Hornetsecurity Competitive Intelligence & Landscape

Hornetsecurity (hornetsecurity.com) is a leading provider of next-gen Microsoft 365 security, dedicated to building a safer digital future and fostering sustainable security cultures worldwide [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/company/]. The company specializes in comprehensive cloud-based services that safeguard data and communications for tens of thousands of organizations across more than 120 countries [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/career/]. Their award-winning portfolio, including 365 Total Protection, addresses all aspects of Microsoft 365 security, backup, and GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) needs [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/].

Hornetsecurity empowers companies and organizations of all sizes with solutions featuring AI-powered M365 security, data protection, compliance, and security awareness [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/].

Key offerings from Hornetsecurity include the AI Cyber Assistant, Spam and Malware Protection, Advanced Threat Protection, Email Encryption, Email Archiving, and Email Continuity Service [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/]. They also provide specialized tools like Security Awareness Service, DMARC Manager, 365 Multi Tenant Manager for MSPs, 365 Permission Manager, and VM Backup [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/]. The company's commitment to innovation is evident in its M365 Security League, a powerful team of AI-based features designed to enhance M365 environments [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/].

Founded by Daniel Hofmann, who serves as CEO, Hornetsecurity has its headquarters in Hannover, Germany (Hornetsecurity GmbH) and a UK office in London (Hornetsecurity Ltd.) [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/legal-notice/]. As of April 2023, Daniel Blank holds the COO position [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/legal-notice/]. The company operates globally through an extensive international distribution network of over 12,000 channel partners and MSPs, serving more than 125,000 customers [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/company/]. With over 700 employees across international sites in Europe, the USA, Canada, and South America, Hornetsecurity is recognized as one of Germany's 50 fastest-growing technology companies [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/career/].

Hornetsecurity offers a comprehensive suite of Next-Gen Microsoft 365 Security solutions, encompassing security, backup, and compliance. Their flagship product, 365 Total Protection, is a full suite designed to future-proof business operations with AI-powered M365 security, data protection, compliance, and security awareness. This includes premium spam and malware filtering, automated email encryption, and easy-to-use signatures and disclaimers. The platform is scalable, catering to businesses from 5 to 500 employees, with all features managed through a central Control Panel [hornetsecurity.com/en/solutions-for-businesses/].

For backup needs, Hornetsecurity provides 365 Total Backup, an automated solution for Microsoft 365 data backup, recovery, and protection, offering unlimited storage and retention. It comprehensively backs up M365 mailboxes, Teams Chats, Planner, OneNote, Entra ID Users & Groups, OneDrive for Business accounts, and SharePoint document libraries [hornetsecurity.com/en/services/365-total-backup/]. Additionally, VM Backup (formerly Altaro VM Backup) offers immutable protection against data loss and ransomware for Microsoft Hyper-V, PROXMOX, and VMware virtual machines. VM Backup comes in Standard, Unlimited, and Unlimited Plus Editions, with the latter two offering cloud backup to various services like Azure, Amazon S3, Wasabi, and BackBlaze B2, including immutable options [go.hornetsecurity.com/downloads/Edition_Feature_Comparison_EN.pdf]. Pricing for VM Backup can be obtained through partners or by contacting their sales team directly [hornetsecurity.com/en/services/vm-backup/buy-now/].

While specific granular pricing details are often provided via quote requests, Hornetsecurity structures its 365 Total Protection into various plans: Plan 1, Plan 2, Plan 3, and Plan 4. These plans progressively add more advanced features, moving from essential email security to include AI-based advanced threat protection, business continuity, and audit-proof compliance features [hornetsecurity.com/en/solutions-for-businesses/]. Features like Core Protection (AS, AV, Sender Auth, IP Reputation), Compliance Filter, URL Defense, and Attachment Defense Sandboxing are included across several plans [hornetsecurity.com/en/vade-feature-comparison/]. For a personalized quote on any of their services, customers are directed to request a quote [hornetsecurity.com/en/services/].

Hornetsecurity is actively expanding its global workforce, signaling a robust growth strategy focused on strengthening its core offerings in Microsoft 365 security, data protection, compliance, and security awareness. With over 700 employees across international sites in Europe, the USA, Canada, and South America, the company is consistently advertising open positions in more than 15 locations [hornetsecurity.com/en/career/]. This sustained recruitment drive underscores Hornetsecurity's commitment to meet the rising demand for cloud-based security services, serving tens of thousands of companies in over 120 countries [hornetsecurity.com/en/career/].

Recent job postings indicate a strategic focus on bolstering key departments, particularly Product Management & Design and Product Development Center. Examples include roles like "Product Owner (Cybersecurity)" in both Germany and North Macedonia [hornetsecurity.com/en/job/product-owner-cybersecurity-germany/], [hornetsecurity.com/en/job/product-owner-e-mail-security-skopje/], and "Backend Developer (.NET)" in Malta [hornetsecurity.com/en/job/backend-developer-dot-net-malta/]. These roles highlight an investment in enhancing their cloud security platform and expanding their product capabilities, particularly within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. The company also seeks specialized talent in areas such as "E-Learning Specialist" in Germany and North Macedonia [hornetsecurity.com/en/job/e-learning-specialist-germany/], [hornetsecurity.com/en/job/e-learning-specialist-north-macedonia/], and "Red Team Security Engineer" in Germany [hornetsecurity.com/en/job/security-operations-engineer-germany/], reflecting a commitment to both security innovation and user education.

