CISO Tribune

Vendor comparison · 2 companies

CrowdStrike vs WatchGuard Technologies

CrowdStrike sells the Falcon platform, a set of security products and services that the company says combines security data, AI intelligence, automation and expertise to stop breaches. 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 EDR and XDR and 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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  • CrowdStrike
  • WatchGuard Technologies
CrowdStrike vs WatchGuard Technologies: Products, Customers and Funding Compared
CrowdStrikeCrowdStrike sells the Falcon platform, a set of security products and services that the company says combines security data, AI intelligence, automation and expertise to stop breaches.crowdstrike.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
  • Endpoint Security[1][5]Combines adversary intelligence and AI to stop breaches.
  • Next-Gen Identity Security[1][5]Continuous identity security for human, non-human and AI identities.
  • Cloud Security[1][5]A CNAPP with unified agent and agentless protection, from code to cloud.
  • SaaS Security[5]SSPM with visibility into identities and misconfigurations.
  • Exposure Management[5]Unified exposure management with attack surface visibility and vulnerability management.
  • Falcon Complete[5]24/7 managed detection and response (MDR).
  • 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
Austin, United States[4]Seattle, United States[4]
Founded
2011[3]Not stated on its pages
Ownership and funding
Public (NASDAQ: CRWD)[2][9]Owned by Vector Capital since 2022[6]
Named customers
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Recent news
  • November 4, 2026CrowdStrike launched a sovereign cloud deployment in Saudi Arabia, bringing the Falcon platform to the Kingdom with in-country data residency.[19]
  • November 2, 2026CrowdStrike appointed Roland Stritt as vice president, Europe alliances.[20]
  • August 31, 2026CrowdStrike announced the launch of its Falcon IQ product.[6]
  • August 5, 2026CrowdStrike announced a $100,000 AI security challenge run in collaboration with Amazon Web Services.[7]
  • July 15, 2026CrowdStrike appointed AJ Shipley as its Chief Product Officer.[8]
  • 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 5, 2026[9]
  • 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
From its own pages, CrowdStrike addresses organisations with fragmented security tools that it proposes to replace with the Falcon platform. Falcon Go is presented for businesses that want AI-powered antivirus against ransomware and breaches. CrowdStrike services are presented for organisations preparing for, responding to and recovering from breaches, and for teams that want to advance their security maturity. Charlotte AI is presented for SOC analysts who need unified cross-domain context to investigate. CrowdStrike also addresses organisations deploying AI agents, from deployment to runtime.WatchGuard 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
September 27, 2026September 27, 2026

Where they overlap

  • CrowdStrike and WatchGuard Technologies are both filed under EDR and XDR and Identity threat detection and response.
  • Both are headquartered in the United States.

Where they differ, field by field

  • CrowdStrike's primary category is EDR and XDR; WatchGuard Technologies's is Firewalls and NGFW.
  • CrowdStrike is also filed under Cloud-native application protection (CNAPP). WatchGuard Technologies is also filed under Workforce IAM and SSO.
  • CrowdStrike lists Endpoint Security, Next-Gen Identity Security, Cloud Security, SaaS Security, Exposure Management and 1 more. WatchGuard Technologies lists Unified Security Platform, Firebox M Series, Endpoint Security 360, AuthPoint, Total Identity Security and 2 more.
  • CrowdStrike is headquartered in Austin, United States. WatchGuard Technologies is headquartered in Seattle, United States.
  • CrowdStrike was founded in 2011.
  • CrowdStrike is a public company listed on NASDAQ as CRWD. WatchGuard Technologies is owned by Vector Capital, since 2022.

What it sells: CrowdStrike

What Next-Gen Identity Security does[1][5]
Next-Gen Identity Security is continuous identity security. It covers human, non-human and AI identities.
What Cloud Security does[1][5]
Cloud Security is a CNAPP. It offers unified agent and agentless protection, from code to cloud.
What SaaS Security does[5]
SaaS Security is SSPM. It delivers deep visibility into identities and misconfigurations.
What Exposure Management does[5]
Exposure Management is unified exposure management. It offers complete attack surface visibility and AI-powered vulnerability management.
What Falcon Complete does[5]
Falcon Complete is a managed detection and response (MDR) service. It runs 24/7 and is described as stopping breaches across the entire attack surface.

