CISO Tribune

Vendor comparison · 2 companies

Guardz vs Microsoft

Guardz sells an MSP-ready security platform that brings identity, endpoint, email, data, awareness, and exposure protection together. Microsoft Defender offers threat prevention, detection and response capabilities. CISO Tribune files both under EDR and XDR. 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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  • Guardz
  • Microsoft
Guardz vs Microsoft: Products, Customers and Funding Compared
GuardzGuardz sells an MSP-ready security platform that brings identity, endpoint, email, data, awareness, and exposure protection together.guardz.comMicrosoftMicrosoft Defender offers threat prevention, detection and response capabilities.microsoft.com
What it sells
  • 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.
  • Microsoft Defender[1][11][12][23][25]Threat protection that prevents, detects and responds to attacks across devices, identities, applications, email, data, workloads and cloud environments.
  • Microsoft Sentinel[1][23]A cloud-native SIEM built for AI.
  • Microsoft Purview[1][14][23][24][25]Unified information protection, governance and compliance products.
  • Microsoft Entra[1][15][23][25]Identity and access products that verify every identity and access request across clouds, platforms and devices.
  • Microsoft Intune[1][16][23][25]Endpoint management products for device security and hybrid work.
  • Microsoft Defender Suite[12]Threat protection and detection and response across endpoints, identities, email and SaaS apps.
  • Microsoft Entra Suite[15]An extension to Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 for secure workforce use of apps and AI.
  • Microsoft Purview Suite[14]A suite that provides advanced data security and compliance capabilities.
Categories
Headquarters
Not stated on its pagesRedmond, United States[3]
Founded
Not stated on its pages1975[2]
Ownership and funding
Privately held[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]Public (NASDAQ: MSFT)[4][10][22]
Named customers
Not stated on its pages
  • Best Buy[5]
  • Danfoss[6]
  • Oregon State University[7]
Recent news
  • 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]
  • July 29, 2026Microsoft reported revenue of $90.0 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, up 18% year over year.[8]
  • July 27, 2026Microsoft introduced Project Perception, an agentic security system that uses AI to turn signals into real-time protections.[21]
  • May 1, 2026Microsoft announced general availability of Microsoft 365 E7 and Microsoft Agent 365 on May 1, 2026.[28]
  • April 29, 2026Microsoft reported revenue of $82.9 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, up 18% from a year earlier.[9]
  • December 22, 2025Microsoft announced the Defender Experts suite, an expert-led security offering for resellers and scale solution providers, generally available from January 1, 2026.[20]
G2 and Gartner Peer Insights
  • G2: listed, seen November 3, 2026[13]
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
  • G2: listed, seen November 10, 2026[10]
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
Who it fits
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.From its own pages, Microsoft sells security products for businesses of any size. Microsoft 365 Business Premium is aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, and Microsoft Defender is designed to protect individuals, businesses and enterprises. Microsoft refers to enterprise and government cloud customers, and Providence Care, a healthcare organization, uses Microsoft 365 E5 for healthcare security.
Last verified
September 30, 2026November 2, 2026

Where they overlap

  • Guardz and Microsoft are both filed under EDR and XDR.

Where they differ, field by field

  • Guardz's primary category is MDR and managed SOC; Microsoft's is EDR and XDR.
  • Guardz is also filed under Identity threat detection and response and Email security. Microsoft is also filed under SIEM, Workforce IAM and SSO and Endpoint management and application control.
  • Guardz lists Email Security, Security Awareness Training and Phishing Simulation. Microsoft lists Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Entra, Microsoft Intune and 3 more.
  • Microsoft is headquartered in Redmond, United States.
  • Microsoft was founded in 1975.
  • Guardz is privately held. Microsoft is a public company listed on NASDAQ as MSFT.
  • Microsoft publicly names Best Buy, Danfoss and Oregon State University.

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.

