CISO Tribune

Vendor comparison · 2 companies

WatchGuard Technologies vs Zscaler

WatchGuard Technologies sells a Unified Security Platform that combines network, endpoint, identity and cloud protection, purpose-built for MSPs servicing midsize companies and SMBs. Zscaler sells a unified cybersecurity platform built on the Zero Trust Exchange. CISO Tribune files both under Firewalls and NGFW. 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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Up to four companies side by side.

  • WatchGuard Technologies
  • Zscaler
WatchGuard Technologies vs Zscaler: Products, Customers and Funding Compared
WatchGuard 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.comZscalerZscaler sells a unified cybersecurity platform built on the Zero Trust Exchange.zscaler.com
What it sells
  • 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.
  • Zscaler Zero Trust Browser[5]Extends Zero Trust to the browser.
  • Zscaler Deception[6]Zscaler Deception is used to detect machine-speed attacker behavior.
  • Zscaler AppProtection[4]Protects private apps from web- and identity-based attacks.
  • AI Guard[8]Provides an overview of the users and AI applications that AI Guard manages.
  • Zscaler Cloud Sandbox[7]Provides protection from threats not detectable using traditional security techniques.
  • Zscaler China Premium Access[4]Delivers secure connectivity for China-based employees.
Categories
Headquarters
Seattle, United States[4]Not stated on its pages
Founded
Not stated on its pages2007[1]
Ownership and funding
Owned by Vector Capital since 2022[6]Public (NASDAQ: ZS)[2][4][13][14]
Named customers
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Recent news
  • July 7, 2026WatchGuard Technologies appointed Vincent Hwang as Chief Product Officer, reporting to CEO Joe Smolarski.[16]
  • May 21, 2026Zscaler announced its intent to acquire Symmetry Systems, a company that maps identities and data access for AI security.[12]
  • February 5, 2026Zscaler announced it has acquired SquareX to extend its Zero Trust capabilities into the browser.[13]
G2 and Gartner Peer Insights
  • G2: Not stated on its pages
  • Gartner Peer Insights: listed, seen October 30, 2026[6]
  • G2: listed, seen November 10, 2026[14]
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
Who it fits
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.From its own pages, Zscaler sells to organisations that need secure remote access to business applications for a hybrid workforce. Zscaler extends zero trust access to private applications for users in headquarters and branch offices. Zscaler addresses government and federal cybersecurity. Zscaler addresses state and local government operations. Zscaler offers solutions for UK healthcare organisations such as the NHS. Zscaler offers a SaaS-delivered solution for China-based employees.
Last verified
September 27, 2026November 5, 2026

Where they overlap

  • WatchGuard Technologies and Zscaler are both filed under Firewalls and NGFW.

Where they differ, field by field

  • WatchGuard Technologies's primary category is Firewalls and NGFW; Zscaler's is SASE and SSE.
  • WatchGuard Technologies is also filed under Identity threat detection and response, EDR and XDR and Workforce IAM and SSO. Zscaler is also filed under Zero trust network access and Remote browser isolation.
  • WatchGuard Technologies lists Unified Security Platform, Firebox M Series, Endpoint Security 360, AuthPoint, Total Identity Security and 2 more. Zscaler lists Zscaler Zero Trust Browser, Zscaler Deception, Zscaler AppProtection, AI Guard, Zscaler Cloud Sandbox and 1 more.
  • WatchGuard Technologies is headquartered in Seattle, United States.
  • Zscaler was founded in 2007.
  • WatchGuard Technologies is owned by Vector Capital, since 2022. Zscaler is a public company listed on NASDAQ as ZS.

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.

What it sells: Zscaler

What Zscaler Zero Trust Browser does[5]
Zscaler combines AI-based isolation of web threats with Browser Detection and Response (BDR) capabilities. Zscaler provides cloud-delivered and in-browser data loss prevention, including screenshot and keystroke logger protection. Zscaler enforces browser security through an extension, an enterprise browser, or cloud browser isolation.
What Zscaler AppProtection does[4]
Zscaler AppProtection streamlines private access management. Zscaler AppProtection is a key part of ZPA.
What Zscaler Cloud Sandbox does[7]
GHD uses Zscaler Cloud Sandbox to provide further protection from threats not detectable using traditional security techniques. A Zscaler dashboard widget shows the flow and dispensation of files sent to the sandbox.
What Zscaler China Premium Access does[4]
Zscaler China Premium Access is a SaaS-delivered solution. Zscaler China Premium Access delivers secure connectivity for China-based employees as a SaaS-delivered solution.

