Latest news with #Hornetsecurity
Techday NZ
2 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Hornetsecurity launches AI cyber assistant for Microsoft 365
Hornetsecurity has launched a new AI Cyber Assistant to support its 365 Total Protection Plan 4, featuring tools designed to aid IT security teams and protect Microsoft Teams users from cyber threats. The new solution includes the Email Security Analyst, which automates the handling of reported suspicious emails, and Teams Protection, which is intended to detect and block malicious messages and impersonation attacks within the Microsoft Teams platform. Hornetsecurity has also confirmed updates to its AI Recipient Validation, aimed at preventing email misdirection and data leaks, now integrated into the 365 Total Protection Plan 4 suite. The AI Cyber Assistant is designed to ease workloads for security personnel while equipping end users with information to make informed decisions about potential threats. According to Hornetsecurity, the assistant continually evolves by deploying machine learning technology to support both end users and IT teams within their daily operations. Daniel Hofmann, Chief Executive Officer of Hornetsecurity, said: "To continue enhancing the next-gen security we provide, our new AI-powered Email Security Analyst automates responses to user queries about potential threats, alleviating the workload on SOC and service desk teams, while educating end users on the nature of attacks. IT security personnel benefit by gaining more time to focus on other pressing issues, while end users receive instant feedback, which also encourages them to continue reporting suspicious emails and contribute to the organisation's overall security." Email response automation The Email Security Analyst leverages a large language model to provide automated analysis and response to user-reported emails, reducing the manual review burden on Security Operations Centre (SOC) and IT Admin teams. This automation is intended to improve efficiency in handling suspicious emails flagged by users. As Hofmann explained: "Thanks to growing media attention, end users are becoming more suspicious about incoming emails. While this a welcome and positive development, each email they flag increases the burden on SOC and Service Desk teams to analyse and verify them on a case-by-case basis. Email Security Analyst replaces this traditional manual analysis and significantly reduces the time SOC teams spend on false-positive and negative reports." Providing AI-driven insights for each reported email, the tool assists in training employees to better discern malicious activity, while guiding them on necessary precautions to help strengthen organisational cybersecurity. Hofmann stated further: "Organisations have to strengthen their 'human firewall' by empowering employees to become active participants in their organisation's cybersecurity strategy. Cyber-attacks are constantly increasing, so CISOs and security teams need to strategically allocate resources that strengthen organisational security while upskilling end users to cover any blind spots." Microsoft Teams threat detection The Teams Protection feature aims to provide continuous monitoring and analysis of messages within Microsoft Teams, identifying and alerting users to potential threats using AI-driven detection methods. The technology analyses URLs and pictures within messages, employing supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms as well as computer vision models. These models scan for indicators of phishing such as brand logos, QR codes, and suspect text embedded in images. Administrators can remove conversations found to contain malicious messages and block compromised users from accessing Teams, helping to manage threats across Microsoft 365 tenants. Hofmann said: "Instant messaging platforms like Microsoft Teams are increasingly used as a main channel of business communications, and yet they tend to be overlooked as a potential attack vector. However, attackers are sending malicious links and malware both through Teams that are open externally and also via compromised internal Teams accounts. We have therefore developed Teams Protection to address this growing cybersecurity threat." User experience updates The release also brings a redesigned, multitenant control panel for 365 Total Protection, offering a streamlined interface intended to facilitate easier access to security, backup, and compliance features for Microsoft 365 users. The aim is to make administration more efficient while bringing multiple security functions together in a single platform. Hornetsecurity reports that it delivers its products and services through a global partner network, with organisations using the platform for a range of needs including email protection, backup, governance, risk and compliance, and security awareness training.
