CISO Tribune

Vendor comparison · 2 companies

Beyond Identity vs WatchGuard Technologies

Beyond Identity sells the Identity Defense Platform, which governs access across users, machines, and agents with identity that is cryptographically bound and credential-free. WatchGuard Technologies sells a Unified Security Platform that combines network, endpoint, identity and cloud protection, purpose-built for MSPs servicing midsize companies and SMBs. CISO Tribune files both under Identity threat detection and response. 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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  • Beyond Identity
  • WatchGuard Technologies
Beyond Identity vs WatchGuard Technologies: Products, Customers and Funding Compared
Beyond IdentityBeyond Identity sells the Identity Defense Platform, which governs access across users, machines, and agents with identity that is cryptographically bound and credential-free.beyondidentity.comWatchGuard TechnologiesWatchGuard Technologies sells a Unified Security Platform that combines network, endpoint, identity and cloud protection, purpose-built for MSPs servicing midsize companies and SMBs.watchguard.com
What it sells
  • Identity Defense Platform[1]Platform for governing access across users, machines, and agents.
  • Phishing-Resistant MFA[1][2][8]Single-device, passwordless MFA for every authentication.
  • Unified Security Platform[1][5]WatchGuard unifies network, endpoint, identity and cloud protection under one agent, one console and one AI intelligence layer.
  • Firebox M Series[9]Firebox M Series rackmount appliances provide NGFW features.
  • Endpoint Security 360[11]WatchGuard Endpoint Security 360 is an autonomous zero trust endpoint detection and response solution.
  • AuthPoint[7][12][13]WatchGuard AuthPoint provides cloud-based authentication and access to applications.
  • Total Identity Security[13]Total Identity Security combines AuthPoint MFA with Dark Web Credential Monitoring.
  • WatchGuard Cloud[1][5][7][9][13]WatchGuard Cloud is built for MSPs and gives one place to deploy, standardize, monitor and report across all customers.
  • Compliance Reporting[15]WatchGuard Compliance Reporting offers configurable compliance controls and reports for regulatory needs.
Categories
Headquarters
Not stated on its pagesSeattle, United States[4]
Founded
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Ownership and funding
Not stated on its pagesOwned by Vector Capital since 2022[6]
Named customers
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Recent news
Not stated on its pages
  • July 7, 2026WatchGuard Technologies appointed Vincent Hwang as Chief Product Officer, reporting to CEO Joe Smolarski.[16]
G2 and Gartner Peer Insights
  • G2: listed, seen November 10, 2026[12]
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
  • G2: Not stated on its pages
  • Gartner Peer Insights: listed, seen October 30, 2026[6]
Who it fits
Not written yetWatchGuard delivers its security to businesses exclusively through managed service provider and reseller partners. Businesses receive protection configured and managed for them by a local WatchGuard partner. WatchGuard describes its devices as suited to securing branch offices, distributed networks and large data centers. WatchGuard secure access points are described for small offices, retail locations, schools, warehouses and outdoor deployments. WatchGuard Endpoint Security 360 is described as suited to organizations and MSPs.
Last verified
November 2, 2026September 27, 2026

Where they overlap

  • Beyond Identity and WatchGuard Technologies are both filed under Identity threat detection and response.

Where they differ, field by field

  • Beyond Identity's primary category is Passwordless authentication and authenticators; WatchGuard Technologies's is Firewalls and NGFW.
  • Beyond Identity is also filed under Non-human identity security and Identity verification. WatchGuard Technologies is also filed under EDR and XDR and Workforce IAM and SSO.
  • Beyond Identity lists Identity Defense Platform and Phishing-Resistant MFA. WatchGuard Technologies lists Unified Security Platform, Firebox M Series, Endpoint Security 360, AuthPoint, Total Identity Security and 2 more.
  • WatchGuard Technologies is headquartered in Seattle, United States.
  • WatchGuard Technologies is owned by Vector Capital, since 2022.

What it sells: Beyond Identity

What Identity Defense Platform does[1]
Beyond Identity offers the Identity Defense Platform to govern access across users, machines, and agents. The platform uses identity that is cryptographically bound and credential-free. Beyond Identity describes identity defense for the era of AI as comprised of four foundational offerings.
What Phishing-Resistant MFA does[1][2][8]
Phishing-Resistant MFA from Beyond Identity is single-device, passwordless MFA to secure every authentication. Phishing-Resistant MFA protects access from managed and unmanaged devices, like BYOD, mobile phones, and contractors.

