Hornetsecurity expands French presence with EUR 3.8m investment in data center in Lille

Paris, France (23 April 2024) – Hornetsecurity, a global leader in cloud security services, is pleased to announce a new extension to its data center in Lille, France, further solidifying its commitment to data security and privacy for its customers across Europe. This investment will support the introduction of additional Hornetsecurity services – such as backup, security awareness and permission management – to French partners and customers.

The expansion comes as part of Hornetsecurity’s ongoing efforts to enhance its infrastructure and better serve the expanded customer base from Vade, acquired earlier this year. The extension of the French data center represents a significant investment of 3.8 million euros, demonstrating Hornetsecurity’s continued commitment to the French market.

With this new data center, Hornetsecurity continues to prioritize data sovereignty, security and privacy by ensuring that customer data remains within the borders of their respective countries. For instance, French customer data is securely stored in France, while German customer data remains in Germany.

“Our investment in the extension of the French data center underscores our dedication to providing top-tier security solutions to our customers and partners,” said Daniel Hofmann, CEO of Hornetsecurity. “We are committed to growing the French market, and we are investing in our team and the Channel, as well as the necessary infrastructure, security, and privacy protections.”

The facility, located in Lille, has been meticulously designed to meet ISO 27001, ISO9001-2015, HADS and ISO50001 standards, a further demonstration of Hornetsecurity’s dedication to maintaining the highest levels of security and data integrity. ISO 27001 certification signifies that rigorous controls and best practices are in place to safeguard sensitive information and mitigate cybersecurity risks. In addition, the facility offers an exceptional uptime of 99.995%, ensuring that businesses relying on the infrastructure can operate with confidence, knowing their critical data and applications are always available when needed.

“This facility marks a significant step in our mission to deliver best-in-class cybersecurity solutions to our clients and allows us to offer even more services for our French customers,” says Chief Product Officer, Adrien Gendre. “The new facility reinforces our commitment to providing top-tier protection and compliance to safeguard our clients’ sensitive information.”

Key features of the new data center include:

• State-of-the-art infrastructure designed for maximum reliability and performance.
• Redundant power and cooling systems to minimize the risk of downtime.
• Advanced physical and cybersecurity measures to protect against threats and unauthorized access.
• Comprehensive monitoring and management capabilities to optimize efficiency and uptime.

With the addition of the new facility, Hornetsecurity strengthens its ability to support businesses of all sizes in safeguarding their email communications.

About Vade and Hornetsecurity

Vade is proud to be the newest member of Hornetsecurity group. 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 75,000 customers. For more information, visit www.hornetsecurity.com.

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• New survey from cybersecurity provider Hornetsecurity reveals that half (45%) of UK businesses have been victims of a cyberattack
• 3 in 5 businesses are most concerned about AI-assisted phishing
• 1 in 10 describe themselves as ‘not ready at all’ for a zero-day cyberattack

Hanover, Germany (10 April 2024) – New research by Hornetsecurity highlights the AI cybersecurity gap affecting UK businesses: although nearly half (45%) of companies have fallen victim to cyberattacks, 26% are still not using AI to enhance their cybersecurity defences.

The survey, which gathered responses from over 500 C-suite professionals across the UK, reveals that cyber threats are an escalating concern. The increased sophistication of these attacks, largely attributed to AI facilitating the process of threat creation, has been acknowledged by 85% of respondents.

Commenting on the findings, Hornetsecurity CEO, Daniel Hofmann, said: “The results show how prevalent cyber crime is – and while 74% of businesses integrate AI into their defences with the goal of blocking threats, there’s a concerning quarter who have yet to use this technology. Businesses must recognise the potential of AI in tackling cyber threats and integrate it in their security strategies to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated attacks.”

The double-edged sword of AI

The dual nature of AI in cybersecurity continues to trouble professionals across the full range of sectors: an equal 40% of respondents see AI as a mitigator and an exacerbator of cyber threats. When it comes to personal experience, the direct split was again repeated: 45% of business leaders found AI helped and a further 45% reported AI had worsened the threat landscape.

This comes as AI is increasingly used by threat actors to automate, sophisticate (and sometimes translate) malicious attacks globally – and the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) found that AI is lowering the barrier of entry to novice cyber criminals.

