Proofpoint seals deal acquiring email security firm Tessian.

December 21, 2023
1 min read

Proofpoint, a cybersecurity provider, has completed the acquisition of London-based cloud email security specialist Tessian. Tessian’s platform uses AI-powered behavioral and dynamic detection to protect against accidental data loss and email-based threats. Proofpoint plans to combine Tessian’s solutions with its own security portfolio to offer organizations a comprehensive defense against human layer risks. Proofpoint found that people-targeted attacks and human error account for 90% of successful cyber attacks and over 90% of data loss. The joint solutions resulting from the acquisition are expected to be released in early 2024.

The acquisition comes amid increased ransomware and business email compromise (BEC) threats. Research from Proofpoint revealed that 65% of data loss incidents arose from misdirected emails. The combined offering of Proofpoint and Tessian aims to tackle a range of human-targeted threats, including social engineering, malware, and phishing. The solutions can be used to protect critical collaboration channels such as email, cloud, and endpoints.

Proofpoint’s executive vice president and general manager of Security Products and Services Group, Darren Lee, said that Tessian’s technology will enhance Proofpoint’s threat and information protection platforms by adding AI-powered defense against risky user behaviors. Jerry Kowalski, chief information security officer at Jefferies, commented that email continues to be a key risk vector and looks forward to seeing how Tessian’s behavioral-based approach combined with Proofpoint’s industry-leading data will protect companies against advanced forms of email risk and data loss.

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