Barracuda Networks, Inc., a trusted partner and provider of cloud-enabled security solutions, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SKOUT Cybersecurity, a Melville, New York-based leader in cyber-as-a-service software for managed service providers (MSPs) and provider of an extended detection and response (XDR) platform and service.
With the acquisition Barracuda has entered the fast-growing XDR market with a solution optimized for MSPs. SKOUT brings advanced technology and continues Barracuda’s strategic M&A momentum which includes the recent acquisition of Zero Trust Access provider Fyde. Adding to Barracuda’s prior integrations with Open XDR platforms, SKOUT expands Barracuda’s portfolio with a powerful XDR platform for MSPs that is backed by a 24×7 SOC.
According to Gartner, “Two of the biggest challenges for all security organizations are hiring and retaining technically savvy security operations staff, and building a security operations capability that can confidently configure and maintain a defensive posture as well as provide a rapid detection and response capacity. Mainstream organizations are often overwhelmed by the intersectionality of these two problems.”
Acquisition highlights include:
- Expands Barracuda’s solutions for MSPs with SKOUT, offering XDR platform for proactive real-time continuous security monitoring with response services for managed endpoints, networks, and cloud.
- SKOUT’s offering includes an XDR platform that connects with critical security infrastructures such as email, firewall, identity and access, and a 24×7 SOC that aids the detection and response of cyber-attacks.
- Enables customers to address threats more efficiently with additional threat detection, threat analysis, and response capabilities.
- Eliminates customers’ expense of training and staffing for 24×7 service, instead using SKOUT’s security professionals to handle the SOC operation.
- Provides MSPs with choice and flexibility when building out their cybersecurity practice, and features a powerful combination of solutions, enablement tools, and human security expertise.
- By integrating with existing security infrastructure, SKOUT offers investment protection for MSPs, making it easier to handle cyber-attacks in diverse customer environments.
The acquisition is anticipated to close in July, subject to obtaining required regulatory and third-party consents, and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