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 CrowdStrike and WatchGuard Technologies

What do CrowdStrike and WatchGuard Technologies sell?
CrowdStrike sells Endpoint Security, Next-Gen Identity Security, Cloud Security, SaaS Security, Exposure Management and 1 more. WatchGuard Technologies sells Unified Security Platform, Firebox M Series, Endpoint Security 360, AuthPoint, Total Identity Security and 2 more.
Are CrowdStrike and WatchGuard Technologies in the same category?
They share EDR and XDR and Identity threat detection and response. CrowdStrike's primary category is EDR and XDR and WatchGuard Technologies's is Firewalls and NGFW.
Where are CrowdStrike and WatchGuard Technologies headquartered?
CrowdStrike is headquartered in Austin, United States. WatchGuard Technologies is headquartered in Seattle, United States.
When were CrowdStrike and WatchGuard Technologies founded?
CrowdStrike was founded in 2011.
Who owns CrowdStrike and WatchGuard Technologies?
CrowdStrike is a public company listed on NASDAQ as CRWD. WatchGuard Technologies is owned by Vector Capital, since 2022.
Who are CrowdStrike and WatchGuard Technologies sold to?
From its own pages, CrowdStrike addresses organisations with fragmented security tools that it proposes to replace with the Falcon platform. WatchGuard delivers its security to businesses exclusively through managed service provider and reseller partners.
What have CrowdStrike and WatchGuard Technologies announced recently?
November 4, 2026: CrowdStrike launched a sovereign cloud deployment in Saudi Arabia, bringing the Falcon platform to the Kingdom with in-country data residency. July 7, 2026: WatchGuard Technologies appointed Vincent Hwang as Chief Product Officer, reporting to CEO Joe Smolarski.

About CrowdStrike

CrowdStrike sells the Falcon platform, a set of security products and services that the company says combines security data, AI intelligence, automation and expertise to stop breaches.[5]

CrowdStrike describes the Falcon platform as one unified platform to secure the agentic enterprise. CrowdStrike says the platform follows a collect once, use everywhere approach with unified visibility and full context. CrowdStrike says a single lightweight sensor captures high-fidelity telemetry across domains. CrowdStrike says its unified data foundation powers AI-driven protection that detects and stops threats in real time.[5][10]

CrowdStrike describes Endpoint Security as combining adversary intelligence and AI to stop breaches. For endpoints, CrowdStrike offers Falcon Go, Falcon Pro and Falcon Enterprise bundles. Falcon Go is described as simplified cybersecurity with AI-powered antivirus to protect a business from ransomware and breaches. Falcon Pro is described as comprehensive cybersecurity that deploys rapidly with simplified policy enforcement. Falcon Enterprise is described as unified endpoint security with AI-powered endpoint protection and real-time threat detection. CrowdStrike pricing allows monthly payment or annual billing.[1][5]

Next-Gen Identity Security is described as continuous identity security for human, non-human and AI identities. Cloud Security is a CNAPP with unified agent and agentless protection, from code to cloud. SaaS Security is SSPM that delivers deep visibility into identities and misconfigurations. Data Security is described as discovering sensitive data, tracking it in real time, and stopping data theft before it becomes a breach. Seraphic Enterprise Browser is described as protecting users, data and AI in the browser.[1][5]

CrowdStrike sells products aimed at AI adoption. AI Detection & Response is described as securing AI adoption and development, from agents to models to prompts, across endpoints, cloud, and SaaS. CrowdStrike says it discovers every AI agent, governs its access, and detects and stops risky behavior from deployment to runtime. CrowdStrike Falcon Guardian discovers known and shadow AI agents across endpoints, cloud, and software as a service (SaaS). CrowdStrike says Falcon Observe will evaluate agents before they deploy and trace every decision they make. CrowdStrike has announced it will acquire Fiddler to deliver agent observability for AI trust.[5][11][12]

For security operations, Next-Gen SIEM is described as consolidating siloed security tools and data. Agentic SOAR is described as orchestrating agents, workflows and automation across a security ecosystem. Charlotte AI assembles unified cross-domain context, coordinates multi-agent investigations and orchestrates governed response actions. Data Pipeline Management is described as accelerating an agentic SOC transformation with clean, high-quality, real-time data. Adversary OverWatch is described as 24/7 AI-powered, intelligence-led threat hunting across all domains.[5][13][14]

