CISO Tribune

Vendor comparison · 2 companies

Guardz vs Palo Alto Networks

Guardz sells an MSP-ready security platform that brings identity, endpoint, email, data, awareness, and exposure protection together. Palo Alto Networks sells network security, security operations, cloud security, identity security, AI security and observability platforms, along with threat intelligence and incident response services. 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.

Change the companies

Up to four companies side by side.

  • Guardz
  • Palo Alto Networks
Guardz vs Palo Alto Networks: Products, Customers and Funding Compared
GuardzGuardz sells an MSP-ready security platform that brings identity, endpoint, email, data, awareness, and exposure protection together.guardz.comPalo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks sells network security, security operations, cloud security, identity security, AI security and observability platforms, along with threat intelligence and incident response services.paloaltonetworks.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.
  • Strata[1][12][21]A network security platform built for Zero Trust and powered by AI.
  • Next-Generation Firewalls[20]Physical appliances and virtualized firewalls that can be managed with Panorama.
  • Cortex XSIAM[22]A security operations platform used by Abraxas.
  • Cortex XCOR[12]An AI-driven platform for observability.
  • Cortex Cloud[1][23]A cloud security product that unifies posture, runtime and investigation workflows.
  • Idira[1][11][12][25]An identity security product for human, machine and agentic identities.
  • Prisma AIRS[26][27]An AI security platform for enterprise AI applications and LLM deployments.
  • Prisma AIRS AI Gateway[27]A product that brings AI governance, identity and runtime controls together.
Categories
Headquarters
Not stated on its pagesSanta Clara, United States[24]
Founded
Not stated on its pages2005[4][24]
Ownership and funding
Privately held[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]Public (NASDAQ: PANW)[2][9][13][15][18][19][21][22][30][32][33]
Named customers
Not stated on its pages
  • Village Roadshow[5]
  • Banco Inter[6]
  • State of Louisiana[7]
  • Boyne Resorts[8]
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]
  • September 22, 2026Palo Alto Networks announced a new service that lets enterprises continuously find and fix exposures before attackers weaponize them.[17]
  • September 1, 2026Palo Alto Networks acquired Console, an AI-native platform that adds agentic capabilities to security operations workflows.[9]
  • September 1, 2026Palo Alto Networks reported fiscal fourth-quarter 2026 revenue of $3.41 billion, up 34% year over year.[10]
  • May 29, 2026Palo Alto Networks announced it has closed its acquisition of Portkey, a company focused on AI Gateways.[30]
  • May 12, 2026Palo Alto Networks launched Idira, an identity security platform for discovering, controlling and governing human, machine and agentic identities.[11]
G2 and Gartner Peer Insights
  • G2: listed, seen November 3, 2026[13]
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
  • G2: Not stated on its pages
  • Gartner Peer Insights: listed, seen November 4, 2026[19]
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, Palo Alto Networks sells network security for branch offices, data centers, public cloud environments and mobile networks. Its customer stories name a tire manufacturer headquartered in India and a provider of IT solutions for the public sector in Switzerland. That provider has state and local government organisations under management. Its pages describe operational technology security for networks that manage physical hardware across manufacturing plants and water utilities, and cover healthcare delivery organizations such as hospitals and clinics.
Last verified
September 30, 2026October 10, 2026

Where they overlap

  • Guardz and Palo Alto Networks are both filed under EDR and XDR.

Where they differ, field by field

  • Guardz's primary category is MDR and managed SOC; Palo Alto Networks's is Firewalls and NGFW.
  • Guardz is also filed under Identity threat detection and response and Email security. Palo Alto Networks is also filed under Cloud-native application protection (CNAPP) and Privileged access management.
  • Guardz lists Email Security, Security Awareness Training and Phishing Simulation. Palo Alto Networks lists Strata, Next-Generation Firewalls, Cortex XSIAM, Cortex XCOR, Cortex Cloud and 3 more.
  • Palo Alto Networks is headquartered in Santa Clara, United States.
  • Palo Alto Networks was founded in 2005.
  • Guardz is privately held. Palo Alto Networks is a public company listed on NASDAQ as PANW.
  • Palo Alto Networks publicly names Village Roadshow, Banco Inter, State of Louisiana and Boyne Resorts.

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: Palo Alto Networks

What Strata does[1][12][21]
Palo Alto Networks says the Strata Network Security Platform is built for Zero Trust and powered by AI. Palo Alto Networks says Strata proactively monitors, analyzes and prevents sophisticated threats in real time.
What Next-Generation Firewalls does[20]
Palo Alto Networks offers next-generation firewalls as physical appliances and virtualized firewalls. They can be managed individually or centrally using Panorama, and Strata Cloud Manager supports them. Palo Alto Networks says its NGFW uses App-ID technology to classify applications across all ports.
What Cortex XSIAM does[22]
Abraxas says Cortex XSIAM unites SIEM and EDR in one integrated solution. Cortex XSIAM provides SecOps across 3,000 clients and in-house Abraxas devices.
What Prisma AIRS does[26][27]
Prisma AIRS is an AI security platform designed to secure the entire enterprise AI ecosystem and to protect AI applications and LLM deployments. Prisma AIRS offers deployment modes such as Network Intercept and API Intercept.
What Prisma AIRS AI Gateway does[27]
Prisma AIRS AI Gateway brings AI governance, identity and runtime controls together in one place. Prisma AIRS AI Gateway intercepts and optimizes agentic traffic while inspecting and securing communications to protect agents from attacks.

