KnowBe4 and Egress Join Forces to Reinforce Inbound and Outbound Email Security Measures

Egress and KnowBe4 Partner to Enhance Email Security

Introduction

Boston-based cybersecurity companies Egress and KnowBe4 have recently announced a partnership to provide organizations with a proactive approach to defending against advanced inbound and outbound threats in email. This collaboration aims to transform the way organizations manage human risk in email and strengthen their overall cybersecurity posture. The integration of KnowBe4‘s user risk score into Egress‘s adaptive security model will provide additional intelligence to detect and prevent potential threats. Both companies recognize the importance of addressing the human element in email security and emphasize the need for dynamic technical controls and tailored security awareness.

The Human Element of Email Security

Understanding the Risk

Email remains one of the most commonly used communication channels, both within and between organizations. However, it also represents a significant vulnerability due to the potential for social engineering attacks, phishing attempts, and data exfiltration. Human error and lack of security awareness often expose organizations to these risks. Therefore, effectively managing this human element is crucial in maintaining a robust cybersecurity defense.

The Role of KnowBe4

KnowBe4, renowned for its security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, aims to empower employees to make smarter security decisions. By using KnowBe4‘s platform, individuals can better recognize and respond to social engineering tactics and potential threats. Additionally, KnowBe4 provides enterprise-grade reporting, allowing organizations to monitor and assess the security awareness levels of their employees.

The Role of Egress

Egress, on the other hand, focuses on providing adaptive security for cloud email. Leveraging artificial intelligence, Egress detects and prevents inbound and outbound threats, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure. By integrating KnowBe4‘s user risk score into its adaptive security model, Egress gains valuable intelligence to enhance its threat detection capabilities.

The Partnership and its Benefits

Augmenting Human Risk Score

Egress CEO Tony Pepper acknowledges that individuals represent the greatest risk to organizations when using email. Recognizing the importance of integrating technical controls and security awareness, Egress partnered with KnowBe4 to enhance its aggregated human risk score. By combining Egress‘s adaptive security model with KnowBe4‘s user data, joint customers can leverage both offerings to proactively defend against emerging threats.

Adaptive Security and Risk Scores

Egress‘s Intelligent Email Security platform stands out from other email security products by generating aggregated risk scores for individual users. This is achieved through the integration of product telemetry, open-source intelligence, behavioral data, and now, the user data generated by KnowBe4. As risk scores increase, the platform automatically adapts its controls to defend against advanced phishing threats, human error, and data exfiltration.

Stronger Cyber Defenses

KnowBe4 CEO Stu Sjouwerman emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive security ecosystem that addresses the human element. By integrating offerings that work together, organizations can strengthen their cyber defenses. Through its adaptive security model, Egress turns data into actionable insights, enabling joint customers to benefit from human risk scores enriched by KnowBe4‘s data.

Expert Analysis and Advice

Philosophical Considerations

This partnership between Egress and KnowBe4 highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing technical controls and human behavior in cybersecurity. While technological advancements are essential, addressing the human element remains paramount. Organizations must recognize the vulnerabilities associated with human error and ensure comprehensive security awareness programs are in place.

Editorial Perspective

The Egress and KnowBe4 partnership represents a significant step forward in enhancing email security. By leveraging KnowBe4‘s security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, organizations can improve their employees’ security decision-making abilities. Combining this with Egress‘s adaptive security model ensures that potential threats are detected and prevented, bolstering overall cybersecurity defenses.

Security Recommendations

1. Invest in comprehensive security awareness training programs that educate employees about social engineering tactics, phishing attempts, and potential email security threats.

2. Implement an adaptive security model like Egress‘s, which continuously assesses human risk and dynamically adapts policy controls to defend against advanced phishing attacks.

3. Regularly review and update security protocols to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

4. Foster a culture of cybersecurity consciousness throughout the organization, encouraging employees to report suspicious emails and share knowledge about potential threats.

5. Monitor and assess the effectiveness of security awareness programs, training modules, and simulated phishing exercises to ensure continuous improvement.

6. Consider partnerships with established cybersecurity companies, like Egress and KnowBe4, to leverage their expertise and integrate solutions that address both technical and human-related risks.

By adopting these recommendations, organizations can strengthen their email security posture, reduce the risk of human-related cyber threats, and better protect sensitive information.