Channel Post MEA
19-05-2025
- Business
- Channel Post MEA
Proofpoint Acquires Hornetsecurity
Proofpoint has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Hornetsecurity Group, a leading pan-European provider of AI-powered Microsoft 365 (M365) security, data protection, compliance, and security awareness services. The acquisition significantly enhances Proofpoint's ability to provide human-centric security to small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) globally through managed service providers (MSPs), further enabling all organizations to protect their people and defend their data. By combining Proofpoint's global leadership with Hornetsecurity's deep expertise in the MSP ecosystem, the two companies will advance their shared mission to protect organizations of all sizes and the people behind them. Hornetsecurity brings a high-performing business into the Proofpoint portfolio with over $160 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR), more than 20 percent year-over-year growth, and performance above the Rule of 60 – an indicator of healthy market demand and exceptional business operations at scale. Hornetsecurity and Proofpoint deliver world-class solutions servicing distinct segments of the market; Hornetsecurity provides solutions to over 12,000 channel partners and MSPs and more than 125,000 SMBs across Europe, while Proofpoint has established itself as a global leader in enterprise-grade security, trusted by 85 percent of the Fortune 100 and over half of the Fortune 1000. Together, the companies will deliver complementary, purpose-built platforms fueled by shared threat intelligence to serve every customer across the globe with a powerful new standard in human-centric security. 'As attackers grow more sophisticated and people remain the primary target, organizations need security that protects them wherever they work—across email, cloud applications, and every digital channel,' said Sumit Dhawan, CEO of Proofpoint. 'With the addition of Hornetsecurity, we're excited to extend our industry-leading, human-centric security platform to better serve the unique needs of MSPs and SMBs. We look forward to deepening our investment in the European markets as part of our global growth strategy.' 'Hornetsecurity's AI-powered security platform enables thousands of MSPs to deliver enterprise-grade protection to their SMB customers across Europe,' said Daniel Hofmann, founder and CEO of Hornetsecurity. 'With the breadth of human-centric risks only growing, joining Proofpoint is a natural next step in our journey to build the strongest global offering of M365 security services. By coming together, we can better serve our partners and customers and extend that protection globally to help MSPs everywhere safeguard their customers' people, data, and operations.' With M365 at the center of how many businesses operate, it has also become a top target for attackers. Proofpoint's recently expanded partnership with Microsoft supports scalable innovation and delivers human-centric security to help mutual customers proactively detect and mitigate threats targeting people and the data they work with. Hornetsecurity's flagship product, 365 Total Protection, is the most comprehensive cloud security solution for M365, giving MSPs a multi-tenant, unified platform to deliver integrated services including advanced email security, backup, security awareness, access and permission control, and domain fraud protection. The Hornetsecurity team will continue to drive innovation across their Total Protection product platform to deliver additional innovative solutions to their partners and customers. Through the combination of shared threat intelligence and AI models, both Proofpoint and Hornetsecurity customers and partners will benefit from improved efficacy of their leading detection ensembles against threat actors. Upon closing, Proofpoint intends to leverage its global reach to make the power of the Hornetsecurity platform available for MSPs and their customers worldwide – advancing the shared mission of protecting every organization's people, data and operations. Hornetsecurity will serve as the central hub for all MSP and SMB customers within the group—ensuring a unified approach, enhanced service delivery, and accelerated innovation tailored to the needs of these key customer segments. Hornetsecurity's CEO Daniel Hofmann will remain at the helm of the company, continuing to drive its strategic growth and vision. The management team will remain on board, championing the company's vision and proven product strategy—while accelerating innovation to deliver the next generation of cybersecurity solutions. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Terms of the deal are confidential. 0 0
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Proofpoint signs definitive agreement to acquire HornetSecurity
