Sophos & Pax8 join forces to bolster MSP cybersecurity

A new strategic partnership has been announced between Sophos and Pax8, which will offer an extensive cybersecurity portfolio to Pax8's marketplace, benefitting over 40,000 Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

Pax8 has indicated that this partnership addresses a key obstacle for MSPs by allowing them to seamlessly manage cybersecurity through a single platform. The collaboration is set to streamline solution integration, enhance efficiency, and simplify the complexities of cloud procurement cycles.

The Chief Executive Officer of Pax8, Scott Chasin, stated, "MSPs today need solutions that align with the way they operate—cloud-first, flexible and easy to manage at scale. Pax8 is revolutionising the way MSPs access and deploy cloud-based solutions, and cybersecurity is an important piece of the overall stack." He added that with Sophos' security offerings available through their marketplace, partners can access enterprise-grade security capabilities that simplify management, reduce risk, and drive profitability.

This partnership introduces Sophos' comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to the Pax8 network, including Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Sophos Endpoint powered by Intercept X, and Sophos Firewall. The integration aims to revolutionise opportunities for channel partners by streamlining operations, simplifying billing, and reducing the complexity of cybersecurity management across customers.

In Sophos' MSP Perspectives 2024 report, it was found that MSPs consolidating their security stack through a single vendor can reduce daily security management time by nearly 50%. This reduction increases to 69% for those managing six or more security vendors. The partnership with Pax8 aims to remove these operational barriers for MSPs, allowing them to manage cybersecurity efficiently through a single vendor platform while strengthening their security posture.

The Chief Executive Officer of Sophos, Joe Levy, commented, "Sophos and Pax8 are strongly aligned in our mission to empower MSPs with best-in-class end-to-end security services and products while simplifying lifecycle management of these solutions and reducing operational overhead. MSPs want to align with vendors who are easy to work with and this agreement will make it even easier for MSPs to work with Sophos, something we've long been committed to." Levy also emphasised the importance of speed and innovation in cybersecurity for defending against attacks, a critical part of this new partnership.

Additional advantages of this partnership for MSPs include new revenue opportunities through a comprehensive security portfolio by a single vendor on the Pax8 Marketplace, reducing overhead costs, and freeing up billable hours through a streamlined procurement and billing process. The partnership also promises coordinated MSP enablement, support, and sales training initiatives, as well as 24/7 security for MSPs' Microsoft Defender customers using Sophos' MDR service.

Scott Chasin reiterated the benefits of the collaboration, noting that Pax8's revolution in providing cloud-based solutions includes offering Sophos' security offerings. This enables MSPs to give their SMB customers access to enterprise-grade security solutions, simplifying management, reducing risk, and increasing profitability.

Raja Patel, Chief Product Officer of Sophos, stated, "MSPs say they could cut day to day management time almost in half by consolidating on a single cybersecurity platform—and Sophos enables them to achieve that goal. By managing all their customers' cybersecurity in the cloud-based Sophos Central platform, MSPs can reduce workload and free up valuable billing hours." Patel added that MSPs could access extensive opportunities to sell additional revenue-generating products and services.

The partnership is bolstered by Sophos' real-time threat intelligence from Sophos X-Ops, providing MSPs with AI-driven protection against cyberattacks. Sophos' Managed Detection and Response service, used by more than 28,000 organisations globally, offers automated threat detection, managed response, and security insights, which further arm MSPs with tools to enhance defenses and reduce complexity.

Additionally, Sophos provides enhanced security for Microsoft environments, with more than 60% of its MDR customers managed via MSPs. This insight allows Sophos to optimise protection and provide peace of mind to clients. Sophos's MDR service for Microsoft environments also enhances customers' return on Microsoft investments.

The Sophos offering through Pax8 will be available starting February 28, 2025, aiming to provide MSPs with the resources needed to deliver robust cybersecurity solutions effectively.