KnowBe4, a global leader in security awareness training, announced its intention to acquire Egress, an intelligent email security provider. Integrating Egress' advanced cloud email security solution will enable KnowBe4 to offer the largest and most advanced AI-driven cybersecurity platform for managing human risk.
Egress' Intelligent Email Security suite provides AI-enabled security tools designed to protect your organization from increasingly sophisticated email cybersecurity threats. Many global organizations face the challenge of managing behavior-based data breaches, as 74% of incidents involve a human element, according to Verizon's Data Breach Investigations Report. By acquiring Egress, KnowBe4 plans to offer a single platform that uses dynamic threat intelligence to deliver AI-based security and training that adapts based on risk.
Stu Sjouwerman, CEO of KnowBe4, said: “The future of security is personalized, AI-driven control and real-time coaching. By providing a single platform with KnowBe4 and Egress, our customers benefit from differentiated, collective threat detection and evolve. After more than a year of working as integrated partners with strong philosophical and cultural alignment, this acquisition will help both companies stay ahead of cyber threats and foster a strong security culture. It's a natural progression to take cloud email security to the next level.”
Tony Pepper, CEO of Egress, added: “KnowBe4 and Egress have a shared vision of providing the right security for each employee. One of the biggest challenges organizations face is knowing who the next source of compromise will be and how they will do so.” By combining intelligence and analytics from integrated applications, businesses can gain valuable insights across the entire cyber ecosystem, allowing them to focus on the risks that matter most.”
This acquisition announcement follows notable achievements by both companies through 2024. KnowBe4 recently introduced an AI-native platform, Artificial Intelligence Defense Agent (AIDA). It implements advanced AI agents to facilitate effectiveness and speed. Previously, KnowBe4 was honored by G2 as a Top Software Award Winner and Energage's winner of his 2024 Top Workplaces USA. At the same time, Egress released an AI-powered automated fraud mailbox earlier this month, winning numerous awards including Security Innovation of the Year (Computing). Security Excellence Awards), Best Email Security Solution, Best Data Leak Prevention Solution (SC Awards Europe) and Best Place to Work in the UK (Great Place to Work 2024).
The transaction between KnowBe4 and Egress, backed by FTV Capital and AlbionVC, is expected to close in the coming months, subject to standard closing conditions and required regulatory approvals. Citi provided exclusive financial advice to Her Egress on this transaction, with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP serving as legal advisor.
