Hornetsecurity Introduces AI Cyber Assistant to Enhance Microsoft 365 Security

Hornetsecurity, a leading provider of cloud security solutions, has launched its AI Cyber Assistant as part of the 365 Total Protection Plan 4, focusing on bolstering security measures for Microsoft 365 users. This innovative tool aims to enhance IT security by automating the detection and response to cyber threats across email and Microsoft Teams platforms.

The introduction of the AI Cyber Assistant is a response to the rising number of cyber threats targeting businesses today. According to Daniel Hofmann, Chief Executive Officer of Hornetsecurity, the AI Cyber Assistant is designed to alleviate the workload for security personnel while empowering end users to make informed decisions regarding potential threats. "To continue enhancing the next-gen security we provide, our new AI-powered Email Security Analyst automates responses to user queries about potential threats, alleviating the workload on SOC and service desk teams," Hofmann stated.

The Email Security Analyst component of the AI Cyber Assistant automates the handling of user-reported suspicious emails. Utilizing a large language model, it can analyze and respond to flagged emails, significantly reducing the manual review burden on Security Operations Center (SOC) and IT Admin teams. This automation is particularly crucial as employees increasingly report suspicious emails, creating an influx of cases for security teams to analyze.

Hofmann emphasized the importance of building a strong 'human firewall' by training employees to recognize and report phishing attempts. He noted, "Organisations have to strengthen their 'human firewall' by empowering employees to become active participants in their organisation's cybersecurity strategy. Cyber-attacks are constantly increasing, so CISOs and security teams need to strategically allocate resources that strengthen organisational security while upskilling end users to cover any blind spots."

In addition to email security, Hornetsecurity's AI Cyber Assistant features Teams Protection, which continuously monitors and analyzes messages within Microsoft Teams. This feature employs advanced AI-driven detection methods to identify potential threats, including phishing attempts that may come through URLs or images in messages. The technology utilizes supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms, as well as computer vision models, to scan for indicators of phishing, such as suspicious brand logos and QR codes.

"Instant messaging platforms like Microsoft Teams are increasingly used as a main channel of business communications, and yet they tend to be overlooked as a potential attack vector," Hofmann remarked. The AI Cyber Assistant's Teams Protection serves as a proactive measure to combat these emerging cybersecurity threats, allowing administrators to remove malicious conversations and block compromised accounts.

Beyond these features, Hornetsecurity has also redesigned its multitenant control panel for 365 Total Protection, aiming to streamline access to security, backup, and compliance features for Microsoft 365 users. This update is expected to enhance administrative efficiency by consolidating multiple security functions into a single platform.

Hornetsecurity's products and services are distributed through a global partner network, with organizations leveraging its solutions for various needs, including email protection, backup, governance, risk and compliance, and security awareness training. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the introduction of the AI Cyber Assistant marks a significant step toward empowering organizations to enhance their security posture in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

In summary, the integration of AI into cybersecurity tools like Hornetsecurity's AI Cyber Assistant addresses the growing demand for robust security measures in workplace communication platforms. This innovation not only aims to protect organizations from potential threats but also fosters a culture of security mindfulness among employees.