and control with configurable admin roles.
Last verified
October 21, 2026September 30, 2026

Where they overlap

  • MDR and managed SOC is the primary category of both Agile Defense and Guardz.

Where they differ, field by field

  • Guardz is also filed under Identity threat detection and response, EDR and XDR and Email security.
  • Agile Defense lists VSOC, TorqSecure and Workforce. Guardz lists Email Security, Security Awareness Training and Phishing Simulation.
  • Guardz is privately held.

How they differ

Agile Defense sells VSOC, virtual security operation center offerings that protect enterprise systems used by federal government and commercial customers. It also sells TorqSecure, an agentless, browser-based SBOM intelligence tool, and Workforce, a model-agnostic platform for building AI assistants called Teammates. Guardz sells an MSP-ready platform that brings identity, endpoint, email, data, awareness, and exposure protection together. Its products include Email Security powered by Check Point Harmony, Security Awareness Training, and Phishing Simulation. Guardz also offers AI-native EDR with SentinelOne embedded, with alerts managed by its MDR team.

Agile Defense is based in McLean, Virginia, and serves more than 50 federal government agencies. It names the Department of Defense and other national security customers, and it acquired XOR Security, which delivers the VSOC offerings. Agile Defense is backed by Enlightenment Capital, a private investment firm. Guardz is privately held and builds its platform for MSPs. Guardz says MSPs can set global configurations once and push them across every client.

On recent activity, Agile Defense announced the full integration of IntelliBridge on November 25, 2025, and the hiring of a Chief Revenue Officer on April 29, 2026. Guardz announced a partnership with FoxPointe Solutions on March 3, 2026. On November 2, 2026, Guardz added browser protection from Palo Alto Networks' Prisma Browser for Business to its platform.

What it sells: Agile Defense

What VSOC does[2][7]
VSOC offerings are provided by XOR Security alongside cybersecurity operations and cybersecurity engineering. They protect enterprise systems used by federal government and commercial customers. Agile Defense acquired XOR Security.
What TorqSecure does[6]
TorqSecure is an agentless, browser-based software bill of materials (SBOM) intelligence tool aligned to government risk models. TorqSecure analyses software dependency and vulnerability data for any SBOM or GitHub repo.
What Workforce does[6]
Workforce is a model-agnostic platform for building and integrating AI assistants, called Teammates, for public sector missions. Workforce is designed to integrate with any system of record to enable genuine agentic workflows.

What it sells: Guardz

What Email Security does[2][8]
Guardz email protection uses an API-based and AI-native engine to prevent credential theft, ransomware, and impersonation threats. Check Point Harmony powers Guardz Email Security.
What Security Awareness Training does[2][4][10]
Guardz helps teams plan, launch and track automated training campaigns. Campaign frequency can be set monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly.
What Phishing Simulation does[14]
Simulations can be generated in English, French, German, Hebrew, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Italian. Failed simulations trigger an awareness issue.

Questions about Agile Defense and Guardz

What do Agile Defense and Guardz sell?
Agile Defense sells VSOC, TorqSecure and Workforce. Guardz sells Email Security, Security Awareness Training and Phishing Simulation.
Are Agile Defense and Guardz in the same category?
Yes. MDR and managed SOC is the primary category of both on CISO Tribune.
Who owns Agile Defense and Guardz?
Guardz is privately held.
Who are Agile Defense and Guardz sold to?
From its own pages, Agile Defense sells mainly to national security and civilian government customers. From its own pages, Guardz sells mainly to MSPs, and describes its platform as built for them.
What have Agile Defense and Guardz announced recently?
April 29, 2026: Agile Defense announced the hiring of Shawn Tyrie as its Chief Revenue Officer. November 2, 2026: Guardz added browser protection from Palo Alto Networks' Prisma Browser for Business to its security platform for managed service providers serving small businesses.

About Agile Defense

Agile Defense provides Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity and Data Analytics solutions. Cyber Systems and Cyber Operations capabilities are delivered to defend against advanced and emerging cyber threats. Digital Transformation work applies advanced services, capabilities and solutions securely to enhance mission operations. Agile Defense has cybersecurity, digital transformation, data analytics and AI expertise for government customers. Agile Defense has expertise in cybersecurity, cloud solutions and mission-critical technology.[1][3][4]

Agile Defense provides digital transformation solutions to the Department of Defense and other national security customers. Agile Defense acquired XOR Security. XOR Security provides cybersecurity operations, cybersecurity engineering and virtual security operation center (VSOC) offerings that protect enterprise systems used by federal government and commercial customers. XOR Security was founded in 2013 and offers cybersecurity operations and platform engineering solutions. XOR Security's offerings address cybersecurity threats to federal civilian, law enforcement, national security and commercial customers. XOR brings expertise in network defense, zero trust architecture, managed detection and advanced threat response.[4]

Agile Defense services are available on the Tradewinds Solution Marketplace. TorqSecure is an agentless, browser-based software bill of materials (SBOM) intelligence tool aligned to government risk models. TorqSecure analyses software dependency and vulnerability data for any SBOM or GitHub repo. Workforce is designed to integrate with any system of record to enable genuine agentic workflows. Workforce is a model-agnostic platform for building and integrating AI assistants, called Teammates, for public sector missions. Agile Labs is the internal innovation hub of Agile Defense. Agile Labs is the engine behind research, development and solution engineering efforts and integrates artificial intelligence, data science and human-centered design.[8]

