KnowBe4 integrates with Microsoft to boost email threat defence

KnowBe4 has announced a strategic integration with Microsoft Defender for Office 365, marking the first partnership within Microsoft's new Integrated Cloud Email Security (ICES) vendor ecosystem.

This new collaboration brings KnowBe4's AI-powered threat detection and human risk management capabilities together with Microsoft's email security tools, aiming to create a more unified defence against email-based threats for organisations using Microsoft 365.

According to KnowBe4, the integration is specifically designed to complement Microsoft 365's existing security infrastructure rather than replace it. By incorporating KnowBe4 Defend's advanced inbound threat detection, organisations can retain their current Microsoft security configuration while adding another protective layer focused on specialised threat identification and response.

One of the main features of the integration is the seamless flow of KnowBe4 alerts directly into the Microsoft Defender quarantine console. This functionality enables security teams to manage threats and investigate alerts within a single interface, streamlining workflows and improving response efficiencies.

The partnership is positioned as a significant development in Microsoft's ICES ecosystem, which promotes collaborative cybersecurity between Microsoft and third-party vendors. The approach reflects a broader trend in the industry towards integrated, interoperable solutions that support a layered security model.

This new collaboration is driving meaningful innovation in cybersecurity. By combining Microsoft's email and collaboration security infrastructure with KnowBe4's leadership in human risk management and robust threat detection capabilities, organisations can now capitalise on a truly integrated defence strategy that benefits from the unique strengths of both platforms. We look forward to offering this to our global customers to help them enhance their security efforts.

The integration aims to increase the probability of detecting and preventing sophisticated email threats before they can impact end users. By leveraging multiple methods of analysis and detection across both platforms, the solution offers organisations a multilayered approach to email security. Additionally, it provides security operations centres (SOC) unified tools for quick investigation, root cause analysis, and tactical response to incidents.

KnowBe4 describes its platform as an AI-driven system for human risk management, used by more than 70,000 organisations globally. The company's HRM+ platform features modules such as security awareness and compliance training, cloud email security, real-time coaching, crowdsourced anti-phishing services, and AI defence agents. The integration with Microsoft Defender for Office 365 expands this toolkit, allowing organisations already invested in Microsoft's email security products to build upon their existing defences.

The new collaboration provides a practical example of how security vendors can cooperate to deliver enhanced protection for their shared customer base. The inclusion of KnowBe4 as the first vendor in Microsoft's ICES ecosystem is expected to encourage further partnerships and integrations, supporting an industry shift towards a more collaborative and integrated security landscape.