Get More from Defender with WatchGuard Core MDR for Microsoft

Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are increasingly becoming prime targets for cybercriminals, accounting for 46% of all cyber breaches impacting companies with fewer than 1,000 employees. With an alarming 30,000 small business websites compromised daily and the average user receiving 1.5 malicious emails, the reality is clear: it's not a matter of if your business will face a cyber threat, but when. Many SMBs turn to Microsoft Defender, bundled with their Microsoft 365 subscription, to address this growing risk. With its 25.8% share of the modern endpoint security market (a 40.7% increase from the previous year), Defender has become a trusted choice. However, while Defender provides a strong foundation with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), it is not a complete Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service. Without this additional layer of protection, businesses still face significant risks, including undetected threats, slow response times, and limited security expertise. 

This is where WatchGuard Core MDR for Microsoft comes in, offering the enhanced protection SMBs need to stay ahead of cyber threats. By integrating AI-powered automation, 24/7 security operations, and human-led threat hunting, WatchGuard boosts Defender's capabilities while simplifying cybersecurity management.  

As a WatchGuard’s partner, your clients can rely on faster threat detection, high-quality alerts, and hands-on support from dedicated Technical Account Managers (TAMs), making it easier to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity. Additionally, WatchGuard MDR is scalable and flexible, offering a cost-effective solution that enhances your service portfolio without increasing complexity. As the demand for Defender add-ons continues to grow, WatchGuard Core MDR provides SMBs with an opportunity to differentiate your business, build trust with clients, and unlock new revenue streams—all while boosting security and profitability. 

The Cost of Doing Nothing: Why SMBs Can’t Afford to Ignore Security 

Cyberattacks don’t just disrupt operations ‒ they cause severe financial damage. Consider this: 

• The average ransomware attack cost SMBs $1.85 million per day in damages in 2023, mainly from system outages. Some lasted weeks.
• Cyber insurance claims averaged $365,000, mostly due to IT recovery and containment costs (according to TechTarget).
• Paying the ransom? That’s another $1.5 million on average (according to Verizon).

SMBs typically spend 2-7% of revenue on IT, with $50,000 per year as a common IT budget. But the costs of a cyberattack can far exceed that, making proactive security a must, not a luxury. 

Incident Response: The Economic Edge of MDR 

A strong incident response plan can be the difference between a minor disruption and a million-dollar disaster. The challenge? Most cyberattacks (59%) target endpoint and Cloud systems ‒ and they often strike at the worst times, like 3 am on a Sunday (from Expert Insights). Without expert monitoring, businesses may not even realize they’ve been breached until it’s too late. 

Endpoint Security: Every Second Counts 

Microsoft Defender is a powerful EDR solution, but stopping an attack isn’t just about detection ‒ it’s about how fast you respond. Here’s the reality: 

• Once a system is breached, attackers can move laterally within 79 minutes.
• A typical MDR service responds within 30 minutes for high-severity attacks.
• WatchGuard Core MDR responds in under 6 minutes ‒ cutting off attackers before they escalate. 

This speed is critical. With expert threat hunters, AI-driven automation, and proactive intervention, WatchGuard Core MDR ensures threats are stopped before they spread. 

Core MDR for Microsoft: Elevate Defender with 24/7 Protection 

Microsoft Defender is just the start. WatchGuard Core MDR transforms it into a full-scale security solution. 

•  24/7 Managed Security Operations: Continuous monitoring of endpoints ‒ so threats are detected and stopped immediately, even outside business hours.
• Automated Threat Containment: AI-driven response mechanisms instantly isolate compromised systems, block malicious IPs, and disable breached accounts before damage spreads.
• Human-Led Threat Hunting: Security experts analyze alerts, filter out false positives, and proactively seek hidden threats Defender alone might miss.
• Seamless Microsoft Integration: WatchGuard Core MDR enhances Microsoft Defender without adding complexity ‒ no new agents, no extra configuration, just stronger security from day one.
• Reduced Alert Fatigue & IT Burden: No more drowning in false alarms or chasing down security threats. Our team handles the heavy lifting so your IT staff can focus on business priorities. 

Smarter Security, Less Effort 

Cyber threats are constant, but managing security doesn’t have to be complicated. WatchGuard Core MDR helps SMBs get the most out of Microsoft Defender, protecting businesses from costly cyber incidents ‒ without requiring an in-house security team. 

Want to strengthen your cybersecurity and avoid million-dollar risks?  Learn more about WatchGuard Core MDR for Microsoft today.