Guardz is a key player in the industry, known for its innovative approach to cybersecurity. Founded to tackle emerging security threats, Guardz has carved a niche by offering tailored solutions that keep businesses safe. This article will explore Guardz’s journey, from its founding to its current position in the market. We’ll delve into its company culture, competitive landscape, product evolution, and the challenges it has faced along the way.

Company Background

Guardz was founded in May 2022 by Dor Eisner and Alon Lavi in Tel Aviv, Israel. The founders, who previously worked in enterprise security, recognized the gap in cybersecurity solutions tailored for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Their vision was to create a platform that not only protects businesses from cyber threats but also offers cyber insurance to make comprehensive protection accessible. Guardz was developed to empower managed service providers (MSPs) and their SMB clients with a unified cybersecurity platform that addresses challenges like phishing, ransomware, and data breaches.

Early Challenges and Milestones

In its early stages, Guardz faced significant challenges, including gaining traction in a crowded cybersecurity market and building a robust product that met the specific needs of SMBs. Initially operating in stealth mode, the company secured $10 million in seed funding in early 2023, which allowed it to accelerate platform development and expand its reach. A notable milestone was the launch of Guardz’s integrated cyber insurance offering, which set it apart from competitors by making insurance accessible to companies that previously struggled to qualify.

The rapid growth continued with a successful $18 million Series A funding round later in 2023, further supporting its mission to empower MSPs. These early achievements were crucial in establishing Guardz as a key player in the SMB cybersecurity space, underscoring its commitment to innovation and comprehensive security solutions

Timeline of Growth

Guardz’s growth has been marked by strategic funding and product innovation that set it apart in the cybersecurity market. After its founding in May 2022, Guardz operated in stealth mode while developing its platform, which integrates cybersecurity protection with cyber insurance tailored for small businesses. In January 2023, Guardz announced a $10 million seed funding round led by Hanaco Ventures, with participation from other investors like iAngels and Cyverse Capital. This funding was critical for refining its platform, enhancing features like device monitoring, phishing protection, and cloud security, and positioning the company as a competitive player against established cybersecurity firms.

In November 2023, Guardz raised an additional $18 million in Series A funding, which enabled the company to further expand its offerings and accelerate product development. This period was characterized by significant platform enhancements, including hyper-automated detection and response capabilities across various cyber threats, aiming to deliver holistic protection in a cost-effective way. The funds also fueled global expansion, particularly in sales, marketing, and customer success operations, allowing Guardz to rapidly grow its client base among managed service providers in North America and Europe​.

Throughout 2023, Guardz also established key partnerships with hundreds of MSPs, which played a pivotal role in expanding its footprint among small and medium-sized businesses. The company’s aggressive go-to-market strategy included scaling its customer support teams and launching new features that cater specifically to the evolving needs of its SMB clients.

On April 15th, 2024, Guardz announced its partnership with SentinelOne as a strategic partner and investor, enhancing its capabilities to provide AI-powered cybersecurity solutions for managed service providers and their small and medium-sized business clients. 

This collaboration aims to integrate advanced AI security features from SentinelOne into Guardz’s unified platform, allowing MSPs to deliver comprehensive, automated protection against evolving cyber threats. 

The partnership also focuses on making enterprise-grade cybersecurity accessible to smaller businesses, bridging the gap between SMBs and the sophisticated security measures typically available to larger enterprises. This strategic move strengthens Guardz’s market position, enabling it to innovate and scale AI solutions to the lower and middle markets.

Company Culture and Vision

Guardz fosters a dynamic and collaborative work environment driven by a mission to protect small businesses from cyber threats. The company values innovation, agility, and customer-centricity, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead of evolving cyber risks. Guardz encourages a culture of continuous learning, which is reflected in its team’s commitment to developing cutting-edge solutions. 

The company actively supports employee growth, providing opportunities for professional development and creative problem-solving, which fuels its ability to adapt quickly to industry changes. This strong internal culture has been instrumental in driving customer satisfaction, enabling Guardz to deliver tailored cybersecurity and insurance solutions that meet the specific needs of SMBs​.

Guardz’s long-term vision is to become the leading cybersecurity provider for small and medium-sized businesses globally, with a focus on integrating more advanced technologies into its platform. The company plans to expand its product offerings to include more AI-driven threat detection and automated response features, further simplifying cybersecurity management for SMBs. Future strategic plans include deepening partnerships with managed service providers and exploring new markets in Europe and beyond. 

