WatchGuard Technologies launches artificial intelligence-based antivirus to help defend against zero day malware

Latest version of Fireware operating system introduces new intelligentAV service for malware detection.

WatchGuard Technologies, specialists in advanced network security solutions, announced version 12.2 of its Fireware operating system for its Firebox Unified Security Platform appliances. Key to the update is IntelligentAV, a new antivirus scan service that uses an artificial intelligence (AI) engine to predict, detect and block constantly evolving zero day malware. IntelligentAV joins Threat Detection and Response (TDR), Gateway AntiVirus, and APT Blocker as an additional layer of industry-leading malware defence on the Firebox platform.

“Data from our quarterly Internet Security Report shows that nearly half of all malware targeting our customers is zero day. Traditional signature-based antivirus, while still an important part of one’s overall security posture, no longer provides adequate protection against modern malware, which is often obfuscated to evade detection,” said Brendan Patterson, Vice President of Product Management at WatchGuard Technologies. “That’s why WatchGuard believes that layering multiple advanced security solutions is the best way for businesses to protect their assets and their customer’s data. IntelligentAV is the latest example of how we use best-in-class technologies to deliver high-performance layered security for customers.”

IntelligentAV uses Cylance’s malware detection engine based on machine learning technology, which can accurately predict and detect future malware samples even without access to the latest threat intelligence and signature databases. For example, in a third-party test by SE Labs, a 2015 version of this AI detection engine correctly identified and blocked major threats 33 months before they appeared in the wild. This means that IntelligentAV accurately continues to detect and block malware without relying on signatures.

“The threat of zero day malware is a big issue for our clients, and IntelligentAV is an important part of a strong ‘defense in-depth’ strategy,” said Tony Petrella, Vice President of Engineering at Advanced Network Systems, Inc. “Having an AI component provides a more robust, proactive defence against new forms of malware and ransomware that legacy AV would typically miss.”

Along with IntelligentAV, Fireware version 12.2 also includes many other significant upgrades. Highlights include:

  • Firebox Cloud Management Upgrades: WatchGuard System Manager for management of multiple Firebox Cloud instances hosted on Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure.
  • Geo-Blocking by Policy: Users can now set granular policies to restrict certain traffic types to or from specific countries.
  • TLS Proxy Protocols: Enables proxy and malware inspection for the POP3S and SMTPS (or POP3 and SMTP over TLS) mail retrieval protocols.
  • WebBlocker Updates: Adds the ability to generate alerts by categories (for example, weapons, militancy, or mental health issues).
  • Multiple Server Certificates: Users can now host multiple different servers and applications behind a single Firebox, each with their own proxy certificate.

IntelligentAV is available only as part of WatchGuard’s Total Security Suite and can be used now for all WatchGuard customers with a Total Security Suite license on M270 or higher Firebox appliances, and on all Cloud and virtual appliances.

www.watchguard.com.

About Security Buyer

Security Buyer is the leading authority in global security content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the security sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Rebecca Spayne picture 2025

Rebecca Spayne

Managing
EDITOR

Georgina Turner image

Georgina Turner

Sales
Manager

Afua Akoto image - Security Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

IDIS London Case Study - Security Buyer

Sustainable IDIS Video Solution for London

An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development…
Dallmeier - securitybuyer.com

Dallmeier presents the MK4 revision of the DMS 2400

With the new MK4 revision of the DMS 2400, Dallmeier introduces an even more powerful version of its proven video appliance.
security Institute - securitybuyer.com

Security Institute Announces New Directors

The Security Institute held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 8th of July at the Millennium Hotel & Conference Centre…
ASSA ABLOY - securitybuyer.com

BG100 Speedgate Recognised with Red Dot Award

Combining an Aesthetically Appealing Design, Function and Innovation, the BG100 Speedgate Sets New Benchmark for …
Product Spotlight - Videx - securitybuyer.com

Product Spotlight – Era Series

VIDEX presents its new series of outdoor compact video door entry systems, Era Series, and showcases their durability, configuration…
Security Institute - SecurityBuyer.com

The Security Institute Hosts Second Young People’s Skill Building

The Security Institute was honoured to host its second annual Young People’s Skill Building Event on Monday 23rd June, held …
Hanwha Vision - Security Buyer

Hanwha Vision unveils powerful AI remote-head camera

Hanwha Vision, the global vision solution provider, launches the AI remote-head camera, featuring a single-body…
Christina Alexander Judge - SecurityBuyer

Christina Alexander Announced as Security Buyer Awards Judge

Security Buyer is proud to announce Christina Alexander as the latest addition to the distinguished judging panel for the Security…
Milestone - SecurityBuyer

Milestone Systems updates across XProtect, BriefCam, Arcules

Milestone Systems today announced updates across its complete security technology portfolio with releases for XProtect
FLIR - security buyer

New FLIR camera for Perimeter Security

FLIR, a Teledyne Technologies company, today released its newest high-resolution visible/thermal security camera for commercial..
Scroll to Top