CloudDR: Bridging the Gap Between Endpoint, Email and Cloud Security Tools

New for 2026, WatchGuard has unveiled CloudDR, a SaaS solution that helps MSPs protect cloud applications by discovering, detecting, and responding to threats. Unlike previous security tools, CloudDR can identify threats that traditional endpoint and network security tools may miss.

As more and more businesses move to services which are cloud-based such as Microsoft 365, Salesforce and other SaaS platforms, the areas which attackers increasingly target include:

• User accounts and identities
• Cloud application misconfigurations
• Unauthorized third-party applications configurations
• Shadow IT and Shadow tools
• Compromised credentials and suspicious access activity

CloudDR protects your cloud and identities. By discovering hidden Cloud apps, lock down risky configurations and stop identity misuse, WatchGuard keeps users one step ahead of attackers. Before, once an attacker got past the security layers, if there were settings left open, attackers would be able to exploit that. Now however, with continuous visibility and detection – MSPs and customers stay protected.

What CloudDR integrates directly with various SaaS platforms using agentless API connections. Downloading software isn’t required, no agent is needed to deploy and there is no impact on the performance for an end user.

Why CloudDR?

There are four main reasons for choosing to implement CloudDR,

• Unified Coverage

Other solutions will only cover a specific area of a problem, whilst being specialised, they will not be capable of taking on issues outside of their remit. However, with CloudDR, it covers Shadow IT, misconfigurations and identity threats together. This therefore eliminates the complicated nature of the operations as well as the tool sprawl.

• Actionable By Design

WatchGuard’s CloudDR is more than just sending out notifications and alerts – it delivers clear and actionable insights. Questions such as what’s the issue or how can I solve this problem are asked with the built-in bulk remediation and automation.

• MSP-First Architecture

Multi-tenant from the start. Workflows for MSPs which can be scaled depending on the size of enterprise needing it, and due to its ease of use, it can be easily fitted into existing or new service bundles for a succinct, affordable and well managed solution.

• Agentless Deployment

No installation of software required and no performance drop off. CloudDR connects directly to SaaS APIs for immediate time-to-value and is usually able to be deployed within minutes in a customer environment.

It is important to know however that this service is not a replacement of any directly similar product already available. It is its own full security category designed to be the bridge for businesses with gaps in their security. It monitors areas of potential weakness to find risks and threats and acts on them before they become serious security incidents.

Whilst it isn’t a direct replacement for anything in particular, there are some products which it can potentially replace:

• Standalone SaaS security posture management tools (SSPM) which monitor Microsoft 365, Salesforce as well as other applications for misconfigurations.
• Basic Shadow IT discovery tools.
• Separate Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) solutions for some organisations because CloudDR includes identity-based threat detection capabilities.

CloudDR also helps replace many manual cloud security monitoring and auditing processes. Instead of requiring someone to complete an audit manually or periodic check-up, the platform is always monitoring cloud environments and automatically alerts administrators to emerging risks. By being automated too, it won’t have the distractions of other ongoing tasks like an IT Technician would have and therefore reduces the workload of those who previously would have had to carry out the task. Based on this, it means IT teams can improve their security setup, respond to threats much quicker and operate more efficiently whilst reducing time and complexity associated with managing multiple security solutions.

Despite the several possible replacements, there are still some areas which CloudDR will not replace. In some instances, it works alongside what is already in use to provide a more in-depth and substantial protection. This includes Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) which includes solutions like WatchGuard EPDR, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or CrowdStrike. Whilst these focus more on the endpoint devices such as monitor, detect and respond to threats on them, they provide behavioural monitoring and endpoint forensics which are not features with CloudDR. So instead CloudDR focuses on cloud applications rather than the physical devices, as a result that means organisations still require EDR solutions to provide protection for endpoints from malware and other device-based attacks.

CloudDR wouldn’t replace firewalls either. As firewalls protect networks by filtering traffic, stopping unauthorised traffic and enforcing security policies. CloudDR is only able to identify suspicious activity, it does not inspect network traffic or control access at the network perimeter meaning firewalls are still essential even with this new addition.

Finally, it is important to know that MDR – Managed Detection and Response is not replaceable by CloudDR. The 24/7 service that combines security technology with areas such as human expertise, using threat investigation and continuous monitoring. CloudDR can detect but it cannot replace the expertise and the security operations centre, therefore if an organisation needs a constant security presence the MDR is still critical.

CloudDR is not designed to replace core security tools mentioned above. Instead, it strengthens the areas these tools do not fully cover: SaaS application risk, cloud misconfigurations, identity misuse, Shadow IT, and suspicious cloud activity.

EDR solutions such as WatchGuard EPDR remain essential for protecting devices from malware, ransomware, and endpoint-based attacks. Firewalls continue to protect the network perimeter by filtering traffic, enforcing access policies, and blocking unauthorised connections. MDR services also remain important for organisations that need continuous monitoring, expert investigation, and 24/7 security response.

CloudDR complements these tools by providing visibility and protection across cloud applications and user identities. Rather than acting as a single centralised system that controls everything, it closes the gap between endpoint, network, and managed detection tools. When used alongside EDR, firewalls, and MDR, CloudDR becomes an additional layer in a broader defence strategy, helping MSPs and customers build a more complete, efficient, and resilient security posture.

If you would you like to speak to one of our team to discuss CloudDR or improving your network security, get in touch: security@purdi.com or 01488 647 647