Bridging the Cybersecurity Gap: Sophos’ Mission for the 99%

The cybersecurity industry often focuses on protecting large enterprises with vast budgets and dedicated IT teams. However, the reality is that the vast majority of businesses globally fall outside this privileged group. Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), which make up the “99%,” are equally vulnerable—if not more so—to cyber threats but often lack the tools and expertise to protect themselves. In a recent podcast discussion, Joe Levy, CEO of Sophos, articulates his company’s commitment to changing this imbalance. Sophos has dedicated itself to democratizing cybersecurity by delivering accessible, scalable, and practical solutions tailored to underserved markets. This article explores Sophos’ unique mission, channel-first approach, and why the cybersecurity gap between large enterprises and SMBs must be bridged.

The Cybersecurity Poverty Line: A Widening Divide

Joe Levy introduces the concept of the “cybersecurity poverty line” to highlight the stark contrast in protection capabilities between large corporations and SMBs. While major enterprises often employ Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and 24/7 security operations centers (SOCs), most SMBs struggle with limited resources and minimal cybersecurity expertise. This disparity is not merely a budget issue but a systemic vulnerability threatening the broader digital ecosystem. An unsecured small business can be a weak link in the supply chain, potentially exposing larger partners and networks to threats.

According to Levy, even the best-resourced companies are merely staying afloat in the cybersecurity war. This makes the situation for smaller organizations even more precarious. The gap is only growing with rising threat sophistication and expanding attack surfaces. Sophos recognized this early and positioned itself to provide tools and services that address the unique needs of SMBs. The goal is not just to protect individual businesses, but to enhance collective security across interconnected ecosystems.

Sophos’ solutions are designed with empathy and accessibility in mind. This includes easy-to-deploy products, simplified interfaces, and integrated services that reduce the operational burden on already stretched IT teams. Sophos ensures that even organizations without dedicated security personnel can maintain a strong security posture by focusing on usability and automation.

Channel-First Strategy: Empowering Partners for Broader Reach

At the core of Sophos’ mission is its commitment to a channel-first model. Rather than selling directly to end customers, Sophos relies on a vast network of partners to deliver cybersecurity solutions. This strategy expands the company’s reach and builds lasting relationships based on mutual trust and shared success. Joe Levy emphasizes that a partner-centric approach requires more than just distribution—collaboration, support, and a shared understanding of customer needs.

One of the key advantages of the channel-first model is its scalability. With over 600,000 customers worldwide, Sophos leverages its partner network to localize and personalize cybersecurity services. These partners understand regional nuances and industry-specific challenges, making them well-positioned to offer relevant and timely solutions. Sophos, in turn, provides them with the tools, training, and resources needed to succeed in competitive markets.

Furthermore, Sophos supports multiple engagement models, from traditional product sales to managed services. This flexibility allows partners to choose how to deliver value to customers through direct deployment, co-managed solutions, or full-service offerings. The ability to adapt to partner capabilities and customer requirements has been instrumental in Sophos’ growth and its ability to serve the diverse needs of the 99%.

MDR and Hybrid Services: Closing the Skills Gap

One of the most impactful innovations in Sophos’ portfolio is its Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service. As Joe Levy explains, MDR was designed to address the cybersecurity skills gap that plagues many SMBs. These organizations often lack the resources to monitor threats around the clock or to respond effectively when incidents occur. MDR fills this void by providing 24/7 threat detection, investigation, and response, backed by Sophos’ global team of security experts.

Sophos’ MDR is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It offers various modes of engagement to fit different customer profiles. Businesses can receive alerts only, collaborate on response actions, or fully outsource the response function to Sophos. This tiered approach ensures that every organization, regardless of size or maturity, can find a model that suits their needs and risk tolerance. Partners can also leverage MDR to scale their services without significant investment in personnel or infrastructure.

In addition to MDR, Sophos has embraced a hybrid model that blends product innovation with service delivery. This integrated approach helps partners deliver comprehensive solutions without reinventing the wheel. Whether through AI-driven threat detection, centralized management platforms, or seamless product integrations, Sophos equips partners and customers with tools to combat modern threats. The result is a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity ecosystem that works for everyone, not just the elite few.

Conclusion

Sophos’ mission to protect the 99% is more than a marketing slogan—it’s a strategic imperative grounded in empathy, expertise, and execution. Joe Levy’s leadership emphasizes the importance of reaching beyond traditional enterprise boundaries to serve the needs of everyday businesses. By leveraging a channel-first model, investing in managed services, and focusing on usability, Sophos is helping close the cybersecurity gap that exposes so many SMBs.

The “cybersecurity poverty line” is real but not insurmountable. Even the smallest businesses can achieve enterprise-grade protection with the right partners, tools, and mindset. Sophos’ approach offers a blueprint for how the industry can move forward, focusing less on prestige and impact, less on exclusivity and more on inclusivity. In doing so, it strengthens individual organizations and fortifies the digital landscape.

Sophos offers a path forward for SMBs seeking reliable, scalable, and effective cybersecurity solutions. And for partners committed to making a difference, Sophos provides the platform, support, and vision to succeed. In a world where threats constantly evolve, it’s time to ensure no one is left behind.