What it sells: Microsoft

What Microsoft Defender does[1][11][12][23][25]
Microsoft Defender is a threat protection solution designed to protect individuals, businesses and enterprises from malicious cyberthreats. Microsoft Defender coordinates protection across endpoints, identity, email, apps and cloud.
What Microsoft Purview does[1][14][23][24][25]
Microsoft Purview offers a unified approach to help organizations secure and govern data across their heterogenous data estate. Microsoft Purview covers on-premises, multicloud and SaaS environments, and structured and unstructured data. Microsoft Purview features are purchased through different licenses or on a pay-as-you-go basis.
What Microsoft Entra does[1][15][23][25]
Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) was renamed Microsoft Entra ID in 2023. Purchase starts with Microsoft Entra ID P1 or P2 license subscriptions, which can also be purchased as part of a Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 license.
What Microsoft Intune does[1][16][23][25]
Microsoft Intune offers advanced endpoint management and security capabilities available as standalone add-ons or as part of the Intune Suite. Microsoft Intune Plan 1 is the endpoint management solution included in most Microsoft 365 enterprise licenses. Plan 1 covers cross-platform device management, built-in security, mobile application management and endpoint analytics.
What Microsoft Defender Suite does[12]
Microsoft Defender Suite focuses on threat protection and detection and response across endpoints, identities, email and SaaS apps. The integrated security operations center (ISOC) is included in the Defender Suite.
What Microsoft Entra Suite does[15]
Microsoft Entra Suite extends Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 to enable secure workforce use of apps and AI with continuous, adaptive identity and network access controls across employees, apps and networks. Microsoft Entra Suite requires a subscription to Microsoft Entra ID P1 or a package that includes Microsoft Entra ID P1.

Questions about Guardz and Microsoft

What do Guardz and Microsoft sell?
Guardz sells Email Security, Security Awareness Training and Phishing Simulation. Microsoft sells Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Entra, Microsoft Intune and 3 more.
Are Guardz and Microsoft in the same category?
They share EDR and XDR. Guardz's primary category is MDR and managed SOC and Microsoft's is EDR and XDR.
Where are Guardz and Microsoft headquartered?
Microsoft is headquartered in Redmond, United States.
When were Guardz and Microsoft founded?
Microsoft was founded in 1975.
Who owns Guardz and Microsoft?
Guardz is privately held. Microsoft is a public company listed on NASDAQ as MSFT.
Which customers do Guardz and Microsoft name?
Microsoft publicly names Best Buy, Danfoss and Oregon State University.
Who are Guardz and Microsoft sold to?
From its own pages, Guardz sells mainly to MSPs, and describes its platform as built for them. From its own pages, Microsoft sells security products for businesses of any size.
What have Guardz and Microsoft announced recently?
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. July 29, 2026: Microsoft reported revenue of $90.0 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, up 18% year over year.

About Guardz

Guardz sells an MSP-ready security platform that brings identity, endpoint, email, data, awareness, and exposure protection together. Guardz says attackers move across identities, email, endpoints, web, and data. Guardz connects the entire workspace through a unified data fabric, enabling autonomous detection, investigation, prioritization, and response. Guardz describes one data fabric with three layers, including intelligence that learns and agents that triage and respond. Guardz says it automatically correlates signals across customer environments so a team can see what matters, act faster, and show the value behind each action.[1][2]

Identity Threat Detection & Response (ITDR) verifies MFA and security settings, and benchmarks and analyzes user behavior to flag suspicious activity. ITDR monitors identity behavior across the cloud to detect unusual activity, correlate risk signals and trigger targeted responses. Guardz natively integrates with M365 and GWS to run analysis across the most critical cloud logs without complex integrations or service accounts. Guardz lets teams suspend compromised accounts and isolate users in a single action to contain attacks before they spread.[2]

Guardz offers AI-native EDR with SentinelOne embedded and Managed AV with Windows Defender, which Guardz says ensure real-time protection across devices. SentinelOne provides the endpoint engine, and Guardz makes it operational across clients. Managed AV supports Windows and Macs, while SentinelOne EDR supports Windows, Mac and Linux. Kill, Quarantine, Remediate, Roll-Back and Isolate Device can be automated, triggered by the MSP or executed by the MDR team. SentinelOne licenses are included in the Ultimate Plan, and alerts are managed by the Guardz MDR team. Guardz agents can be deployed through RMM and MDM flows with minimal end-user involvement. Alerts from Guardz can be sent through email and syslog into existing workflows.[2]

AI runs response playbooks at machine speed to contain threats and automate remediation, with 24/7 MDR experts handling cases that need human investigation and action. MDR adds human investigation and response around the clock.

Guardz email protection uses an API-based and AI-native engine to prevent credential theft, ransomware, and impersonation threats in real time. Check Point Harmony powers Guardz Email Security, stopping email threats with connected security operations for MSPs across clients. Cloud Data Protection works by analyzing user activity and behavior within cloud applications to identify and prevent threats. Guardz scans the settings, security configurations, user activity logs and token grants of cloud applications through public APIs.[2]

Guardz offers web security through a browser extension that escalates risk around employees exposed to malicious sites, web redirects, and unsafe extensions. Prisma Browser for Business uses the context of the active browsing session to detect and block threats as users encounter them. Guardz connects browser blocks and policy events with identity, email, and endpoint activity. Guardz scans for open ports and public exposures to prevent malicious actors from accessing vulnerable and outdated services. Guardz continuously monitors the internet for leaked credentials and exfiltrated data.

