Sophos & Pax8 partner to enhance MSP cybersecurity access

Sophos and Pax8 have announced a strategic partnership to expand the cybersecurity offerings available to managed service providers (MSPs) via the Pax8 cloud marketplace.

This collaboration introduces a comprehensive portfolio of cybersecurity solutions to Pax8's network, offering more than 40,000 MSPs a streamlined method for accessing Sophos' services. The offerings include Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Sophos Endpoint powered by Intercept X, and Sophos Firewall. Unifying these solutions aims to reduce the complexity of cybersecurity management for channel partners, facilitate streamlined operations, and simplify billing.

Joe Levy, CEO of Sophos, 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."

"With cybersecurity, speed and innovation are essential for defending against attackers. This partnership with Pax8 accelerates MSP access to critical cybersecurity tools, enabling them to better protect their customers in an increasingly complex and volatile threat landscape."

Among the benefits highlighted by the new partnership is the potential for MSPs to generate new revenue streams by accessing an extensive array of security offerings from one provider in the Pax8 Marketplace. Additionally, the collaboration offers MSPs the opportunity to cut overhead costs and enhance billable hours by optimising the procurement and billing processes through a fully integrated Pax8 Marketplace experience.

Scott Chasin, CEO of Pax8, stated, "MSPs today need solutions that align with how they operate—cloud-first, flexible and easy to manage at scale. Pax8 is revolutionising how MSPs access and deploy cloud-based solutions, and cybersecurity is an important piece of the overall stack. By bringing Sophos' innovative security offerings to our marketplace, Pax8 is providing our partners with access to enterprise-grade security solutions for their SMB customers in a way that simplifies management, reduces risk and drives profitability."

The comprehensive nature of this offering is expected to significantly benefit MSPs, enabling them to enhance their security posture while experiencing simplified cloud procurement cycles. According to the Sophos MSP Perspectives 2024 report, by consolidating their security stack with a single vendor, MSPs can cut their daily security management time by up to 50%. This figure rises to 69% for those previously managing six or more security vendors.

Raja Patel, Chief Product Officer at Sophos, mentioned, "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 also highlighted that Pax8 MSPs would have opportunities to sell additional revenue-generating products and services to address evolving cybersecurity needs.

Sophos' cybersecurity solutions, backed by real-time threat intelligence from Sophos X-Ops, are designed to provide proactive, AI-driven protection against cyber threats. The partnership with Sophos' MDR service offers 24/7 security compatible with MSPs managing Microsoft Defender environments, enhancing client security, and providing substantial returns on Microsoft investments.

Sophos' MDR service also supports MSPs in augmenting in-house systems or serving as a full managed service. This includes vital coverage during off-hours when networks can be more vulnerable. New tools like the AI Assistant in Sophos XDR enhance MSPs' response capabilities, further supporting operators in addressing threats using existing intelligence from frontline Sophos analysts.