Guardz is also committed to enhancing its cyber insurance offerings, making comprehensive security accessible to businesses that are often overlooked by traditional insurers. This vision reflects Guardz’s broader goal: to create a safer digital environment for all SMBs, empowering them to operate securely without the burden of complex cybersecurity challenges.

Competitive Landscape

Guardz operates in a highly competitive cybersecurity market, with key competitors including companies like Lookout, XM Cyber, and Trustwave. Unlike its competitors, Guardz differentiates itself by offering a combined cybersecurity and cyber insurance solution specifically designed for small and medium-sized businesses. This dual approach addresses a significant gap in the market, as many SMBs struggle to qualify for traditional insurance due to inadequate cybersecurity measures.

Guardz’s platform also stands out through its integration of automated threat detection and response across multiple vectors, including phishing, ransomware, and endpoint security. In contrast, many competitors focus solely on one aspect of cybersecurity without the added layer of insurance, limiting their scope of protection. By partnering closely with managed service providers, Guardz also ensures its solutions are tailored and accessible, providing value through ease of use and a consolidated approach to digital safety that competitors often lack.

Awards and Recognitions

Guardz has garnered significant industry recognition, underscoring its impact and innovation in the cybersecurity space. In 2023, Guardz secured an impressive 22 badges in the G2 Spring Reports across various categories, highlighting the platform’s excellence in cloud and email security, among other areas. G2 badges are awarded based on customer satisfaction and product performance, showcasing Guardz’s strong reputation and commitment to providing top-tier cybersecurity solutions.

Additionally, Guardz received the 2024 MSP Today Product of the Year Award, celebrating its AI-powered cybersecurity platform designed for managed service providers. This award recognizes Guardz’s exceptional innovation and successful deployment through the channel, emphasizing its role in empowering MSPs to deliver comprehensive security solutions to small and medium-sized businesses.

Customer Success Stories

Guardz has played a pivotal role in helping managed service providers and small and medium-sized businesses enhance their cybersecurity posture. One standout example is Guardz’s Growth Hub, which empowers MSPs with marketing resources, client-specific reports, and seamless connections to channel managers. This hub helps MSPs streamline operations, boost customer engagement, and drive business growth, making it easier for them to scale their offerings and improve client retention.

Additionally, Guardz has helped MSPs tackle large-scale data breaches, such as the RockYou2024 incident, which exposed over 10 billion passwords. By leveraging Guardz’s advanced monitoring, threat detection, and response tools, MSPs were able to protect their clients from significant financial and reputational damage. Guardz’s comprehensive cybersecurity solutions have proven essential in proactively securing SMBs against evolving threats, making it a go-to platform for MSPs seeking robust, all-in-one protection.

Guardz has also received positive feedback from MSPs like Matt Wright of Wrightclick Consulting, who praised the platform’s ease of setup and robust features such as advanced threat detection and real-time monitoring. Other MSPs have highlighted Guardz’s ability to offer enterprise-level security tailored for SMBs, combining personal care with high-level protection capabilities.

Product Suite Overview

• Initial Product Offering Guardz launched its first product suite aimed at addressing the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses. The initial offerings included essential security features like phishing protection, endpoint security, and cloud data protection, designed to provide real-time monitoring and response capabilities. This suite was particularly focused on businesses without dedicated security teams, offering an all-in-one platform that simplified security management while maintaining robust defenses against common threats like ransomware and phishing attacks.
• Evolution of Product Suite Over time, Guardz expanded its product suite by incorporating advanced technologies, including automated threat detection and AI-driven response mechanisms. The company introduced additional features such as email security, external footprint monitoring, and a unique cyber insurance component that allows SMBs to access insurance previously unavailable to them due to inadequate security measures. This evolution was driven by market feedback and the need to stay ahead of emerging cyber threats, ensuring that Guardz’s platform remained comprehensive and adaptive to the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
• Current Product Portfolio Guardz’s current product portfolio offers a robust range of cybersecurity solutions tailored specifically for SMBs and MSPs. The platform includes features like advanced phishing simulations, endpoint security, and cloud data protection, integrated with a cyber insurance offering that sets Guardz apart. Key products include automated real-time protection, security awareness training for employees, and a single dashboard for managing security across devices, email, and cloud services. These solutions are designed to provide a seamless and proactive approach to cybersecurity, making Guardz a leading choice for businesses seeking both protection and insurance under one platform.