Phishing attacks and deep fakes

There’s a clear concern about AI-enhanced phishing attacks, with 58% identifying it as their top worry. Deepfake technology also emerges as a significant concern, with 39% of businesses worried about its potential – and growing – use in cyberattacks.

Despite the challenges, AI plays a crucial role in bolstering cybersecurity efforts. More than half of businesses (52%) use AI to improve threat detection, and 19% implement it for cybersecurity training. However, more than a quarter (26%) of companies are yet to adopt AI in their cybersecurity strategies, highlighting a gap in using advanced technology to detect and combat threats.

Investment in AI and the looming threat of zero-day attacks

There is a marked split in prioritising investment in AI for cybersecurity, with 42% placing it at the top of their agenda, contrasted by 29% who consider it a lower priority or not a priority at all. This divide underscores the varying levels of awareness and readiness among businesses to integrate AI into their cybersecurity frameworks.

Alarmingly, only 19% of businesses feel well prepared for a zero-day attack, with a mere 8% rating themselves as fully ready. There is a disparity in preparedness across industries. The IT and Communication sector displays the highest confidence level, with 38% rating their readiness as 9 or 10. This is followed by the education and banking and financial services sectors.

Meanwhile, the sectors of government and defence, sport and recreation, and several others report a startling lack of confidence in their preparedness, highlighting a critical area for improvement. Over 1 in 10 businesses are not at all ready for a zero-day attack, a total of 11%.

The future of AI in cybersecurity

Looking ahead, 74% of respondents believe that the role of AI in cybersecurity will only grow in importance over the next five years. This response indicates a future where AI’s integration into corporate cybersecurity strategies is not just an option but a necessity.

Hofmann adds: “For businesses, the message is clear: embracing AI in cybersecurity is essential. Companies should not just invest in new technologies but strengthen all technical and human defences against an ever-evolving – and frightening – threat landscape.”

Notes to Editor:

1. The survey was conducted by Perspectus Global in March 2024 with a sample of 516 business leaders in the UK.

About Hornetsecurity

Hornetsecurity is a leading global provider of next-generation cloud-based security, compliance, backup, and security awareness solutions that help companies and organisations 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 75,000 customers.

Media enquiries

Please contact us at press@hornetsecurity.com

Partnership aims to position the group as the preeminent cybersecurity provider for customers and partners in Europe who value data sovereignty and best-in-class cloud, compliance and digital communications security services

Hanover, Germany and Hem, France (5 March 2024) – Hornetsecurity Group (“Hornetsecurity”), a leading international cloud security and compliance SaaS provider, announced today that Vade, a French leader in email cybersecurity with more than 2.5 billion messages analyzed daily, has joined the group.

With the rapidly increasing use of cloud business solutions and collaboration tools in combination with an evolving cybersecurity environment and sophisticated cyber threats, organizations of all sizes need flexible and adaptive cloud solutions to protect themselves. Hornetsecurity has established itself as a key partner to organizations in protecting their IT infrastructure, digital communication and data with best-in-class cloud services and tailored next-gen security, compliance and backup solutions.

Vade has become known for its industry-leading, SaaS-based email security offering for Microsoft 365, with differentiated API-based email filtering technology and an exceptionally efficient email security solution for large telcos and OEMs all over the world. Hornetsecurity provides several additional services for Microsoft 365, including backup, permission management, automated security awareness training and AI recipient validation.

Through the combination of Hornetsecurity and Vade, customers and partners in all markets will now benefit from a more extensive product offering, positioning Hornetsecurity as a global reference for cloud-based cybersecurity services.

In 2024, additional products will become available, provided via Vade´s data center. Thanks to Vade’s strong and comprehensive channel network, MSPs and Resellers will be able to present attractive product combinations to the French market, including the comprehensive 365 Total Protection service that covers a broad range of an organization’s Microsoft 365 security, compliance management and data protection needs.

Georges Lotigier

Daniel Hofmann, Chief Executive Officer of Hornetsecurity, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Vade to Hornetsecurity. This transaction is an important milestone in our journey to build the strongest global provider of Microsoft 365 security services. While we will of course retain and strengthen our pan-European focus, we are committed to further investment in the French channel market, continuing the strong path Vade has paved over the last several years.”

