Sophos, the endpoint and network security solutions provider, has integrated deep learning capabilities into its Email Advanced offering. The effort comes as the company continues to gain momentum across the MSP ecosystem.
Email Advanced uses artificial intelligence (AI) built into Sophos Email sandboxing to detect and block unknown malware, according to a prepared statement. It provides predictive security with active threat protection (ATP), anti-phishing email authentication and outbound scanning and policy support.
Key features of Email Advanced include:
- Custom security policies.
- Domain keys identified mail (DKIM) email authentication system.
- Sender policy framework (SPF) to declare and verify who can send emails from a given domain.
- Sophos Sandstorm cloud sandbox and advanced URL protection.
- Spam and virus scanning.
IT professionals can use Email Advanced in combination with Sophos' Phish Threat user awareness training and Intercept X endpoint protection solutions to identify and resolve cyber threats and train users against being the weakest link in their security strategies, the company indicated.
In addition, IT professionals can leverage Email Advanced to enhance Sophos Synchronized Security intelligence and contribute to the overall community intelligence within the SophosLabs cybersecurity research and analysis network, the company stated.
Email Advanced is available through the Sophos Central cloud-based management platform. It is sold via registered Sophos partners worldwide.
Sophos and MSPs: Gaining Momentum Together
The Sophos Email Advanced adds another key piece to a portfolio of services that MSPs can offer to their end customers.
Sophos was one of the first security vendors to aggressively target SMB-focused MSPs. The company's Sophos Central is a purpose-built, multi-tenant dashboard for MSPs. All of the security company's services surface in the dashboard, giving partners a complete view of their customer engagements.
The results are impressive. In a recent MSSP Alert briefing, VP of Global Channels Kendra Krause mentioned:
- The number of global partners selling both Sophos Central and XG products has grown more than 60 percent since last year.
- Cloud subscription billings continued to grow strongly, with Sophos Central up 112 percent to $186 million, from $88 million in FY17.
- Partners joining Sophos’ MSP Connect program grew 750 percent in FY18 compared FY17. The program was debuted in April 2016.
- Endpoint & network security provider Sophos adds deep learning to its Email Advanced solution to protect end users against malware & other cyber threats.
How Did Sophos Perform in FY18?
Fiscal year 2018 was a "strong year" for Sophos, according to CEO Kris Hagerman. Sophos' FY18 financial milestones included:
- Total billings of $769 million, up 22 percent year over year.
- Total revenue of $641 million, which represented a 21 percent year-over-year increase.
- Total subscription renewal base surpassed $1 billion.
- Net renewal rate of 140 percent, compared to 129 percent in FY17.
- Adjusted operating profit of $46 million, an increase of 20 percent year over year.
More than 100 million users in 150 countries leverage Sophos security solutions, the company said. Sophos also uses a channel-first business model and collaborates with MSSPs, MSPs and other technology providers via its partner program.
Additional insights from Joe Panettieri.