Hornetsecurity will leverage Proofpoint's capabilities to extend its reach and impact with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) globally with their unique cloud security solution for M365 Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Proofpoint, Inc., a leading cybersecurity and compliance company, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Hornetsecurity Group, a leading pan-European provider of AI-powered Microsoft 365 (M365) security, data protection, compliance, and security awareness services. The acquisition significantly enhances Proofpoint's ability to provide human-centric security to small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) globally through managed service providers (MSPs), further enabling all organizations to protect their people and defend their data. By combining Proofpoint's global leadership with Hornetsecurity's deep expertise in the MSP ecosystem, the two companies will advance their shared mission to protect organizations of all sizes and the people behind them. Hornetsecurity brings a high-performing business into the Proofpoint portfolio with over $160 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR), more than 20 percent year-over-year growth, and performance above the Rule of 60 – an indicator of healthy market demand and exceptional business operations at scale. Hornetsecurity and Proofpoint deliver world-class solutions servicing distinct segments of the market; Hornetsecurity provides solutions to over 12,000 channel partners and MSPs and more than 125,000 SMBs across Europe, while Proofpoint has established itself as a global leader in enterprise-grade security, trusted by 85 percent of the Fortune 100 and over half of the Fortune 1000. Together, the companies will deliver complementary, purpose-built platforms fueled by shared threat intelligence to serve every customer across the globe with a powerful new standard in human-centric security. 'As attackers grow more sophisticated and people remain the primary target, organizations need security that protects them wherever they work—across email, cloud applications, and every digital channel,' said Sumit Dhawan, CEO of Proofpoint. 'With the addition of Hornetsecurity, we're excited to extend our industry-leading, human-centric security platform to better serve the unique needs of MSPs and SMBs. We look forward to deepening our investment in the European markets as part of our global growth strategy.' 'Hornetsecurity's AI-powered security platform enables thousands of MSPs to deliver enterprise-grade protection to their SMB customers across Europe,' said Daniel Hofmann, founder and CEO of Hornetsecurity. 'With the breadth of human-centric risks only growing, joining Proofpoint is a natural next step in our journey to build the strongest global offering of M365 security services. By coming together, we can better serve our partners and customers and extend that protection globally to help MSPs everywhere safeguard their customers' people, data, and operations.' With M365 at the center of how many businesses operate, it has also become a top target for attackers. Proofpoint's recently expanded partnership with Microsoft supports scalable innovation and delivers human-centric security to help mutual customers proactively detect and mitigate threats targeting people and the data they work with. Hornetsecurity's flagship product, 365 Total Protection, is the most comprehensive cloud security solution for M365, giving MSPs a multi-tenant, unified platform to deliver integrated services including advanced email security, backup, security awareness, access and permission control, and domain fraud protection. The Hornetsecurity team will continue to drive innovation across their Total Protection product platform to deliver additional innovative solutions to their partners and customers. Through the combination of shared threat intelligence and AI models, both Proofpoint and Hornetsecurity customers and partners will benefit from improved efficacy of their leading detection ensembles against threat actors. Upon closing, Proofpoint intends to leverage its global reach to make the power of the Hornetsecurity platform available for MSPs and their customers worldwide – advancing the shared mission of protecting every organization's people, data and operations. Hornetsecurity will serve as the central hub for all MSP and SMB customers within the group—ensuring a unified approach, enhanced service delivery, and accelerated innovation tailored to the needs of these key customer segments. Hornetsecurity's CEO Daniel Hofmann will remain at the helm of the company, continuing to drive its strategic growth and vision. The management team will remain on board, championing the company's vision and proven product strategy—while accelerating innovation to deliver the next generation of cybersecurity solutions. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Terms of the deal are confidential. About Proofpoint, Inc. Proofpoint, Inc. is a leading cybersecurity and compliance company that protects organizations' greatest assets and biggest risks: their people. With an integrated suite of cloud-based solutions, Proofpoint helps companies around the world stop targeted threats, safeguard their data, and make their users more resilient against cyber attacks. Leading organizations of all sizes, including 85 percent of the Fortune 100, rely on Proofpoint for people-centric security and compliance solutions that mitigate their most critical risks across email, the cloud, social media, and the web. Hornetsecurity is a leading global provider of next-generation cloud-based security, compliance, backup, and security awareness solutions that help companies and organizations of all sizes around the world. Its flagship product, 365 Total Protection, is the most comprehensive cloud security solution for Microsoft 365 on the market. Driven by innovation and cybersecurity excellence, Hornetsecurity is building a safer digital future and sustainable security cultures with its award-winning portfolio. Hornetsecurity operates in more than 120 countries through its international distribution network of 12,000+ channel partners and MSPs. Its premium services are used by more than 125,000 customers.
