WatchGuard on the Frontlines: Tackling Modern Cyber Threats with Unified Security
Cybercriminals are getting smarter, faster and harder to detect. From encrypted zero-day malware to deepfake-powered phishing, attackers now weaponize AI and global infrastructure to bypass traditional defenses. Drawing from the latest findings in its Q4 2024 Internet Security Report, WatchGuard Technologies outlines the top cyber threats and key market trends.
Evolving Threats in the Cybersecurity Landscape.
Ransomware is evolving rapidly. Cybercriminals increasingly target IT service providers such as MSPs, exploiting remote access tools like Ivanti and TeamViewer to simultaneously compromise multiple organizations. Rather than immediately encrypting data, attackers now often rely on silent data theft and extortion, aiming to remain undetected while extracting sensitive information.
In Q4 2024, WatchGuard Threat Lab observed a 94% increase in network-based malware and a 315% spike in machine learning-driven threat detections, highlighting how threat actors are leaning into encrypted channels to bypass traditional defenses. These trends underscore the importance of using advanced, AI-powered detection tools to identify stealthy and evasive attacks before they escalate.
Artificial intelligence is also significantly enhancing phishing and CEO fraud tactics, leveraging convincing deepfake audio and hyper-personalized emails, which makes these attacks increasingly difficult to detect and defend against.
Trends Reshaping Cybersecurity Strategy
Cybersecurity is moving toward greater consolidation, with organizations increasingly preferring integrated platforms that unify threat detection, network security, and identity management. MSPs are under pressure to deliver continuous (24/7) protection without significantly increasing their operational burden. This drives demand for automation, more accurate risk assessments, and scalable Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solutions.
At the same time, attackers are exploiting legitimate cloud services and APIs more frequently, making comprehensive visibility and a robust zero-trust security strategy essential. Living off-the-land techniques, such as PowerShell-based attacks, now represent nearly 83% of endpoint threat activity, proving that adversaries increasingly use tools already present within environments to stay under the radar.
Modern defense requires not only detection, but globally shared telemetry. Threats identified in one region, thanks to AI-driven analysis, can instantly inform and strengthen defenses elsewhere. This kind of intelligence sharing, embedded in unified platforms, is crucial in today’s hyperconnected threat landscape.
WatchGuard’s Unified Approach to Security
At WatchGuard Technologies, we view cybersecurity as an integrated whole where prevention, detection, and response work in seamless coordination. This philosophy is embodied in our Unified Security Platform: a single, easy-to-use management console for MSPs and IT departments. It gives them control over the entire security landscape, from networks and endpoints to identities and access management.
On the front end, we provide a strong foundation with tools like firewalls, DNS filtering, and multi-factor authentication. On the detection side, we leverage AI-driven technologies across endpoints and networks. Our ThreatSync (XDR) and Network Detection and Response (NDR) solutions identify anomalies and lateral movements. These are essential for catching the kind of evasive, encrypted malware that now dominates threat reports.
Moreover, by centralizing security operations, MSPs can offer proactive, 24/7 protection, even for distributed workforces and remote environments, without adding complexity or cost. This aligns closely with market needs around SASE-style architecture, where access control, threat prevention, and secure connectivity come together in the cloud.
The Value of Cybersec Europe for the Industry
Cybersec Europe is essential because it reflects what the cybersecurity sector is dealing with right now. Not distant future visions, but today’s urgent questions: How do you implement NIS2? How do you secure hybrid environments? How do we handle AI, talent shortages, and supply chain risks? It’s one of the few places where technology vendors, MSPs, CISOs, and policymakers actively engage in direct dialogue.
It’s also a space to explore how globally integrated security platforms, driven by shared threat intelligence and machine learning, can help organizations of all sizes level up their security posture in a highly dynamic environment.
Visit the WatchGuard stand (B037) at Cybersec Europe to explore unified cybersecurity solutions.
More info: www.watchguard.com
