Proofpoint Enhances Human-Centric Cybersecurity

Proofpoint, Inc., a global cybersecurity and compliance company, has announced the expansion of its award-winning platform, introducing broader, adaptive human-centric security controls. These new capabilities are designed to protect organizations from modern cyber threats, including phishing attacks, data breaches, and insider risks. The enhanced platform provides comprehensive protection across messaging, collaboration, social media apps, SaaS applications, and user identities, while also offering smarter, more adaptive security to organizations worldwide.

The new features were revealed at Proofpoint’s flagship Protect Conference, where the company showcased how its proprietary technologies—Proofpoint Nexus and Proofpoint Zen—address the growing risks associated with human behavior in cybersecurity. By integrating AI-driven threat detection, behavioral analysis, and advanced security solutions, Proofpoint sets a new standard for human-centric protection, enabling organizations to secure their digital environments and guide employees toward safer online behaviors.

Sumit Dhawan, CEO of Proofpoint, highlighted the evolving nature of cyber threats, stating, “Human risk is at the core of today’s most dangerous cyber threats. We are evolving human-centric security by unifying disparate security processes into one platform, protecting organizations and guiding employees with real-time interventions.”

Proofpoint’s new ZenWeb browser extension delivers real-time protection against malicious URLs across messaging platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and LinkedIn, providing advanced threat detection powered by Nexus TI (Threat Intelligence). With URL-based attacks up 119% and SMS phishing surging by 2,524% over the past three years, these enhancements are critical for safeguarding against phishing and malware attacks in today’s digital workplace.

As cloud applications become more prevalent, securing corporate identities has become increasingly challenging. Proofpoint Posture Management addresses this issue by detecting configuration anomalies and unauthorized access to SaaS platforms like Microsoft 365 and cloud storage. The solution maps identity sprawl to prevent cloud account takeovers, a growing concern as 96% of organizations have been targeted for such attacks, with over half experiencing breaches firsthand.

In addition to protecting against external threats, Proofpoint’s Adaptive Information Protection focuses on mitigating insider risks by automatically monitoring high-risk behaviors. Whether it’s departing employees or contractors, the system responds to risky actions in real-time to prevent data loss. Proofpoint has also integrated GenAI intent-aware protection, helping organizations safeguard sensitive data, such as PII and source code, during interactions with generative AI tools.

To further address the human element in cybersecurity, Proofpoint has evolved its approach to security awareness training. ZenGuide (formerly Security Awareness Training) moves beyond traditional compliance-focused programs to offer personalized security education based on individual risk profiles. By analyzing user behavior across the Proofpoint ecosystem, ZenGuide delivers tailored learning paths that promote real behavioral change, reducing risky actions and strengthening overall security culture. Research shows that while 99% of organizations have security awareness programs in place, 68% of employees still engage in risky behaviors. Proofpoint aims to close this gap with its targeted, context-aware training.

With these new capabilities, Proofpoint is reinforcing its leadership in human-centric cybersecurity, providing organizations with the tools they need to combat modern cyber threats effectively. By integrating advanced AI, real-time threat protection, and personalized user education, Proofpoint’s expanded platform ensures comprehensive security across digital environments.