WatchGuard is expanding its network detection and response (NDR) portfolio with three updates: embedded NDR for Firebox, a managed NDR service, and a broader “Total NDR” offering that ties detection to automated response across environments. The move targets a long-standing gap in the midmarket and MSP space. Many organizations know they need deeper network visibility, but NDR has often been too complex to deploy and run day to day.
This update focuses on removing that friction. Instead of asking teams to stand up new sensors or separate tools, WatchGuard is pushing detection closer to where MSPs already work.
Bringing NDR into the existing stack
The most immediate change is NDR for Firebox, which embeds detection directly into WatchGuard’s firewall environment. That matters because it removes a common blocker: adding new infrastructure just to get visibility.
For MSPs, this shifts NDR from a separate project to something that can be turned on within an existing deployment. It also reduces the operational overhead of managing another console or integrating another data source.
Stephen Helm, Senior Product Marketing Manager at WatchGuard Technologies, says the impact shows up quickly in SOC performance. He told MSSP Alert,
“Lower alert volume per tenant: NDR for Firebox uses telemetry the firewall already produces, plus default policies and Smart Alerts, to turn raw traffic into higher-fidelity detections instead of flooding analysts with undifferentiated log noise. For MSSPs, that means fewer low-value escalations and a higher signal-to-alert ratio across customer estates.”
He also points to reduced operational overhead.
“Because NDR is embedded into existing Firebox environments and runs through WatchGuard Cloud, MSSPs avoid deploying and maintaining separate NDR sensors. That cuts onboarding efforts, removes another data source to manage, and reduces the time analysts/admins spend on infrastructure rather than investigations.”
That shift also affects how quickly analysts can respond.
“Firebox NDR gives actionable visibility into inbound and outbound connections and automatically analyzes Firebox traffic logs, so analysts can validate policy gaps, risky communications, and malicious behavior from one workflow instead of stitching together multiple point tools.”
In multi-tenant environments, the gains compound across customers.
“WatchGuard Cloud is built as a multi-tenant platform, and includes an MSSP Summary Report with account-level health, threat detection, visibility, and policy-violation metrics. That gives MSSPs a centralized way to prioritize which tenants need attention first, which improves analyst coverage per seat.”
Earlier detection also reduces attacker dwell time.
“NDR delivers earlier threat detection than a firewall alone, using behavioral analysis and automated response workflows. In a multi-tenant SOC, earlier identification of suspicious traffic and quicker containment actions reduce the time attackers remain active before discovery.”
Managed NDR fills the SOC gap
WatchGuard is also leaning into managed NDR through its SOC, aimed at MSPs and midmarket organizations that lack dedicated security operations teams. For many providers, NDR has been difficult to justify because it requires continuous monitoring, investigation, and response. That’s not just a tooling issue, it’s a staffing challenge.
Helm positions the managed offering as a support model for partners.
“WatchGuard’s Managed NDR offerings align with the reality that, for many smaller/emerging MSPs, NDR solutions can be complex to deploy, monitor, and staff. WatchGuard works with many such partners, with managed options that allow partners to choose which products from our portfolio to manage on their own or to entrust to us, as part of our ‘full-stack’ MDR strategy.”
He adds that partners retain control over how services are delivered. “The service can be white-labeled to support the MSPs own brand, while still delivered by WatchGuard experts. As a 100% channel focused company, we never compete with WatchGuard partners for deals.”
Extending response across mixed environments
The third piece, Total NDR, connects detection with automated response across multiple firewall vendors, including Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks, and Check Point.
This reflects how MSP environments actually look. Most providers support customers running different firewall stacks, which makes a consistent response harder to enforce.
Helm explains how WatchGuard approaches this.
“3rd party firewall blocking capabilities are made possible by feeding our NDR detections into 3rd party firewall threat feeds, so IPs can be blocked in alignment with the rules and policies established by the selected firewall.”
That approach allows response to scale, but with some limits.
“This makes blocking highly scalable, but provides limited customization or auditability beyond what the firewall platform provides.”
Why this matters for MSPs and midmarket teams
NDR has long been positioned as essential for detecting threats that bypass traditional controls. The issue has been how to deploy and operate it without adding complexity.
WatchGuard’s update reflects a shift toward making detection part of everyday operations rather than a separate layer. For MSPs, that changes how NDR can be packaged and delivered. If it can be deployed within existing infrastructure, supported through managed services, and enforced across mixed environments, it becomes easier to include as a standard part of security offerings.
