CISO Tribune

Vendor comparison · 2 companies

HID vs WatchGuard Technologies

HID sells identity solutions that connect billions of people, places and things. 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 Workforce IAM and SSO. 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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  • HID
  • WatchGuard Technologies
HID vs WatchGuard Technologies: Products, Customers and Funding Compared
HIDHID sells identity solutions that connect billions of people, places and things.hidglobal.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
  • HID Authentication Service[3]A cloud-based authentication platform for regulated industries such as healthcare, financial services, government and critical infrastructure.
  • HID Approve[3][4]A mobile authentication solution with push notification, QR code and one-time password methods.
  • HID Amico[7]HID Amico provides facial recognition technology.
  • HID Signo Reader 40[5]A reader for door applications requiring wall switch mounting.
  • HID Signo Reader 20[6]A reader for door applications requiring a narrow card reader.
  • HID VAL100[10]A ticket validator that combines barcode and NFC/RFID reading.
  • HID DigitalPersona 5300[8]A FIPS 201/PIV and FBI Mobile ID FAP 30 fingerprint reader.
  • EikonTouch TC510[9]A USB capacitive silicon fingerprint reader.
  • 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
  • November 3, 2026HID announced it has acquired inepro ID, a provider of contactless authentication solutions for secure print release and identity management.[12]
  • July 7, 2026WatchGuard Technologies appointed Vincent Hwang as Chief Product Officer, reporting to CEO Joe Smolarski.[16]
G2 and Gartner Peer Insights
  • G2: Not stated on its pages
  • 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
HID names government agencies, financial services organizations and healthcare providers that secure access to online services for citizens, customers and patients. HID also provides digital onboarding and instant card issuance to banks and fintechs. HID also offers hospitality solutions for hotels and resorts. HID Amico is for mid-sized organizations seeking a contactless reader.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
November 6, 2026September 27, 2026

Where they overlap

  • HID and WatchGuard Technologies are both filed under Workforce IAM and SSO.

Where they differ, field by field

  • HID's primary category is Workforce IAM and SSO; WatchGuard Technologies's is Firewalls and NGFW.
  • HID is also filed under Passwordless authentication and authenticators, Machine identity and PKI and Identity verification. WatchGuard Technologies is also filed under Identity threat detection and response and EDR and XDR.
  • HID lists HID Authentication Service, HID Approve, HID Amico, HID Signo Reader 40, HID Signo Reader 20 and 3 more. 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: HID

What HID Authentication Service does[3]
HID Authentication Service supports CIAM use cases through customer enrollment, multi-factor authentication and identity management on a cloud-based platform. HID Authentication Service is designed to integrate with enterprise identity infrastructures, including Microsoft Entra ID.
What HID Approve does[3][4]
HID Approve is a mobile authentication solution that enables push notification authentication, QR code authentication and one-time password (OTP) generation for consumer and workforce use cases. HID Approve enables mobile transaction signing by allowing users to approve high-risk actions and transactions on their mobile device. HID Approve can be deployed as a customizable mobile authentication application or integrated into existing applications using an authentication SDK.
What HID Amico does[7]
HID Amico is for mid-sized organizations seeking a contactless reader. HID Amico supports five authentication methods: face, credential (HF/LF), HID Mobile Access and Wallets, QR code and PIN.
What HID Signo Reader 40 does[5]
HID Signo Reader 40 is a founding member of the Signo platform. HID Signo Reader 40 is for door applications requiring wall switch mounting and supports credential technologies in cards, fobs and mobile devices.
What HID VAL100 does[10]
HID VAL100 Onboard Validator combines barcode and NFC/RFID reading functionality to provide a single point of presentation for tickets and travel passes. HID designed the VAL100 bus ticket validator to integrate with Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems.
What HID DigitalPersona 5300 does[8]
HID DigitalPersona 5300 is a FIPS 201/PIV and FBI Mobile ID FAP 30 fingerprint reader. HID DigitalPersona 5300 can be used with any standards-compatible fingerprint template extractor or matcher, including the DigitalPersona FingerJet Biometric Engine.
What EikonTouch TC510 does[9]
EikonTouch TC510 is a USB capacitive silicon fingerprint reader for high traffic environments such as point-of-sale and multi-user applications. EikonTouch TC510 is designed for use with the DigitalPersona Software Developer Kit (SDK).

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 HID and WatchGuard Technologies

What do HID and WatchGuard Technologies sell?
HID sells HID Authentication Service, HID Approve, HID Amico, HID Signo Reader 40, HID Signo Reader 20 and 3 more. WatchGuard Technologies sells Unified Security Platform, Firebox M Series, Endpoint Security 360, AuthPoint, Total Identity Security and 2 more.
Are HID and WatchGuard Technologies in the same category?
They share Workforce IAM and SSO. HID's primary category is Workforce IAM and SSO and WatchGuard Technologies's is Firewalls and NGFW.
Where are HID and WatchGuard Technologies headquartered?
WatchGuard Technologies is headquartered in Seattle, United States.
Who owns HID and WatchGuard Technologies?
WatchGuard Technologies is owned by Vector Capital, since 2022.
Who are HID and WatchGuard Technologies sold to?
HID names government agencies, financial services organizations and healthcare providers that secure access to online services for citizens, customers and patients. WatchGuard delivers its security to businesses exclusively through managed service provider and reseller partners.
What have HID and WatchGuard Technologies announced recently?
November 3, 2026: HID announced it has acquired inepro ID, a provider of contactless authentication solutions for secure print release and identity management. July 7, 2026: WatchGuard Technologies appointed Vincent Hwang as Chief Product Officer, reporting to CEO Joe Smolarski.

