With cyberthreats increasingly targeting clients in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector, managed services provider (MSP) Advance2000 knew it needed a smarter, more robust way to protect them. Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, with additional offices in Canada and Romania, Advance2000 has spent over 37 years building a reputation as a trusted provider of private cloud and managed IT services. But as the cybersecurity landscape evolved, so did client expectations.
Rising threats demand stronger defenses
“We saw a demand for more robust security, and Barracuda provided the best of breed solutions we needed,” explains Andrew Tamchyna, Solutions Architect at Advance2000.
Traditional antivirus tools could no longer keep up with modern threats like account takeover (ATO) attacks and ransomware. Many of these threats originated through email. Advance2000 needed a partner that offered enterprise-grade security without adding unnecessary complexity.
They turned to Barracuda Networks to enhance their proactive 24/7/365 cybersecurity monitoring and incident response efforts. By integrating Barracuda’s suite of security tools including Email Gateway Defense, Advanced Threat Protection, Impersonation Protection, Cloud Archiving, Incident Response, and Cloud-to-Cloud Backup, Advance2000 built a comprehensive, scalable security offering that fits seamlessly into their managed services model.
Simplifying security at scale
“Barracuda’s cloud protection layer is innovative,” says Charles Harrington, Manager of Services and Support. “It allows us to manage multiple customers from a single portal, making it easier to see what’s happening quickly and take action.”
Advance2000’s centralized network operations center (NOC) leverages geolocation tracking, real-time alerts, and smart remediation to catch attacks before clients even notice them. One standout example involved a large-scale spam campaign. The Advance2000 team deployed Barracuda Email Gateway Defense within 30 minutes, immediately halting the attack and protecting thousands of inboxes.
Turning skeptics into believers
Not every client is quick to prioritize cybersecurity at first. Harrington recalls a customer who was hesitant to invest in email security despite rising spam attacks. Advance2000 offered a 30-day free trial of Barracuda Email Gateway Defense, which was fully configured in under an hour. Once the spam vanished and productivity improved, the client signed on immediately. “They didn’t want to turn it off after the 30 days,” Harrington explains.
Supporting compliance and growth
Barracuda’s archiving and backup capabilities also help Advance2000 clients stay compliant with strict regulatory and cyber insurance requirements. “Barracuda’s archiving product gives us confidence that our customers can comply,” shares Tamchyna. “It makes the process much easier.”
Advance2000 has enhanced their security posture and built stronger client relationships, thanks to their partnership with Barracuda. This collaboration has also positioned them for future growth. “With Barracuda’s continued investment in development and cutting-edge technology, we’re confident they’ll remain our premier partner for years to come,” Tamchyna concludes.
In an era where cyberthreats are constantly evolving, the need for robust and adaptable security solutions has never been more critical. MSPs can protect their clients by embracing innovative technologies and proactive strategies. Additionally, these approaches help build lasting relationships based on trust and reliability. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to shift, staying ahead of threats requires a commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration. With the right tools and partners, businesses can confidently navigate the complexities of digital security, ensuring a safer and more secure future for all.
Want to learn more about Advance2000’s innovations through Barracuda? Read the full story today.
Photo: THICHA SATAPITANON / Shutterstock
This post originally appeared on Smarter MSP.