Introducing Cork 2.0: New Features, CEO, and Partner Growth

Boston-based Cork Protection just announced the launch of Cork 2.0, featuring new capabilities and strategic partnerships. The cyber warranty startup is doubling down on protecting MSPs and their SMB customers from cyber threats.

Alongside the launch of Cork 2.0, the company welcomes former Amazon Web Services (AWS) executive Dan Candee as its new CEO. Previous CEO Carlson Choi has transitioned to the role of chief product and technology officer.

Enhanced features and MSP benefits

Cork 2.0 brings advanced features designed to enhance cyber intelligence and smart cyber warranty solutions, which protects a business by providing a safety net that ensures financial protection against cyber incidents. These improvements help managed service providers (MSPs) protect their clients from constantly-evolving threats while creating new business opportunities. By using Cork 2.0, the idea is that MSPs can strengthen their security offerings and generate additional revenue.

Protection and profitability, my dear Watson.

Since emerging from stealth mode in 2023, Cork has been dedicated to protecting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) from financial losses due to cybercrime. According to the press release announcing the launch, the company has hunkered down and collaborated with MSPs to make cyber-attack prevention and cyber warranty required components of their customers’ cybersecurity solutions. Cork’s specialized security monitoring platform currently manages over 250,000 endpoints, checking millions of compliance events daily and mitigating hundreds of threats.

Dan Candee’s vision for the future

Dan Candee has also stepped in to lead the company as it rolls out Cork 2.0.

“My vision for Cork is to ensure our MSP partners can deliver as business continuity and security champions for their SMB customers,” said Candee in the press release. “I admire how Cork empowers MSPs by enabling them to deliver instant value to their SMB clients. By embracing MSPs existing cyber stack, Cork mitigates both the risk and cost associated with an attack. As we move into year two, we are making significant platform investments to build upon the phenomenal success the team has already experienced.”

Candee goes on to say that in the coming months, MSPs can expect to see an acceleration of Cork’s technology alliances and product development initiatives while they simultaneously expand their partner-first culture.

MSP challenges and solutions

“MSPs need reliable, user-friendly financial solutions to protect against cyber risks and Cork addresses this through its monitoring and warranty platform that seamlessly integrates into their existing technology stack, enhances the value of their services, and provides immediate peace of mind to the SMB customers they support,” said Austin McChord, managing director at Outsiders Fund.

Indeed, MSPs face growing pressures to handle cyber threats while keeping their operations running smoothly. Jon McNeill, founder at Cork and CEO and co-founder at DVx Ventures, emphasizes that cyberattacks “aren’t a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.”

“Small businesses are especially vulnerable since they lack the resources of larger companies and rely on their MSPs, who in turn count on partners like Cork for the protection SMBs need,” said McNeill.

Enhanced Cybersecurity with Cork 2.0

Cork 2.0 boosts its cyber intelligence and smart warranty features, which are designed to help MSPs better protect their clients from evolving threats while expanding business opportunities.

Key updates include:

• BEC compliance reporting: With Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams costing U.S. businesses $2.9 billion in 2023, Cork’s new features help MSPs improve email security and prevent unauthorized access and financial losses.
• Endpoint-based pricing: Cork’s revised pricing model, based on endpoints, aims to boost MSP profitability by aligning costs with how cybersecurity solutions are deployed.
• Comprehensive cyber assurance: Cork now partners with DataStream to offer a complete cyber warranty and insurance solution. MSPs can access Cork’s platform to underwrite DataStream’s coverage, which includes protection and risk analysis for various cyber threats.

Cork’s updates show their focus on and support for the MSSP and MSP communities. These improvements will help strengthen security measures and ensure that customers get the financial support they need if an attack occurs.

Small businesses often turn to MSSPs to manage their security needs. Read more about some of the best security services for SMBs in 2024.