Introduction: A New Standard in Endpoint Protection
WatchGuard Technologies has introduced Endpoint Security Prime (Prime), a disruptive new package designed to redefine the baseline for endpoint protection. Available immediately in North America via an early access program, Prime combines full, AI-powered endpoint detection and response (EDR) with next-generation antivirus (NGAV) to shrink attack surfaces and halt threats in real time. The pricing strategy is intentionally aggressive, aiming to remove the traditional cost barrier that often separates strong protection from affordability.
As Michelle Welch, WatchGuard’s CMO and SVP of Business Strategy, states, “NGAV alone is obsolete. We’re eliminating the trade-off between cost and security by making EDR foundational and accessible to every organization, not just the resource-rich.”
Why Prime Matters in Today’s Threat Landscape
Modern cyberattacks move faster than traditional defenses can keep pace. Relying on NGAV or EPP alone leaves organizations vulnerable to fileless attacks, living-off-the-land techniques, and other sophisticated threats that signatures may miss. Without EDR, there is limited visibility, investigation capability, and response options — a single bypass can expose an entire environment.
Prime resets the baseline by delivering full AI-powered EDR capabilities, including advanced malware detection, anti-exploit protection, and attack surface reduction, all at a price point competitive with basic NGAV-only solutions. This makes real endpoint defense accessible to organizations of varying sizes.
The Power and Features of Endpoint Security Prime
Close the NGAV gap. By pairing NGAV with EDR, Prime eliminates the void left by NGAV-only protection and establishes a stronger default defense against evolving threats.
Automate faster response. Prime uses AI-powered, self-learning agents that detect, investigate, and remediate threats in real time, even when devices are offline. This accelerates containment and reduces dwell time across endpoints.
Dynamically control the attack surface. Built-in vulnerability management, device control, web filtering, anti-phishing, and tamper protection shrink the entry points that adversaries may exploit.
Remove cost barriers. The solution’s enterprise-grade protection is priced to align with NGAV-level expectations, enabling broader adoption across budgets and sectors.
Industry Perspective and Validation
Analysts acknowledge Prime’s differentiated position in a crowded EDR market. Mike Jude, Research Director for IDC’s Endpoint Security practice, notes that Prime’s combination of AI-powered EDR, NGAV, and default attack surface reduction stands out when packaging is considered alongside technology. This blend, he suggests, offers compelling value for organizations seeking practical, scalable security.
Beyond Prime: WatchGuard MDR and the Full Endpoint Suite
Many customers seek additional assurance beyond Prime’s baseline. WatchGuard MDR extends protection with 24/7 threat hunting, investigation, and response from a team of security experts working in tandem with the AI-powered platform. This service delivers enterprise-grade vigilance without sacrificing accessibility.
Prime is part of WatchGuard’s broader Endpoint Security Platform, which unifies endpoint offerings into a single, flexible framework. The portfolio also includes:
- WatchGuard EPP – NGAV baseline protection
- WatchGuard EPDR – NGAV + EDR with an on-top 100% application attestation layer
- WatchGuard Endpoint Security for Servers – server protection at the EPDR level
- WatchGuard Advanced EPDR (AEPDR) – enhanced SOC tools for deeper investigation
Availability and What Comes Next
Endpoint Security Prime is available immediately in North America through December 31, 2025, as part of an early access program. Global availability and additional endpoint security packages are slated for early 2026. As WatchGuard continues to expand its platform, customers can move between packages as needs evolve, with no disruptive migrations required.
About WatchGuard
WatchGuard Technologies is a global leader in unified cybersecurity, offering a platform designed for managed service providers to deliver scalable security solutions. With a broad portfolio spanning network security, endpoint protection, multi-factor authentication, and secure Wi-Fi, WatchGuard serves tens of thousands of partners and hundreds of thousands of customers worldwide. Learn more at WatchGuard.com.