Exposure Management is described as unified exposure management with complete attack surface visibility and AI-powered vulnerability management. IT Automation is described as unifying security and IT on one platform, with one agent and console to reduce complexity and cost. XIoT Security is described as complete visibility and protection for mission-critical XIoT assets.[5]

CrowdStrike sells services to prepare for, respond to and recover from breaches. Falcon Complete is described as 24/7 managed detection and response (MDR) that stops breaches across the entire attack surface. Incident Response is described as 24/7 incident response to contain threats, restore order and mitigate breach impact. Cybersecurity Consulting is described as helping mature a cybersecurity program and mitigate technical risk. CrowdStrike Strategic Advisory Services align cybersecurity initiatives with business objectives, and CrowdStrike Red Team Services emulate sophisticated adversaries using realistic attack scenarios. Platform Services is described as fully operationalizing the Falcon platform and accelerating the time to ROI. Services Retainer is described as on-demand access to CrowdStrike expertise, from rapid response to long term resilience. CrowdStrike also sells operational support services giving expert advice on the optimization and operation of the Falcon platform, performed by the CrowdStrike Services team or one of its Certified Partners.[5][15][16][17]

On deployment, CrowdStrike says a single lightweight sensor is deployed to endpoints and managed through a web console. CrowdStrike says the Falcon platform has no controllers to be installed, configured, updated or maintained, and no on-premises equipment.[1][5][16][18]

CrowdStrike on the record

Sources

CrowdStrike full record

  1. [1]En usCrowdStrike · crowdstrike.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Crowdstrike named leader proactive security platformsCrowdStrike · crowdstrike.com · published September 24, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]57ccf214 5349 45de bac1 644b5d2ae0a5CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. via SEC EDGAR · ir.crowdstrike.com · published June 4, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]717b7579 e6fc 4864 af98 9523d5d4fecbCrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. via SEC EDGAR (Form 10-K) · ir.crowdstrike.com · published March 10, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]CrowdStrike: We Stop Breaches with AI-native CybersecurityCrowdStrike · undated page, accessed October 24, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]CrowdStrike Launches Falcon IQ to Operationalize Project QuiltWorks at Machine SpeedCrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. · published August 31, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]CrowdStrike Announces $100,000 International AI Security ChallengeCrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. · published August 5, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]CrowdStrike Appoints AJ Shipley as Chief Product OfficerCrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. · published July 15, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection PlatformG2 · undated page, accessed October 24, 2026 · Tier C
  10. [10]The CrowdStrike Falcon® Platform | Unified Agentic SecurityCrowdStrike · undated page, accessed November 5, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]AI Agent Security | Secure Autonomous AI Agents | CrowdStrikeCrowdStrike · undated page, accessed November 5, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]Falcon Observe | CrowdStrikeCrowdStrike · undated page, accessed November 5, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Charlotte AI: Agentic Analyst for CybersecurityCrowdStrike · undated page, accessed November 5, 2026 · Tier A
  14. [14]Threat Intelligence & Hunting | CrowdStrikeCrowdStrike · undated page, accessed November 5, 2026 · Tier A
  15. [15]Managed and On-Demand Cybersecurity Services | CrowdStrikeCrowdStrike · undated page, accessed November 5, 2026 · Tier A
  16. [16]Cybersecurity Consulting Services | CrowdStrikeCrowdStrike · undated page, accessed November 5, 2026 · Tier A
  17. [17]CrowdStrike Falcon® Operational Support ServicesCrowdStrike · undated page, accessed November 5, 2026 · Tier A
  18. [18]CrowdStrike Deployment FAQ | CrowdStrikeCrowdStrike · undated page, accessed November 5, 2026 · Tier A
  19. [19]CrowdStrike Launches Sovereign Cloud in Saudi Arabia, Bringing AI-Native Cybersecurity to the KingdomCrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. · published November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  20. [20]CrowdStrike Appoints Cybersecurity Industry Veteran Roland Stritt to Accelerate European Alliance GrowthCrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. · published November 2, 2026 · Tier A

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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