What it sells: WatchGuard Technologies

What Firebox M Series does[9]
Firebox M Series rackmount appliances provide NGFW features. Firebox rackmount appliances integrate with WatchGuard Cloud and ThreatSync and offer centralized management and AI-powered XDR correlation.
What Endpoint Security 360 does[11]
WatchGuard Endpoint Security 360 is an autonomous zero trust endpoint detection and response solution that blocks unknown applications automatically and continuously monitors trusted applications for signs of compromise. WatchGuard Endpoint Security 360 provides visibility into blocked executions, compromised trusted applications and the progression of attacks across endpoints.
What AuthPoint does[7][12][13]
WatchGuard AuthPoint provides cloud-based authentication and access to applications. AuthPoint MFA supports push, passkeys, TOTP, QR codes, hardware tokens and zero trust policies. AuthPoint is managed in WatchGuard Cloud, which configures policies, synchronizes users and enforces controls from one interface.
What Total Identity Security does[13]
Total Identity Security combines AuthPoint MFA with Dark Web Credential Monitoring. WatchGuard continuously monitors workforce user credentials across dark web, deep web and breach databases using AI-driven intelligence, and can alert affected end users directly. WatchGuard Cloud lets MSPs manage MFA and credential monitoring across customer accounts.
What WatchGuard Cloud does[1][5][7][9][13]
WatchGuard Cloud is built for MSPs and gives one place to deploy, standardize, monitor and report across all customers. ThreatSync XDR is part of WatchGuard Cloud and correlates activity across WatchGuard security layers. WatchGuard Cloud provides visibility, configuration control and real-time threat monitoring so MSPs can manage network security from anywhere with an Internet connection.
What Compliance Reporting does[15]
WatchGuard Compliance Reporting offers configurable compliance controls and reports for regulatory needs. WatchGuard Compliance Reporting is integrated with WatchGuard NDR and WatchGuard SaaS, delivering over 100 AI-refined network cybersecurity controls. WatchGuard Compliance Reporting includes configurable compliance report templates for ISO-27001, NIST 800-53, NIST 171/CMMC, UK Cyber Essentials, FFIEC, CISA Ransomware Defense, Cyber Insurance Compliance and Supply Chain Compliance.

Questions about Beyond Identity and WatchGuard Technologies

What do Beyond Identity and WatchGuard Technologies sell?
Beyond Identity sells Identity Defense Platform and Phishing-Resistant MFA. WatchGuard Technologies sells Unified Security Platform, Firebox M Series, Endpoint Security 360, AuthPoint, Total Identity Security and 2 more.
Are Beyond Identity and WatchGuard Technologies in the same category?
They share Identity threat detection and response. Beyond Identity's primary category is Passwordless authentication and authenticators and WatchGuard Technologies's is Firewalls and NGFW.
Where are Beyond Identity and WatchGuard Technologies headquartered?
WatchGuard Technologies is headquartered in Seattle, United States.
Who owns Beyond Identity and WatchGuard Technologies?
WatchGuard Technologies is owned by Vector Capital, since 2022.
Who are Beyond Identity and WatchGuard Technologies sold to?
WatchGuard delivers its security to businesses exclusively through managed service provider and reseller partners.
What have Beyond Identity and WatchGuard Technologies announced recently?
July 7, 2026: WatchGuard Technologies appointed Vincent Hwang as Chief Product Officer, reporting to CEO Joe Smolarski.

About Beyond Identity

Beyond Identity sells the Identity Defense Platform, which governs access across users, machines, and agents with identity that is cryptographically bound and credential-free. Beyond Identity describes identity defense for the era of AI as comprised of four foundational offerings. Beyond Identity offers passwordless, device-bound authentication that cryptographically ties every login to a specific device. Beyond Identity offers a way to prevent compromised devices from accessing resources, committing code, or building with AI agents. Beyond Identity offers a way to identify deepfake attacks in real-time by continuously verifying both the user and their device during meetings and chats. Beyond Identity applies device-bound authentication and continuous posture verification to non-human identities and AI agents, the same as for human users. Beyond Identity states that service accounts, API keys, and AI agents operate invisibly across infrastructure.[1]

Beyond Identity describes its phishing-resistant MFA as single-device, passwordless MFA to secure every authentication. Beyond Identity states that device-bound passkeys replace passwords, OTPs, and second-device factors like push notifications. Beyond Identity protects users and devices across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and ChromeOS. Beyond Identity states that device-bound passkeys remove the need for a second device, push notifications, or OTPs.[1][2][3][4][5]

Beyond Identity also sells Secure SSO. Beyond Identity's Secure SSO authenticates users with phishing-resistant, device-bound credentials. Beyond Identity's Secure SSO defines app-by-app access controls based on roles and device health across every platform and OS. Beyond Identity's Secure SSO sets stricter access policies for critical apps like codebases, IP documents, and financial apps. Beyond Identity says its Secure SSO can operate as a standalone secure access layer or augment SSO/IAM for hardened authentication.[1][5]

