Mimecast, a global leader in Human Risk Management (HRM), has acquired Aware, a prominent AI collaboration security platform, to enhance its approach to managing human-centered security risks. Although the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the acquisition signifies Mimecast’s commitment to revolutionizing security practices within organizations. Mimecast CEO Marc van Zadelhoff emphasized the increasing risks associated with digital communication platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams, which are essential for workplace connectivity but also create vulnerabilities that can lead to regulatory fines and reputational damage.
The importance of managing human risk in cybersecurity has gained recognition in recent years. Forrester’s Human Risk Management Solutions Landscape report highlights that traditional security awareness training efforts have been ineffective in addressing the complexities of human behavior related to cybersecurity. The acquisition of Aware aims to leverage AI to understand and mitigate risks stemming from human error, privilege misuse, and social engineering, thus addressing the multifaceted nature of breaches that organizations face today.
Aware’s platform is designed to identify risks within the unstructured data generated by workplace collaboration tools, enhancing Mimecast’s existing AI capabilities. The integration of Aware will bolster Mimecast’s ability to prevent sensitive data loss, improve compliance, and mitigate human-related risks. Additionally, Aware’s technology will enhance Mimecast’s impersonation detection and Business Email Compromise (BEC) capabilities, providing customers with a more robust security framework tailored to the collaborative environment.
This acquisition follows Mimecast’s recent launch of its HRM platform and the introduction of Mimecast Engage™, a human risk awareness and training offering. Mimecast intends to maintain support for Aware’s existing customer base while gradually integrating new technologies into its products over the coming quarters. With the rise of collaborative tools in the workplace, this acquisition positions Mimecast to better protect organizations from emerging security threats that extend beyond traditional email channels.
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