Daniel Blank, Chief Operating Officer of Hornetsecurity, added: “Both Hornetsecurity and Vade embrace the same values and share a genuine commitment to safeguarding global organizations, enabling them to concentrate on their core strengths. We also both adopt a channel-first approach. We look forward to working with the Vade team in this exciting new chapter.”

Georges Lotigier, Chief Executive Officer of Vade, said: “Since its inception, Vade has remained dedicated to introducing innovative approaches to combat cybersecurity threats. By joining Hornetsecurity, we will pursue and accelerate this commitment by helping to deliver a wider array of top-tier solutions to the ever-expanding cybersecurity market in Europe and worldwide. This union is the natural next step for Vade as we align ourselves with a like-minded European partner who shares our vision and culture.”

Vade’s leadership team has assumed different management positions at Hornetsecurity, and Georges Lotigier has become a member of the Hornetsecurity supervisory board.

This transaction with Vade is in line with Hornetsecurity’s strategy of product build-up and international expansion. Backed by PSG Equity, TA Associates and Verdane, three leading software and specialist growth investment firms, Hornetsecurity aims to establish itself as a leading international cloud security and compliance software champion.

The transaction has closed and financial terms were not disclosed.

About Hornetsecurity

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 30 countries through its international distribution network of 8,000+ channel partners and MSPs. Its premium services are used by more than 50,000 customers.

About Vade

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Hanover, Germany (28 November 2023) – Hornetsecurity has today launched its Cyber Security Report 2024, which reveals the growing threat of cybercriminals using harmful web links in emails. An analysis of 45 billion emails found a 144% increase in this type of attack compared to last year, rising from 12.5% of all threats in 2022 to 30.5% this year.

It is phishing, however, that remains the most common email attack technique. Its use increased by nearly 4 percentage points this year, rising from 39.6% to 43.3% of all email attacks.

Commenting on the latest report findings, Daniel Hofmann, Hornetsecurity CEO, said: “Email continues to be one of the key methods of attack that threat actors use – and it’s essential that firms of all sizes, and across all sectors, put in place a robust email security strategy to future-proof their business. The boom in malicious web links and steady rise in phishing demonstrates that organizations cannot underestimate the damage such threats can cause, and must ensure they use next gen security service while also maintaining security awareness throughout the workplace.”

Changing face of threats

Of the 45 billion emails analysed, more than a third (36.4%) were categorised as unwanted. Within this category, just over 3.6% – or more than 585 million – were identified as malicious. This represents the widespread nature of the risk, with a vast number of emails posing potential threats.

Threat actors are savvy and adaptable. In the last year, following Microsoft disabling macros by default in Office, there was a significant decline in the use of DOCX files (by 9.5 percentage points) and XLSX files (by 6.7 percentage points). Instead, cyber-criminals opted for HTML files (37.1% of files analysed), PDFs (23.3%) and Archive files (20.8%). HTML file usage is a particularly notable trend: usage rose by 76.6% over the last year.

Brand impersonation continues to target victims, soliciting sensitive information via phishing. Shipping and e-commerce emails are to be regarded with particular caution: DHL accounts for 26.1% of all impersonations, Amazon 7.7% and Fedex 2.3%. All three were in the top 10 most spoofed. Other popular brands, including LinkedIn, Microsoft (both 2.4%), and Netflix (2.2%), also featured in the top 10.

Industries at risk

This latest Hornetsecurity research confirms that almost every type of business is currently under threat. If an organisation can pay a ransom, it is a target to cyber criminals. However, some industries are at a slightly increased risk.

The research industry is often targeted due to the intellectual property it handles. Entertainment companies are attacked due to the money they handle, such as the 2023 attacks on MGM and Caesars Casinos. Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector is often seen as an easy target for cyber attackers because companies tend to use many IoT devices that can render them vulnerable if not properly secured.

Hofmann added: “Many organisations are too reactive, only responding to specific threats or acting after they have fallen victim. This approach leaves them vulnerable to attack. Businesses need a zero-trust mindset to protect themselves and should adopt all-encompassing security services to set their minds at rest. Our research highlights the adaptability of cybercriminals, and the rapid shifts that have taken place in the last year.

“Companies have a duty to take care of basic security hygiene, train and support all employees, and invest in quality security.”