Guardz offers pre-scheduled security awareness training that alters behavior and limits human-driven cyber risks before they escalate. Guardz helps teams plan, launch and track automated training campaigns that boost employee vigilance and shut down human-driven risks. Campaign frequency can be set monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly. Guardz Phishing Simulation empowers MSPs to run lifelike, AI-generated attacks tailored by tone, industry, and language. Training videos and phishing simulations are available in more than 70 languages. Failed simulations trigger an awareness issue, and admins can assign instant training.[2][14][15]

Guardz builds its platform for MSPs. Guardz lets MSPs centrally navigate the security of multiple clients, either aggregated or in their unique individual environments. MSPs can set global configurations once and push them across every client, with automated detection and remediation working continuously in the background. Prospecting Reports scan a client's public-facing assets to uncover security gaps. Evidence mapping reports how Guardz security controls align with frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR. Guardz client reports are delivered monthly, quarterly, or on-demand and highlight threats, risk, and mitigation activity.[1][3][16]

Guardz on the record

Sources

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

Microsoft full record

  1. [1]Cloud Security Solutions | Microsoft SecurityMicrosoft · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]AboutMicrosoft · news.microsoft.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]Msft 20240630Microsoft Corporation via SEC EDGAR · sec.gov · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]7c96b326 33bc 4b84 8abb 7afd7a517ea3Microsoft Corporation · microsoft.gcs-web.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]25053 best buy microsoft sentinelMicrosoft · microsoft.com · published August 25, 2025 · Tier A
  6. [6]22786 danfoss microsoft sentinelMicrosoft · microsoft.com · published March 7, 2025 · Tier A
  7. [7]1747330384796486050 oregon state university microsoft security copilot higher education en united statesMicrosoft · microsoft.com · published March 14, 2024 · Tier A
  8. [8]Microsoft cloud and ai strength fuels fourth quarter results 4Microsoft · news.microsoft.com · published July 29, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]Microsoft cloud and ai strength fuels third quarter resultsMicrosoft · news.microsoft.com · published April 29, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]Microsoft 365 Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features - G2G2 · undated page, accessed October 26, 2026 · Tier C
  11. [11]Microsoft Defender—Cybersecurity Solutions | Microsoft SecurityMicrosoft · undated page, accessed November 3, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]Microsoft Defender Suite | Microsoft SecurityMicrosoft · undated page, accessed November 3, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Microsoft Purview Suite | Microsoft SecurityMicrosoft · undated page, accessed November 3, 2026 · Tier A
  14. [14]Microsoft Purview Pricing | Microsoft SecurityMicrosoft · undated page, accessed November 3, 2026 · Tier A
  15. [15]Microsoft Entra Pricing | Microsoft SecurityMicrosoft · undated page, accessed November 3, 2026 · Tier A
  16. [16]Microsoft Intune Pricing | Microsoft SecurityMicrosoft · undated page, accessed November 3, 2026 · Tier A
  17. [17]Cybersecurity for small and medium business | Microsoft SecurityMicrosoft · undated page, accessed November 3, 2026 · Tier A
  18. [18]Security Copilot agents in Microsoft 365 E5 | Microsoft SecurityMicrosoft · undated page, accessed November 3, 2026 · Tier A
  19. [19]Microsoft Defender Pricing | Microsoft SecurityMicrosoft · undated page, accessed November 3, 2026 · Tier A
  20. [20]December 2025 announcements - Partner Center announcementsMicrosoft Learn · published December 22, 2025 · Tier A
  21. [21]Rethinking security for the age of AIThe Official Microsoft Blog · published July 27, 2026 · Tier A
  22. [22]Microsoft Reviews, Ratings & Features 2026 | Gartner Peer InsightsGartner Peer Insights · undated page, accessed November 3, 2026 · Tier C
  23. [23]Microsoft 365 Security Enterprise Plans| Microsoft SecurityMicrosoft · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  24. [24]Microsoft Purview: Data Security and Governance | Microsoft SecurityMicrosoft · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  25. [25]CybersecurityMicrosoft · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  26. [26]Microsoft Defender Suite for Microsoft 365 Business Premium | Microsoft SecurityMicrosoft · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  27. [27]Microsoft Mobile Phone Authenticator | Microsoft SecurityMicrosoft · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  28. [28]Leading Frontier Firm transformation with Microsoft 365 E7: The partner opportunityMicrosoft · published May 1, 2026 · Tier A

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