MSP, Training, Email security

ConnectWise Adds Proofpoint-Powered Email Security and Training for MSPs

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ConnectWise has expanded its Asio platform with a new email security and security awareness training solution, developed in partnership with Proofpoint. The goal is to help MSPs strengthen client defenses against phishing and email-borne threats while simplifying how those protections are managed.

Why It Matters for MSPs

Email remains the entry point for most cyberattacks, and small to midsized businesses are often the most vulnerable. By embedding Proofpoint’s threat intelligence into the ConnectWise ecosystem, MSPs gain centralized visibility, automate responses, and better protect Microsoft 365 environments. The combination addresses both inbound risks, such as phishing and ransomware, and outbound risks tied to data loss and compliance.

Russell Humphries, EVP of Product Management, Security and Data Protection at ConnectWise, told ChannelE2E that the launch is designed specifically for MSP workflows.

"ConnectWise Email Security and Security Awareness Training with Proofpoint is purpose built for MSPs. Delivering enterprise-grade email protection, this AI-powered solution is deeply integrated into ConnectWise Asio, meaning threat response and compliance tasks can be automated alongside ticketing, reporting, and service management.”

He added that automation helps close the gap between detection and action: “Phishing detection can trigger automated incident response within the same system MSPs use for client communication. Instead of pivoting between vendor portals, Asio’s automation layer allows MSPs to enforce policies, clone profiles, and roll out protections in minutes. That removes much of the manual intervention that traditionally slows down email security operations.”

Security Awareness Training at Scale

Security awareness training has long been underutilized by SMBs, but that is changing as organizations adjust to AI-driven threats and evolving compliance frameworks. Humphries pointed out that “research shows SMBs are actually increasing their cybersecurity investments for security awareness and training, with 80% making it a priority.”

The key challenge is delivering training broadly without adding operational burden.

"By embedding training directly into the Asio platform, MSPs can roll out programs at scale through templated onboarding and multi-tenant management. Employees receive contextual, just-in-time modules tied to real-world scenarios, so MSPs don’t have to constantly schedule, customize, or manage training manually,” he explained.

Centralized reporting in Asio also allows MSPs to demonstrate measurable improvements in client risk posture, positioning training as a visible driver of trust and compliance rather than an afterthought.

Business Impact for Providers

For MSPs, the business case centers on efficiency, scalability, and growth. Humphries noted, “Our partnership with Proofpoint helps take the complexity out of security by bringing tools together, automating routine tasks, and streamlining workflows. That means MSPs can spend less time on manual work and more time on higher-value services, lowering costs, improving margins, and scaling without adding extra headcount.”

At the same time, the integration creates opportunities for new revenue models. “With ConnectWise Asio’s flexible, modern platform, MSPs can roll out bundled security services, training, or other managed offerings, giving partners more ways to add value for their clients. By combining automation with a unified platform, MSPs can boost efficiency, grow revenue, and improve profitability all at once,” he said.

ConnectWise is positioning this offering as more than another point product. By tying Proofpoint’s protections directly into its automation-first platform, the company is giving MSPs a way to expand security services without the overhead of managing separate tools.

Suparna Chawla Bhasin

Suparna is the Senior Managing Editor for CyberRisk Alliance’s Channel Brands, including MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E. She manages content development, sharpens editorial workflows, and ensures storytelling is tightly aligned with audience needs. With a background in technology, media, and education, she combines strategic insight with creative execution.

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