Questions about WatchGuard Technologies and Zscaler

What do WatchGuard Technologies and Zscaler sell?
WatchGuard Technologies sells Unified Security Platform, Firebox M Series, Endpoint Security 360, AuthPoint, Total Identity Security and 2 more. Zscaler sells Zscaler Zero Trust Browser, Zscaler Deception, Zscaler AppProtection, AI Guard, Zscaler Cloud Sandbox and 1 more.
Are WatchGuard Technologies and Zscaler in the same category?
They share Firewalls and NGFW. WatchGuard Technologies's primary category is Firewalls and NGFW and Zscaler's is SASE and SSE.
Where are WatchGuard Technologies and Zscaler headquartered?
WatchGuard Technologies is headquartered in Seattle, United States.
When were WatchGuard Technologies and Zscaler founded?
Zscaler was founded in 2007.
Who owns WatchGuard Technologies and Zscaler?
WatchGuard Technologies is owned by Vector Capital, since 2022. Zscaler is a public company listed on NASDAQ as ZS.
Who are WatchGuard Technologies and Zscaler sold to?
WatchGuard delivers its security to businesses exclusively through managed service provider and reseller partners. From its own pages, Zscaler sells to organisations that need secure remote access to business applications for a hybrid workforce.
What have WatchGuard Technologies and Zscaler announced recently?
July 7, 2026: WatchGuard Technologies appointed Vincent Hwang as Chief Product Officer, reporting to CEO Joe Smolarski. May 21, 2026: Zscaler announced its intent to acquire Symmetry Systems, a company that maps identities and data access for AI security.

About WatchGuard Technologies

WatchGuard Technologies sells a Unified Security Platform that combines network, endpoint, identity and cloud protection, purpose-built for MSPs servicing midsize companies and SMBs.[1][5][11]

WatchGuard unifies network, endpoint, identity and cloud protection under one agent, one console and one AI intelligence layer. Rai is WatchGuard's built-in artificial intelligence layer that automates threat detection, investigation and response across the platform. WatchGuard delivers its security to businesses exclusively through a global network of managed service provider and reseller partners. MSPs use the multi-tenant console in WatchGuard Cloud to deliver and manage security services for hundreds of customers at once. Businesses receive the same protection, configured and managed for them by a local WatchGuard partner.[5]

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. FireCloud Total Access is managed through WatchGuard Cloud, with security policies that follow users across remote, cloud and on-premises environments. WatchGuard MDR adds expert-led threat detection, investigation and response to WatchGuard technologies.[7][8]

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. The Firebox M595 has capacity for up to 1,200 users and 4.8 Gbps HTTPS inspection.[9]

WatchGuard Endpoint Security scales with add-ons for additional visibility, automated patching and full-disk encryption. WatchGuard offers prevention-first, AI-powered EDR that scales from foundational protection to advanced threat investigation and response. WatchGuard security experts provide 24/7 threat monitoring and investigation to extend endpoint protection. 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.[10][11]

WatchGuard AuthPoint provides cloud-based authentication and access to applications. AuthPoint MFA supports push, passkeys, TOTP, QR codes, hardware tokens and zero trust policies. 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. The WatchGuard Zero Trust Bundle includes an identity component alongside Endpoint Security, FireCloud and ThreatSync XDR.[12][13]

WatchGuard secure access points deliver Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 wireless networking with centralized cloud management. WatchGuard describes the AP130 for small offices and branch locations, the AP230W for hospitality and in-room deployments, and the AP330 for retail, education and offices. 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.[1][2][3][5][7][9][11][14][15]

WatchGuard Technologies on the record

Sources

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

Zscaler full record

  1. [1]About zscalerZscaler · zscaler.com · undated page, accessed November 5, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]zscaler.comZscaler · zscaler.com · undated page, accessed November 5, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]Leading Cloud Enterprise Security Provider for Zero TrustZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]Products & Solutions | ZscalerZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]Zscaler Zero Trust BrowserZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]Stop Frontier AI with Deception | Zscaler CybersecurityZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]GHD Case Study | Customer Stories | ZscalerZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]About AI Guard Dashboard | ZscalerZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]Viewing the Cybersecurity Dashboard | ZscalerZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]About Custom Dashboards | ZscalerZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]About Alerts | ZscalerZscaler · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]Zscaler to Acquire Symmetry Systems, Combining Zero Trust and Access Graph Technology to Map and Secure AI Agent Communication | Zscaler, Inc.Zscaler, Inc. · published May 21, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Zscaler Acquires SquareX to Advance Zero Trust Browser Security for the AI Era | ZscalerZscaler · published February 5, 2026 · Tier A
  14. [14]Zscaler Internet Access Reviews & Product DetailsG2 · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier C

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