Proofpoint expands human-centric security with Hornetsecurity acquisition

Proofpoint, Inc., a prominent player in the cybersecurity and compliance sector, has recently finalised its acquisition of Hornetsecurity Group. This transaction underscores Proofpoint’s ambition to enhance its human-centric security platform, addressing the needs of organisations of varying sizes, particularly through the MSP channel.

Hornetsecurity, known for its flagship solution, 365 Total Protection, provides comprehensive cloud security for Microsoft 365 environments. Its services encompass email security, backup, compliance, awareness training, and access control, affording managed service providers the flexibility to manage and scale protection seamlessly, bypassing the intricacies of integrating multiple solutions.

With an already robust market footprint in Europe serving over 125,000 customers through a network of over 12,000 MSPs and channel partners, Hornetsecurity's integration bolsters Proofpoint’s capabilities and reach within the small-to-medium business segment. The move reflects a commitment to the European market and a commitment to delivering AI-powered security solutions tailored to the needs of every organisation, regardless of geographical or operational size.

The acquisition, valued at $1.8 billion, marks a pivotal moment not just in Proofpoint’s growth trajectory but also in addressing emerging threats in today's digital landscape. Sumit Dhawan, Proofpoint’s CEO, expressed the importance of this venture in extending their mission to protect both human and AI-driven workspaces. He emphasised that the joining of forces aims to heighten their security offerings and leverage combined expertise for greater innovation and resilience in protecting key assets and data worldwide.

In light of the transaction, Hornetsecurity will continue to operate autonomously as a dedicated business unit focused on MSPs and SMBs globally. Daniel Hofmann, Hornetsecurity founder, will assume the role of executive vice president and general manager, ensuring continuity in leadership and service delivery. Both companies aim to leverage shared threat intelligence and an aligned vision to foster new levels of innovation, offering increased value to partners and customers globally.