WatchGuard® Technologies has announced significant investments into frontier AI technologies to enhance application security for managed service providers (MSPs).
The global entity, known for its unified cybersecurity efforts, is now extending its advanced capabilities through collaborations with both OpenAI and Anthropic. Distinct from companies affiliated with a single AI environment, WatchGuard is committed to a multi-model strategy. This approach is intended to evaluate, adopt, and integrate the most effective AI-driven innovations within cyber defence.
AI use in cybersecurity
With the rise of AI in automating reconnaissance, identifying attack pathways, and speeding up exploit development by attackers, WatchGuard's strategy involves leveraging similar technologies.
This is aimed at enhancing their work in vulnerability discovery, security testing, threat research, and remediation. By participating in OpenAI's Daybreak program and Anthropic's Cyber Verification Program, WatchGuard's security teams are equipped with state-of-the-art AI capabilities tailored for cybersecurity applications.
Defensive capabilities and security functions
WatchGuard is incorporating these AI advancements across various security operations
"AI is fundamentally changing cybersecurity for both defenders and attackers," stated Marc Laliberte, Head of Security Operations at WatchGuard Technologies. According to Laliberte, cybercriminals are already exploiting these technologies to pinpoint weaknesses and expedite attacks.
Hence, it's crucial for defenders to have access to comparably potent tools. WatchGuard is incorporating these AI advancements across various security operations, such as product security testing, penetration testing, red teaming, and vulnerability remediation. This ensures that the cutting-edge AI is applied effectively to deliver maximum defensive benefits.
Adapting to emerging technologies
Currently, over 25,000 MSPs and security partners depend on WatchGuard solutions to secure more than 1.5 million businesses globally. These organisations expect continuous progression from security providers to adapt to the rapidly evolving threat landscape shaped by AI.
"The future of cybersecurity won't be built on a single AI model," said Joe Smolarski, Chief Executive Officer at WatchGuard Technologies. He emphasized their robust investments across the frontier AI ecosystem to provide teams access to advanced capabilities from varied providers. As AI technologies advance, WatchGuard is committed to ongoing evaluation, adoption, and operationalisation of innovations to ensure their partners and customers remain at the forefront of cybersecurity.