Tahawul Tech
16-05-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Proofpoint signs agreement to acquire HornetSecurity
Proofpoint, Inc., a leading cybersecurity and compliance company, recently announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Hornetsecurity Group, a leading pan-European provider of AI-powered Microsoft 365 (M365) security, data protection, compliance, and security awareness services. The acquisition significantly enhances Proofpoint's ability to provide human-centric security to small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) globally through managed service providers (MSPs), further enabling all organisations to protect their people and defend their data. By combining Proofpoint's global leadership with Hornetsecurity's deep expertise in the MSP ecosystem, the two companies will advance their shared mission to protect organisations of all sizes and the people behind them. Hornetsecurity brings a high-performing business into the Proofpoint portfolio with over $160 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR), more than 20 percent year-over-year growth, and performance above the Rule of 60 – an indicator of healthy market demand and exceptional business operations at scale. Hornetsecurity and Proofpoint deliver world-class solutions servicing distinct segments of the market; Hornetsecurity provides solutions to over 12,000 channel partners and MSPs and more than 125,000 SMBs across Europe, while Proofpoint has established itself as a global leader in enterprise-grade security, trusted by 85 percent of the Fortune 100 and over half of the Fortune 1000. Together, the companies will deliver complementary, purpose-built platforms fuelled by shared threat intelligence to serve every customer across the globe with a powerful new standard in human-centric security. 'As attackers grow more sophisticated and people remain the primary target, organisations need security that protects them wherever they work—across email, cloud applications, and every digital channel', said Sumit Dhawan, CEO of Proofpoint. 'With the addition of Hornetsecurity, we're excited to extend our industry-leading, human-centric security platform to better serve the unique needs of MSPs and SMBs. We look forward to deepening our investment in the European markets as part of our global growth strategy'. 'Hornetsecurity's AI-powered security platform enables thousands of MSPs to deliver enterprise-grade protection to their SMB customers across Europe', said Daniel Hofmann, founder and CEO of Hornetsecurity. 'With the breadth of human-centric risks only growing, joining Proofpoint is a natural next step in our journey to build the strongest global offering of M365 security services. By coming together, we can better serve our partners and customers and extend that protection globally to help MSPs everywhere safeguard their customers' people, data, and operations'. With M365 at the centre of how many businesses operate, it has also become a top target for attackers. Proofpoint's recently expanded partnership with Microsoft supports scalable innovation and delivers human-centric security to help mutual customers proactively detect and mitigate threats targeting people and the data they work with. Hornetsecurity's flagship product, 365 Total Protection, is the most comprehensive cloud security solution for M365, giving MSPs a multi-tenant, unified platform to deliver integrated services including advanced email security, backup, security awareness, access and permission control, and domain fraud protection. The Hornetsecurity team will continue to drive innovation across their Total Protection product platform to deliver additional innovative solutions to their partners and customers. Through the combination of shared threat intelligence and AI models, both Proofpoint and Hornetsecurity customers and partners will benefit from improved efficacy of their leading detection ensembles against threat actors. Upon closing, Proofpoint intends to leverage its global reach to make the power of the Hornetsecurity platform available for MSPs and their customers worldwide – advancing the shared mission of protecting every organisation's people, data and operations. Hornetsecurity will serve as the central hub for all MSP and SMB customers within the group—ensuring a unified approach, enhanced service delivery, and accelerated innovation tailored to the needs of these key customer segments. Hornetsecurity's CEO Daniel Hofmann will remain at the helm of the company, continuing to drive its strategic growth and vision. The management team will remain on board, championing the company's vision and proven product strategy—while accelerating innovation to deliver the next generation of cybersecurity solutions. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Terms of the deal are confidential. Image Credit: Proofpoint
Business Mayor
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Cybersecurity firm Proofpoint to buy European rival for $1 billion as it eyes IPO
Pavlo Gonchar | Lightrocket | Getty Images Cybersecurity firm Proofpoint announced Thursday it will acquire European rival Hornetsecurity for $1 billion to strengthen its European presence as it explores a return to public markets. The deal marks the single largest acquisition in Proofpoint's history. The cybersecurity industry has seen heightened consolidation in recent months, with companies snapping up smaller competitors to bolster their offerings in an era of AI-fueled cybercrime. In March, Google announced a deal to acquire Israeli-founded cloud security startup Wiz for $32 billion, while last month Palo Alto Networks said it was buying AI-focused cyber startup Protect AI. Proofpoint, which is currently owned by private equity giant Thoma Bravo, said the deal to buy Hornetsecurity would help deepen its expertise in the managed service provider (MSP) ecosystem. Headquartered in Hannover, Germany, Hornetsecurity specializes in managed cloud-based email security services to help protect firms from cyberattacks, data loss, and compliance risks associated with Microsoft 365 and other IT infrastructure. Proofpoint CEO Sumit Dhawan told CNBC the deal would help 'consolidate fragmented security tools into a unified platform that protects people and defends data across the global threat landscape.' 'Generative AI has fundamentally changed the threat landscape, enabling faster, more targeted, and more complex attacks,' Dhawan said in an interview. Small and medium-sized firms 'are increasingly in the crosshairs' of hackers and require 'integrated, high-efficacy' solutions, he added. Path to IPO 'It contributes significantly to our earnings and cash flow going forward, which makes us an even stronger company and business as we explore a return to public markets,' he added. Dhawan said that while there is 'nothing new' to share on Proofpoint's IPO plans for now, 'we remain interested in the IPO market and will explore public markets when we feel the time is right.' Hornetsecurity serves more than 125,000 small to medium-sized businesses and has more than 700 employees, according to a press release. Proofpoint has over 4,500 employees and counts 85% of the Fortune 100 as customers. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. READ SOURCE
