ConnectWise Unveils AI-Powered Sidekick for Security at Orlando Event

On June 4, 2024, ConnectWise, a leading software company dedicated to the success of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), announced the launch of ConnectWise Sidekick for Security. This AI-powered digital assistant aims to enhance cybersecurity measures for MSPs.

The announcement was made at the IT Nation Secure 2024 conference in Orlando, Florida, an event that attracted 1,200 MSPs. The conference focused on the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, underscoring the theme of 'a groundswell of AI-powered everything.'

ConnectWise Sidekick for Security offers several key features. It allows MSP owners and technicians to query using natural language prompts to quickly understand their or their customer's overall security posture and identify high-priority security areas. The tool expands the usage of generative AI and industry-leading natural language processing models, introduced in November 2023, to cybersecurity.

Why this matters: The launch of an AI-powered digital assistant for cybersecurity tasks has significant implications for the security of businesses and individuals in the digital age. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the ability of MSPs to defend against them efficiently will have a direct impact on the protection of sensitive data and systems.

The digital assistant delivers millions of AI-powered recommendations daily across the Asio Platform, centralizing the power of AI in a single location. Existing users of ConnectWise Sidekick can access the AI-driven companion directly from within the ConnectWise Asio platform.

Ameer Karim, EVP and GM of Cybersecurity and Data Protection at ConnectWise, emphasized the significance of this launch. 'At ConnectWise, we are committed to providing MSPs with the tools they need to protect themselves and their clients' business in an increasingly complex digital environment. ConnectWise Sidekick for Security is a transformative significant advancement, offering advanced AI-driven capabilities that ensure MSPs can defend against threats with greater efficiency and confidence,' he said.

The IT Nation Secure event also featured other significant announcements. ConnectWise introduced Security360, a unified cloud-based MSP tools platform that offers a total risk score for MSPs by breaking down risk across various functional cybersecurity categories. Additionally, ConnectWise expanded its low-code RPA capabilities and introduced MDR for Microsoft 365, offering protection for more components of the Microsoft stack.

Jason Magee, CEO of ConnectWise, highlighted the transformative impact of AI. 'There's no doubt about it. AI has changed the game and AI is the ultimate Sidekick or disruptor,' he remarked. Patrick Beggs, ConnectWise CISO, added, 'The future of cybersecurity will be powered by AI.'

ConnectWise is offering both ConnectWise Security360 and Sidekick for Security free of charge through October for MSPs who sign up during the event, providing an opportunity for MSPs to enhance their cybersecurity measures without immediate financial commitment.

ConnectWise, based in Tampa, Florida, has over 40 years of experience in supporting MSPs and small to midsized businesses globally. The company's Asio platform integrates artificial intelligence, robotic process automation, and machine learning capabilities, providing flexibility and security for its partners.

The launch of ConnectWise Sidekick for Security marks a significant step in the company's efforts to enhance cybersecurity for MSPs, leveraging advanced AI-driven capabilities to defend against threats more efficiently.

Key Takeaways

• ConnectWise launches AI-powered Sidekick for Security to enhance cybersecurity for MSPs.
• Sidekick offers natural language queries to identify high-priority security areas.
• The tool provides millions of AI-powered recommendations daily across the Asio Platform.
• ConnectWise also introduced Security360, a unified cloud-based MSP tools platform.
• Both Sidekick and Security360 are offered free through October for MSPs who sign up.