Beyond Identity verifies device health continuously across managed and unmanaged devices before and during every session. Beyond Identity's device trust shows real-time posture such as OS version, firewall status, disk encryption, EDR, and more. Beyond Identity states that common device checks include firewall, antivirus, jailbreaking status, and corporate EDR/MDM registration. Beyond Identity blocks access from untrusted devices based on security posture: disk encryption, EDR, firewall, OS version, and more. Beyond Identity monitors post-authentication risk continuously, and access can be revoked immediately if conditions change. Beyond Identity's policy engine continuously evaluates native and integrated signals, triggering access revocation or step-up authentication the moment conditions change. Beyond Identity protects corporate resources accessed by BYOD, contractors, and unmanaged endpoints, regardless of what OS they use. Beyond Identity states that it does not collect any unnecessary data that could infringe on user privacy, and does not store biometric data.[1][2][3][5][6][7][11]

Beyond Identity deploys RealityCheck directly through a Zoom or Teams environment for meetings and chats.[1][7]

Beyond Identity integrates with AWS to provide phishing-resistant MFA. Beyond Identity's CrowdStrike Falcon integration validates the presence of the Falcon agent on the endpoint to enforce device trust. Beyond Identity ingests CrowdStrike user and device risk signals derived from CrowdStrike Falcon Zero Trust Assessment (ZTA) scores. Beyond Identity provides DataDog with full authentication event data. Beyond Identity builds risk-based access policies with additional context from Jamf. Beyond Identity blocks risky devices that do not meet EDR, MDM, and ZTNA standards by integrating with an existing security stack.[2][7][8]

Beyond Identity addresses PCI DSS requirements, and specifically Requirement 8, by employing device-bound certificates. Beyond Identity states that it is authorized to operate in federal environments through the SMX FedRAMP Moderate platform. Beyond Identity offers Device-Bound Credentials (DBC) to replace passwords, one-time codes, and push notifications. Beyond Identity works natively with a current ICAM stack. Beyond Identity sees and enforces device posture in real time to prevent compromised or non-compliant endpoints from entering a network or moving laterally.[1][7][9][10]

Beyond Identity on the record

Sources

Beyond Identity full record

  1. [1]Beyond Identity | The Only Platform Built to Eliminate Identity-Based AttacksBeyond Identity · undated page, accessed November 2, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Phishing-Resistant MFA | Eliminate Credential AttacksBeyond Identity · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]Identity Security Platform for End-to-End Access Control | Beyond IdentityBeyond Identity · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]Get Rid of Passwords | Beyond Identity Passwordless MFABeyond Identity · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]Secure SSO with Continuous User & Device Trust | Beyond IdentityBeyond Identity · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]Device Security | Continuous Authentication for BYOD & Unmanaged DevicesBeyond Identity · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]Stop AI Fraud with Real-Time User & Device Verification | Beyond IdentityBeyond Identity · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]Beyond Identity Integrations | Secure Access EcosystemBeyond Identity · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]Meet Compliance Requirements | Beyond Identity Security SolutionsBeyond Identity · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]Beyond Identity for GovernmentBeyond Identity · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]Eliminate Identity-Based Attacks | Beyond Identity Secure Access SolutionBeyond Identity · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]Beyond Identity Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & FeaturesG2 · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier C

WatchGuard Technologies full record

  1. [1]watchguard.comWatchGuard Technologies · watchguard.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Watchguard launches new high performance firebox appliances secure modernWatchGuard Technologies · watchguard.com · published June 2, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]vectorcapital.comVector Capital · vectorcapital.com · published July 5, 2022 · Tier A
  4. [4]Dex991WatchGuard Technologies via SEC EDGAR · sec.gov · published July 25, 2006 · Tier A
  5. [5]WatchGuard | Comprehensive Cybersecurity SolutionsWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed October 30, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]WatchGuard Reviews, Ratings & Features 2026 | Gartner Peer InsightsGartner Peer Insights · undated page, accessed October 30, 2026 · Tier C
  7. [7]Centralized Management & Visibility | WatchGuard CloudWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]Managed Security Services for MSPs | WatchGuardWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]Rackmount Firewall Appliances | WatchGuardWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]WatchGuard Endpoint Security | AI-Powered ProtectionWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]WatchGuard Endpoint Security 360 - Zero Trust EDRWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]AuthPoint 30-Day Free Trial | WatchGuard Free AuthPointWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]AuthPoint Total Identity Security | WatchGuardWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  14. [14]Secure Wireless APs for Your Business | WatchGuardWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  15. [15]Compliance Reporting | WatchGuardWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  16. [16]WatchGuard Appoints Vincent Hwang as Chief Product OfficerWatchGuard Technologies · published July 7, 2026 · Tier A

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