Security Features Breakdown

• External Footprint Monitoring Guardz’s external footprint monitoring continuously scans the public web, dark web, and other external sources to identify exposed assets, vulnerabilities, and potential security risks associated with a business. This feature helps organizations understand their external attack surface by identifying open ports, misconfigured services, and leaked credentials that could be exploited by attackers. By providing real-time alerts and actionable insights, it enables businesses to proactively mitigate threats before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
• Dark Web Monitoring Dark web monitoring is a crucial feature that scans the dark web for compromised credentials, stolen data, and other cyber threats targeting an organization. Guardz’s platform detects when sensitive information, such as passwords, personal data, or intellectual property, appears on the dark web, allowing companies to take immediate actions like password resets or security policy updates. This proactive approach helps prevent account takeovers and other cyber-attacks that often originate from dark web exposures​
• Managed Endpoint Protection Guardz’s managed endpoint protection provides real-time defense against malware, ransomware, and other endpoint-specific threats. This feature leverages advanced machine learning algorithms to identify suspicious behavior, block unauthorized access, and quarantine affected systems. By continuously monitoring endpoints, Guardz ensures that devices are protected against zero-day exploits and other sophisticated attacks that could compromise business operations​
• Cloud Data Protection Cloud data protection safeguards sensitive information stored in cloud environments by identifying misconfigurations, securing data access points, and monitoring for unauthorized changes. Guardz integrates with popular cloud services to provide visibility into data flows and enforce security policies that prevent accidental data leakage or unauthorized access. This feature is essential for maintaining compliance with regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA, ensuring data is protected both in transit and at rest.
• Email Protection Guardz’s email protection feature defends against phishing, spam, and other email-based threats that are often the entry point for cyber-attacks. It uses AI-driven algorithms to analyze email content, detect malicious links and attachments, and block fraudulent emails before they reach the user. This feature also includes anti-spoofing measures and domain protection, which are critical for preventing email impersonation attacks that can lead to data breaches and financial fraud.
• Security Awareness Training Guardz offers comprehensive security awareness training to educate employees on the latest cyber threats and safe online practices. The training modules include interactive content and simulated phishing attacks to reinforce learning and test user readiness. By regularly updating training materials to reflect current threat trends, Guardz ensures that employees remain a critical line of defense against cyber threats, significantly reducing the likelihood of successful social engineering attacks.
• Phishing Simulations Phishing simulations are an integral part of Guardz’s approach to strengthening organizational defenses against targeted attacks. These simulations mimic real-world phishing scenarios, allowing businesses to test and improve employee responses to deceptive emails. Results from these tests provide valuable feedback, enabling companies to identify vulnerabilities and tailor their security awareness programs to address specific weaknesses.
• Automated Detection and Response Guardz’s automated detection and response capabilities utilize AI-driven analysis to identify, investigate, and respond to threats in real-time. The system autonomously mitigates attacks by isolating infected systems, blocking malicious IPs, and executing remediation scripts to neutralize threats without manual intervention. This rapid response reduces the time between threat detection and containment, minimizing potential damage and ensuring continuity of operations.

Guardz Ultimate Plan Overview

The Guardz Ultimate Plan is Guardz flagship product, providing comprehensive cybersecurity coverage that includes external footprint monitoring, dark web monitoring, managed endpoint protection, cloud data protection, and phishing simulations. It also features 24/7 advanced support and automated detection and response capabilities, making it ideal for businesses needing robust, round-the-clock security. This plan is tailored for medium-sized businesses and MSPs with complex security needs, especially those managing sensitive data or facing advanced threats.

Key Features

• Advanced Threat Response: Offers real-time detection and response to cyber threats, including phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks, to protect your digital environment.
• AI-Driven Security Awareness Training: Provides employee security training with simulated phishing attacks to help organizations build a security-conscious workforce.
• Comprehensive Endpoint Protection: Secures all endpoints with tools that prevent unauthorized access, detect vulnerabilities, and provide automated remediation.
• Centralized Dashboard: Manage all security tasks from a single pane of glass, enabling easy monitoring, management, and quick decision-making.
• Cloud Security Integration: Integrates seamlessly with popular cloud services such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and AWS, enhancing cloud security management.