Agile Lion JV is an SBA approved Mentor-Protégé joint venture between Nemean Solutions and Agile Defense. Agile Lion brings support to federal, civilian, state and defense agencies. Agile Lion's team of technical experts is to deliver project and program management, cloud and data services, software and SharePoint development, network and server administration, and business intelligence design and management. Bastion Analytics JV is an SBA approved joint venture between Leyden Solutions and Agile Defense. Bastion Analytics is a certified SDVOSB professional-services firm headquartered in Pinehurst, North Carolina. DecisionPoint JV is an SBA-approved Mentor-Protégé joint venture comprised of DecisionPoint and Agile Defense. DecisionPoint JV was formed to deliver advanced IT, cybersecurity and digital modernization solutions to federal government customers.[9][10][12]

Agile Defense acquired IntelliBridge in January 2025, and IntelliBridge continues to operate as its own business entity under Agile Defense. ByteCubed LLC is now integrated into Agile Defense. Agile Defense was founded in 1998. Agile Defense has approximately 1,100 cleared personnel. Agile Defense has more than 2,000 teammates operating in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Agile Defense is based in McLean, Virginia, and serves more than 50 federal government agencies.[8]

Agile Defense is backed by Enlightenment Capital, a private investment firm. Jason Rigoli, Partner at Enlightenment Capital, is Chairman of Agile Defense. The acquisition of privately held Agile Defense is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, with expected closing in the first quarter of Maximus' 2027 fiscal year. The agreement has a cash purchase price of $660 million payable upon closing and subject to certain adjustments.[1]

Agile Defense on the record

Sources

Agile Defense full record

  1. [1]agiledefense.comAgile Defense · agiledefense.com · undated page, accessed October 21, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Agile Defense Completes Integration of IntelliBridge, Marking a New Phase of Growth, Innovation, and Mission ImpactAgile Defense · published November 25, 2025 · Tier A
  3. [3]Agile Defense Welcomes Edward Drolet as VP Customer Executive - Agile DefenseAgile Defense · published August 28, 2025 · Tier A
  4. [4]Home - Agile DefenseAgile Defense · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]Maximus to acquire Agile Defense, advancing defense and national security growth strategy - Agile DefenseAgile Defense · published October 19, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]Agile Defense Joins Tradewinds Solution Marketplace to Expand Access to Cutting-Edge AI Solutions - Agile DefenseAgile Defense · published October 14, 2025 · Tier A
  7. [7]Enlightenment Capital Backed Agile Defense Acquires XOR Security - Agile DefenseAgile Defense · published May 24, 2023 · Tier A
  8. [8]Agile Defense to Drive Mission-Critical AI and Data Solutions Under New DoD Contract - Agile DefenseAgile Defense · published June 26, 2025 · Tier A
  9. [9]Agile Lion JV Awarded Contract to Deliver Advanced IT Services for U.S. Marine Forces Reserve - Agile DefenseAgile Defense · published October 22, 2025 · Tier A
  10. [10]Agile Defense Partners With Nemean Solutions in Joint Venture – Agile Lion - Agile DefenseAgile Defense · published October 31, 2024 · Tier A
  11. [11]Bastion Analytics JV Awarded to Deliver Program Management Services for FBI - Agile DefenseAgile Defense · published December 18, 2025 · Tier A
  12. [12]DecisionPoint JV Awarded Contract Under Polaris GWAC Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Pool - Agile DefenseAgile Defense · published March 5, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Agile Defense Welcomes Shawn Tyrie as Chief Revenue OfficerAgile Defense · published April 29, 2026 · Tier A
  14. [14]Agile Defense Welcomes James Nowotny as Vice President of Justice and National SecurityAgile Defense · published April 27, 2026 · Tier A

Guardz full record

  1. [1]guardz.comGuardz · guardz.com · undated page, accessed September 30, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Msp business plan the ultimate blueprint for growthGuardz · guardz.com · published June 12, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]About usGuardz · guardz.com · undated page, accessed September 30, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]AI-Native Security Platform Built for MSPs by GuardzGuardz · undated page, accessed October 31, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]Guardz: Unified Cybersecurity Platform Built for MSPGuardz · undated page, accessed October 31, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]AI-Native Security Platform Built for MSPs by GuardzGuardz · undated page, accessed October 31, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]AI-Native Security Platform Built for MSPs by GuardzGuardz · undated page, accessed October 31, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]AI-Native Security Platform Built for MSPs by GuardzGuardz · undated page, accessed October 31, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]AI-Native Security Platform Built for MSPs by GuardzGuardz · undated page, accessed October 31, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]Security Awareness Training for MSPs and EmployeesGuardz · undated page, accessed October 31, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]All-In-One Cloud App Security Solution | GuardzGuardz · undated page, accessed October 31, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]Protect Your Business from External Cyber Threats | GuardzGuardz · undated page, accessed October 31, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Guardz Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features - G2G2 · undated page, accessed October 31, 2026 · Tier C
  14. [14]Adaptive Phishing Simulation Platform for MSP SecurityGuardz · undated page, accessed November 3, 2026 · Tier A
  15. [15]AI-Native Security Platform Built for MSPs by GuardzGuardz · undated page, accessed November 3, 2026 · Tier A
  16. [16]Cyber Risk Prospecting report - Thank-you | Guardz.comGuardz · undated page, accessed November 3, 2026 · Tier A
  17. [17]Exclusive: Guardz brings Palo Alto Networks browser protection to MSPs serving small businessesSiliconANGLE · published November 2, 2026 · Tier B
  18. [18]Guardz Partners with Foxpointe Solutions to Deliver Strategic, Scalable Cybersecurity for MSPs and Their ClientsGuardz · published March 3, 2026 · Tier A

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