Furthermore, Hornetsecurity is actively seeking to strengthen its customer-facing and internal support teams with positions like "Technical Account Manager" in the US [hornetsecurity.com/en/job/technical-account-manager-us/] and "Recruiter" in North Macedonia [hornetsecurity.com/en/job/recruiter-north-macedonia/]. These hires are crucial for maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and attracting top talent to fuel continued expansion. The emphasis on international recruitment across various functional areas suggests that Hornetsecurity is not undergoing layoffs, but rather is in an aggressive growth phase, strategically adding personnel to support its expanding global operations and product portfolio. This hiring pattern signals a clear company strategy to scale its reach and deepen its expertise in the competitive cybersecurity landscape.

Hornetsecurity, a leading provider of cloud-based email security and data protection, has demonstrated strong financial performance and attracted significant investments throughout its history. In 2019, the company reported an impressive yearly revenue growth of 68% [Source: https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/blog/well-prepared-for-2020/]. This momentum continued, with Hornetsecurity boasting over $160 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) and more than 20% year-over-year growth prior to its acquisition by Proofpoint [Source: https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/blog/proofpoint-acquires-hornetsecurity/]. The company’s financial health is further highlighted by its performance above the "Rule of 60," indicating strong market demand and exceptional operational efficiency [Source: https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/blog/proofpoint-acquires-hornetsecurity/].

Hornetsecurity has successfully secured strategic growth investments from prominent private equity firms. In July 2020, Providence Strategic Growth (PSG) and Verdane invested in the company, with affiliates of PSG becoming new stakeholders [Source: https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/blog/providence-strategic-growth-and-verdane-invest-in-hornetsecurity/]. This was followed by another strategic growth investment in September 2022 from TA Associates, a growth-oriented private equity firm, joining existing investors PSG Equity and Verdane [Source: https://www.hornetsecurity.com/de/blog/strategische-wachstumsinvestition-an-hornetsecurity/]. These investments underscore the confidence in Hornetsecurity's growth trajectory and its position as a key player in the cloud security market.

A significant development in Hornetsecurity's M&A activity was its acquisition by Proofpoint, Inc., a leading cybersecurity and compliance company. The acquisition was officially completed in December 2025 [Source: https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/blog/proofpoint-acquisition-completed-press-release/]. This strategic move integrated Hornetsecurity's AI-powered Microsoft 365 security, data protection, compliance, and security awareness solutions into Proofpoint's portfolio, further enhancing both companies' offerings to managed service providers (MSPs) and small to midsize businesses (SMBs) [Source: https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/blog/proofpoint-acquisition-completed-press-release/]. The acquisition brought a high-performing business into the Proofpoint portfolio, recognized for its strong growth and operational excellence [Source: https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/blog/proofpoint-acquires-hornetsecurity/].

Hornetsecurity actively engages with its community and partners through a diverse range of events, including webinars, roadshows, and major industry conferences. The company consistently hosts live and on-demand cybersecurity webinars, covering critical topics from phishing scams and data breaches to advanced strategies for securing digital assets. Recent and upcoming webinars have included "From Detection to Action: Building an AI-Augmented Security Operations Strategy Play," "Cybersecurity Trends 2026" featuring industry experts, and sessions introducing new features like "Meet AI.MY: Your new AI Security Powerup" and the comprehensive "Your Cybersecurity Journey - 365 Total Protection" platform [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/webinars/]. These digital events provide valuable insights and practical guidance to help users and partners stay ahead of evolving threats.

In addition to online engagements, Hornetsecurity maintains a strong presence at in-person events. They participate in key industry gatherings such as Infosecurity Europe, where they showcase their 365 Total Protection suite, an AI-powered, all-in-one Microsoft 365 security, backup, and GRC solution. At these events, attendees can benefit from live product demonstrations and expert-led sessions on the latest in Microsoft 365 security [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/meet-hornetsecurity/infosec-london/]. The company also attends specialized events like Cyber Expo Ireland, an MSP and Partner security show, where they contribute to discussions on AI in cybersecurity [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/meet-hornetsecurity/].

Hornetsecurity also organizes and participates in dedicated roadshows to connect directly with partners and Managed Service Providers (MSPs). The "2025 Partner Roadshow – Building a Safe Digital Future" aims to educate partners on protecting Microsoft 365 environments from email to Teams, with events often held in unique locations like distilleries for an exclusive experience [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/hornetsecurity-roadshow-2025/]. Similarly, their "MSP Roadshow" in the UK focuses on uncovering hidden risks in Microsoft 365, managing permissions, and providing practical sales and technical training to empower MSPs [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/msp-roadshow/]. Furthermore, Hornetsecurity hosts events like the "2026 Northern European Distribution Summit" and quarterly partner updates to foster strong partnerships and discuss growth strategies [https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/meet-hornetsecurity/infosec-distribution-summit/][https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/webinars/northern-europe-partner-quarterly-update-q4-25/]. Through these varied events, Hornetsecurity reinforces its commitment to educating, supporting, and collaborating with its global community.