What sets the Ultimate Plan apart is its integration of advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) technology, which offers automated incident management that isn’t available in lower-tier plans. It also includes white-glove onboarding, dedicated customer success support, and personalized sales training to help businesses optimize their cybersecurity strategies. Additionally, the Ultimate Plan provides unlimited prospecting reports and white-labeling options, allowing MSPs to fully brand their client interactions.

The Guardz Ultimate Plan is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses and MSPs looking to enhance their cybersecurity capabilities without managing multiple, disparate security tools. It’s ideal for organizations that need a unified, proactive approach to protecting their digital assets and educating their workforce against cyber threats. The plan’s AI-driven features, seamless integrations, and centralized management make it a powerful choice for businesses aiming to maintain a strong security posture with minimal complexity and overhead. The Ultimate Plan’s scalability also makes it a valuable option for companies planning to expand their security infrastructure as they grow.

Guardz Pro Plan Overview

The Guardz Pro Plan is designed for small to medium-sized businesses and MSPs needing enhanced cybersecurity at an affordable price point. This plan includes core features like external footprint monitoring, dark web monitoring, managed endpoint protection, email protection, and security awareness training. It provides continuous risk analysis, detailed issue reports, and basic chat support, making it suitable for businesses seeking reliable security without extensive resources.

Key Features:

• Advanced Threat Response: Offers real-time detection and response to cyber threats, including phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks, to protect your digital environment.
• AI-Driven Security Awareness Training: Provides employee security training with simulated phishing attacks to help organizations build a security-conscious workforce.
• Comprehensive Endpoint Protection: Secures all endpoints with tools that prevent unauthorized access, detect vulnerabilities, and provide automated remediation.
• Centralized Dashboard: Manage all security tasks from a single pane of glass, enabling easy monitoring, management, and quick decision-making.
• Cloud Security Integration: Integrates seamlessly with popular cloud services such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and AWS, enhancing cloud security management.

What sets the Pro Plan apart is its focus on affordability and essential protection, including phishing simulations and basic support features that are crucial for smaller operations but not as expansive as those in the Ultimate Plan. This plan emphasizes managed endpoint protection and proactive security measures, which are critical for safeguarding client data and maintaining operational integrity without the extensive offerings of the higher-tier plans

The Pro Plan is best suited for companies that want to strengthen their security posture with a straightforward, cost-effective solution. It caters to businesses with moderate security needs and those looking to integrate essential cybersecurity tools without heavy investment. MSPs can use this plan to offer baseline protection to clients while managing multiple security aspects through a single platform.

Guardz Community Plan Overview

The Guardz Community Plan offers essential cybersecurity tools at no cost, making it accessible for smaller businesses and MSPs looking to secure their operations without a financial commitment. This plan includes basic security features such as external footprint monitoring, dark web monitoring, secure browsing, cloud data protection, and phishing simulations. It’s designed to provide a foundational level of protection that helps businesses manage threats and improve their security posture.

Key Features:

• Unified Threat Detection and Response: The platform provides integrated monitoring and response across all internal systems, including identities, devices, emails, and data, ensuring comprehensive protection.
• AI-Driven Automation: Advanced automation and AI streamline threat detection, response, and mitigation, helping MSPs efficiently manage security without extensive manual oversight.
• Security Awareness Training: Built-in training modules help reduce human error by educating staff on cybersecurity best practices, reinforcing a strong security culture within MSPs.

Unique to the Community Plan is its focus on providing fundamental protection without any associated costs, making cybersecurity accessible to businesses that otherwise might not invest in such measures. Unlike the Pro and Ultimate Plans, the Community Plan does not include advanced support, automated response capabilities, or comprehensive integration features but provides essential tools to safeguard against basic threats.

The Community Plan is best suited for startups, small businesses, and MSPs that need fundamental security measures to protect against common cyber threats. It’s ideal for those beginning their cybersecurity journey or operating on a tight budget, offering them a straightforward way to start securing their digital environments.

Conclusion

Guardz has emerged as a vital player in the cybersecurity landscape, offering tailored solutions that empower small and medium-sized businesses and managed service providers to navigate the complex world of digital threats. By combining advanced security features with user-friendly platforms, Guardz bridges the gap between enterprise-level protection and the needs of smaller businesses. From essential tools in the Community Plan to the advanced capabilities of the Ultimate Plan, Guardz is dedicated to creating a safer digital environment catered towards the lower and mid-market.