About HID

HID sells identity solutions that connect billions of people, places and things. HID offers access to physical spaces, networks and services using smart cards, mobile credentials or cloud-based solutions. HID provides biometric technologies to establish, verify and manage identity across diverse industries and applications. HID offers ID card printing through the cloud. HID offers solutions for the security of IT networks, systems and connected devices. HID offers cloud-based PKI for networks, IT systems and IoT devices.[1][2]

HID Authentication Service is a cloud-based authentication platform designed for identity verification and access control in regulated industries such as healthcare, financial services, government and critical infrastructure. HID Authentication Service supports CIAM use cases through customer enrollment, multi-factor authentication and identity management on a cloud-based platform. HID Authentication Service is designed to integrate with enterprise identity infrastructures, including Microsoft Entra ID, to extend multi-factor authentication across applications and access scenarios. HID Authentication Service supports end-to-end authentication across customer journeys and secure workforce access using a single cloud platform. HID Authentication Service supports mobile-based authentication, passkeys and one-time passwords. Users can enroll in multi-factor authentication through a mobile-based application with HID Approve. HID Authentication Service is available through HID Authentication Sales Team and authorized partners.[3]

HID Approve is a mobile authentication solution that enables push notification authentication, QR code authentication and one-time password (OTP) generation for consumer and workforce use cases. HID Approve supports push notification authentication with swipe-to-approve, QR code authentication for scan-to-approve workflows and OTP generation, including offline authentication scenarios. HID Approve enables mobile transaction signing by allowing users to approve high-risk actions and transactions on their mobile device. HID Approve can be deployed as a customizable mobile authentication application or integrated into existing applications using an authentication SDK. HID is extending the HID Approve SDK to support Apple Wallet Extension activation flows for banks and card issuers during Apple Pay provisioning. HID Approve is designed to support compliance with authentication regulations such as PSD2 and Open Banking for consumer use cases and EPCS requirements for workforce authentication.[4]

HID Signo Reader 40 is a founding member of the Signo platform. HID Signo Reader 40 is for door applications requiring wall switch mounting and supports credential technologies in cards, fobs and mobile devices. HID Signo Reader 20 is for door applications requiring a narrow card reader and supports credential technologies in cards, fobs and mobile devices. HID Amico provides facial recognition technology. HID Amico is for mid-sized organizations seeking a contactless reader. HID Amico supports five authentication methods: face, credential (HF/LF), HID Mobile Access and Wallets, QR code and PIN. HID Amico offers an optional Template on Card for storing biometric data.[1][5][6][7]

HID DigitalPersona 5300 is a FIPS 201/PIV and FBI Mobile ID FAP 30 fingerprint reader. HID DigitalPersona 5300 can be used with any standards-compatible fingerprint template extractor or matcher, including the DigitalPersona FingerJet Biometric Engine. EikonTouch TC510 is a USB capacitive silicon fingerprint reader for high traffic environments such as point-of-sale and multi-user applications. EikonTouch TC510 is designed for use with the DigitalPersona Software Developer Kit (SDK). HID VAL100 Onboard Validator combines barcode and NFC/RFID reading functionality to provide a single point of presentation for tickets and travel passes. HID designed the VAL100 bus ticket validator to integrate with Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems. VAL100 is for buses, trams and other public transit modes.[8][9]

HID Global asset tracking solutions use RFID tags in low frequency, high frequency or UHF for inventory tracking and management. HID offers Bluetooth Low Energy-based Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) for physical asset tracking. The zone-based approach from HID allows for knowing when a person or asset is in a specific area, with rules set by the customer. HID offers stock and custom RFID tags and readers. HID offers rugged RFID tags that withstand extreme temperatures, high-impact contact, natural elements and UV ray exposure.[11]

HID offers integrated identity solutions for government agencies. HID offers physical and digital security that includes biometrics, multi-factor authentication and secure credentialing. HID technologies help medical facilities protect sensitive information, track assets and authenticate identities. HID provides secure campus access and digital authentication to K-12 schools and universities. HID provides digital onboarding and instant card issuance to banks and fintechs. HID offers hospitality solutions for hotels and resorts, covering mobile access, RFID tracking and integrated building systems. HID offers rugged solutions with secure access control, real-time personnel tracking and equipment monitoring for onshore and offshore facilities.[1][2][3][4][11]

HID on the record

Sources

HID full record

  1. [1]hidglobal.comHID · hidglobal.com · undated page, accessed November 6, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Powering Trusted Identities of the World’s People, Places and Things | HID GlobalHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]HID Authentication ServiceHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]HID Approve | Mobile Authentication & Transaction SigningHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]HID Signo Reader 40 | HID GlobalHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]HID Signo Reader 20 | HID GlobalHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]HID® Amico™ Biometric Facial Recognition Reader | Buy NowHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]HID DigitalPersona 5300 Fingerprint Reader | HID GlobalHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]HID EikonTouch TC510 Fingerprint Reader | HID GlobalHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]HID VAL100 | HID GlobalHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]RFID Asset Tracking & Inventory Management | HID GlobalHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]HID Acquires inepro ID, Expands Its Secure Print PortfolioHID · published November 3, 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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