Two different things both get called “managed,” and it helps to keep them separate. One is about running your security products. The other is about watching for threats around the clock. You can choose either, or both.
Managed service — who runs it
Managed service is our certified engineers running your WatchGuard products for you: rule changes, firmware and software updates, backups and day-to-day support, for the full term. It is the right choice when you do not have in-house IT, or when your IT team would rather not manage security configuration day to day. You add it by ticking “Have our team run it” in any product box.
MDR — who watches for threats
MDR (Managed Detection and Response) is WatchGuard’s 24/7 security operations center. Human analysts monitor your WatchGuard products around the clock, hunt for threats, and respond when they find one — including at night and on weekends, not just the next business day.
How they work together
Managed service keeps your products configured and healthy. MDR adds a team watching the alerts those products generate and acting on them. Many businesses choose both: we run the stack, WatchGuard’s SOC watches it.
Good to know
Total MDR needs Endpoint Security Prime, 360 or Elite in place, because it watches the signal those endpoints produce. If you are not sure which combination fits your team and budget, our engineers can map it out with you.
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