Questions about Guardz and Palo Alto Networks

What do Guardz and Palo Alto Networks sell?
Guardz sells Email Security, Security Awareness Training and Phishing Simulation. Palo Alto Networks sells Strata, Next-Generation Firewalls, Cortex XSIAM, Cortex XCOR, Cortex Cloud and 3 more.
Are Guardz and Palo Alto Networks in the same category?
They share EDR and XDR. Guardz's primary category is MDR and managed SOC and Palo Alto Networks's is Firewalls and NGFW.
Where are Guardz and Palo Alto Networks headquartered?
Palo Alto Networks is headquartered in Santa Clara, United States.
When were Guardz and Palo Alto Networks founded?
Palo Alto Networks was founded in 2005.
Who owns Guardz and Palo Alto Networks?
Guardz is privately held. Palo Alto Networks is a public company listed on NASDAQ as PANW.
Which customers do Guardz and Palo Alto Networks name?
Palo Alto Networks publicly names Village Roadshow, Banco Inter, State of Louisiana and Boyne Resorts.
Who are Guardz and Palo Alto Networks sold to?
From its own pages, Guardz sells mainly to MSPs, and describes its platform as built for them. From its own pages, Palo Alto Networks sells network security for branch offices, data centers, public cloud environments and mobile networks.
What have Guardz and Palo Alto Networks 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. September 22, 2026: Palo Alto Networks announced a new service that lets enterprises continuously find and fix exposures before attackers weaponize them.

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

Palo Alto Networks full record

  1. [1]paloaltonetworks.comPalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Palo alto networks to announce fiscal second quarter 2026 financial results on tuesday february 17 2026Palo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · published February 3, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]Panw 20250731Palo Alto Networks via SEC EDGAR · sec.gov · published July 31, 2025 · Tier A
  4. [4]Palo alto networks global identity operations faqPalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · undated page, accessed October 10, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]Village roadshow fortifies entertainment empire with ai powered cybersecurityPalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · undated page, accessed October 10, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]Banco inter resolves cases faster with cortex xsiamPalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · undated page, accessed October 10, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]Louisiana scales security using ai driven cortex xsiamPalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · undated page, accessed October 10, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]Boyne resorts achieves game changing soc improvements with cortex xsiam and unit 42 mdrPalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · undated page, accessed October 10, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]Palo alto networks acquires console to agentify securityPalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · published September 1, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]Palo alto networks reports fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year 2026 financial resultsPalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · published September 1, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]Palo alto networks introduces idira the next generation identity security platform built for the ai enterprisePalo Alto Networks · paloaltonetworks.com · published May 12, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]Leader in Cybersecurity Protection & Software for the Modern Enterprises - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Advanced Threat Prevention - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier A
  14. [14]Legitimate SaaS Platforms Being Used to Host Phishing AttacksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier A
  15. [15]Palo Alto Networks Completes Chronosphere Acquisition, Unifying Observability and Security for the AI EraPalo Alto Networks · published January 29, 2026 · Tier A
  16. [16]Palo Alto Networks to Acquire Portkey to Secure the Rise of AI AgentsPalo Alto Networks · published April 30, 2026 · Tier A
  17. [17]Palo Alto Networks Delivers Anthropic's Mythos and OpenAI's GPT-5.6 to Customers with Unit 42 Continuous Frontier AI DefensePalo Alto Networks · published September 22, 2026 · Tier A
  18. [18]Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls Reviews & Product DetailsG2 · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier C
  19. [19]Palo Alto Networks Reviews, Ratings & Features 2026 - GartnerGartner Peer Insights · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier C
  20. [20]Next-Generation Firewalls - Product Selection - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  21. [21]Next-Generation Firewalls - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  22. [22]Abraxas unlocks agile, AI-powered SecOps across the Swiss public sector using Cortex XSIAM - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  23. [23]Navigate the Cortex Cloud Runtime Security docs | Cortex Documentation PortalPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  24. [24]Apollo Tyres unifies security and slashes MTTR with Palo Alto Networks - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  25. [25]Authorized Training Partners - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  26. [26]Prisma AIRS - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  27. [27]The AI Control Plane for the Enterprise - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  28. [28]What Is Healthcare Cybersecurity? - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  29. [29]What Is OT Security? Definition, Architecture & Guide - Palo Alto NetworksPalo Alto Networks · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  30. [30]Palo Alto Networks Completes Acquisition of Portkey to Secure AI AgentsPalo Alto Networks · published May 29, 2026 · Tier A
  31. [31]Palo Alto Networks Announces Intent to Acquire Koi to Secure the Agentic EndpointPalo Alto Networks · published February 17, 2026 · Tier A
  32. [32]Palo Alto Networks Completes Acquisition of CyberArk to Secure the AI EraPalo Alto Networks · published February 11, 2026 · Tier A
  33. [33]Palo Alto Networks Completes Acquisition of Koi to Secure the Agentic EndpointPalo Alto Networks · published April 14, 2026 · Tier A

Spot a factual error? Request a correction.