To read the full Cyber Security Report, including its predictions for 2024, please visit: https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/cyber-security-report/

For a panel discussion about the findings of this report, please visit: https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/webinar-decoding-the-cyber-security-report/

Notes to Editor:

About Hornetsecurity

Hornetsecurity is a leading global provider of next-generation cloud-based security, compliance, backup, and security awareness solutions that help companies and organisations 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 30 countries through its international distribution network of 8,000+ channel partners and MSPs. Its premium services are used by more than 50,000 customers.

Media enquiries

Please contact us at press@hornetsecurity.com

Nuremberg, Germany (10 October 2023) – Nearly 60% of companies are ‘very’ to ‘extremely’ concerned about ransomware attacks, according to latest research from leading cybersecurity provider Hornetsecurity. The company released the survey results at IT-SA 2023, Europe’s largest IT security trade show, where it is exhibiting.

In its annual Ransomware Survey, Hornetsecurity revealed that more than nine in ten (92.5%) businesses are aware of ransomware’s potential for negative impact, but just 54% of respondents said their leadership is ‘actively involved in conversations and decision-making’ around preventing such attacks. Four in ten (39.7%) said they were happy to ‘leave it to IT to deal with the issue’.

Commenting on the findings, Hornetsecurity CEO Daniel Hofmann, said: “Our annual Ransomware Survey is a timely reminder that ransomware protection is key to ongoing success. Organizations cannot afford to become victims – ongoing security awareness training and multi-layered ransomware protection is critical to ensure there are no insurmountable losses.”

Ransomware protection is a necessity

Reassuringly, 93.2% of respondents rank ransomware protection as ‘very’ to ‘extremely’ important in terms of IT priorities for their organization, and 87.8% of respondents confirmed they have a disaster recovery plan in place for a ransomware attack.

However, that leaves more than one in eight organizations (12.2%) without a disaster recovery plan. Of those companies, more than half cited a ‘lack of resources or time’ as the primary reason. Additionally, one-third of respondents said a disaster recovery plan is ‘not considered a priority by management’.

Comparing Ransomware Survey results in 2021-2023

This survey has been conducted annually over the past three years and has included asking respondents if their organization has fallen victim to a ransomware attack.

Since 2021, Hornetsecurity has found relatively small changes in the percentage of respondents saying their organizations have fallen victim to a ransomware attack: 21.1% in 2021, 23.9% in 2022, but a new low of 19.7% in 2023.

Additionally, companies that reported paying a ransom are down from 9.1% in 2021 to 6.9% in 2023.

Some of the data in this survey show positive results, with a majority of respondents reporting they understand the importance of protection, and a drop in ransomware attack victims in 2023, showing companies are becoming more vigilant in their data protection.

Ransomware attacks continue to evolve, though, so organizations must maintain this vigilance. In 2023, 81% of respondents reported they are receiving end-user training in comparison to 2021, when only 71.2% reported they had received training.

“Although organizations have reported fewer ransomware attacks in 2023, the threats haven’t necessarily decreased,“ Hofmann said. “Cybersecurity awareness among all users remains a crucial element to further decrease the risk of falling for these threats, especially as attacks become more sophisticated with new technologies.”

Security tools to combat ransomware attacks

About the survey

Hornetsecurity’s Annual Ransomware Survey 2023 was answered by more than 150 business decision-makers (including IT pros) across small to large enterprises. This year’s annual survey had 46.9% of respondents based in Europe, 30.6% in North America, with the other 21.5% from Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and South America.

Find out more about Hornetsecurity’s latest ransomware survey.

About Hornetsecurity

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 30 countries through its international distribution network of 8,000+ channel partners and MSPs. Its premium services are used by more than 50,000 customers.

Media enquiries

Please contact us at press@hornetsecurity.com.

• Hornetsecurity’s essential guide to Microsoft 365 will assist companies with navigating M365 and successfully transitioning to the cloud
• The eBook has three focus areas: M365 Basics; Managing, Maintaining, and Support for M365; and Security, Backup, and Compliance

• M365 Basics: Provides a solid foundation with comprehensive descriptions and insights into the core functionalities of Office 365 and Microsoft 365
• Managing, Maintaining, and Support for M365: Details the advanced M365 features and configurations. IT administrators can learn effective strategies to manage and maintain their suite to ensure seamless operations for their organization
• Security, Backup, and Compliance: Strategies to protect a business’ valuable data and ensure compliance with essential security measures and backup protocols.

About Hornetsecurity

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