Abnormal Security Review: Advanced AI-Powered Email Security

About Abnormal Security

Abnormal Security is a cutting-edge platform designed to shield organizations from the ever-evolving landscape of modern cyber threats, with a special emphasis on those that exploit human behavior. By leveraging Behavioral AI, this software enhances email security by identifying and neutralizing sophisticated attacks like phishing, social engineering, and account takeovers. Its primary audience includes businesses of all sizes, with a notable focus on larger organizations, such as 20% of the Fortune 500. It caters to security teams in need of efficient and advanced email protection solutions and is especially beneficial for organizations heavily reliant on cloud-based communication platforms.

Abnormal Security: Features and Usability at a Glance

Abnormal Security excels in its ability to integrate seamlessly with existing cloud applications like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace through APIs. Designed for rapid deployment, the platform allows organizations to activate its features almost immediately, ensuring a quick start to enhanced security.

The platform is built on Behavioral AI technology, which observes user behaviors to detect anomalies and potential threats. It provides security analysts with the tools and insights needed to investigate and mitigate risks efficiently. Key usability features include real-time account takeover protection, automatic user logouts and password resets for compromised accounts, and extended protection to cloud applications, ensuring a consistent security framework across an organization’s digital landscape.

Additionally, Abnormal Security simplifies threat management with features like AI-driven graymail sorting, which reduces manual intervention by up to 95%, and conversational AI, which delivers real-time security training to users who report suspicious emails. These features position the platform as both user-friendly and highly efficient.

Why Choose Abnormal Security? Top Differentiators

Abnormal Security stands out in the competitive cybersecurity market with its unique selling points and standout features, including:

• Advanced Behavioral AI: Unlike traditional email gateways, Abnormal Security detects and blocks sophisticated, payloadless attacks that exploit human behavior.
• Efficiency in Security Operations: Organizations can save an average of 5,000 hours annually due to the automated threat detection and remediation processes powered by the software.
• Enhanced Email Security: The software stops 70% more attacks than traditional solutions, offering unparalleled protection against modern threats.
• Comprehensive Integration: Seamless compatibility with cloud platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace ensures smooth deployment and operation.
• User-Centric Features: Real-time account takeover prevention, AI-driven email sorting, and interactive security training enhance both security and user experience.

Ideal Users and Use Cases for Abnormal Security

Abnormal Security is an excellent fit for a broad spectrum of user groups, from small to large enterprises, and is particularly beneficial for Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and organizations operating in highly regulated industries. Below is a table highlighting the ideal users and their specific use cases:

Ideal User Group	Specific Use Case
Large Enterprises	Streamlining email security across multiple departments and reducing risk of attacks.
Security Operations Centers (SOCs)	Automating threat detection and remediation to save time and enhance efficiency.
Regulated Industries	Ensuring compliance with industry-specific cybersecurity standards.
Cloud-First Organizations	Protecting communication platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
IT Security Teams	Addressing sophisticated threats while reducing manual intervention.

Abnormal Security offers an innovative approach to cybersecurity, making it a strong choice for organizations seeking an advanced, efficient, and user-focused solution to mitigate email-based threats.

Features

Detailed Reporting Capabilities for Business Insights

Abnormal Security offers robust reporting features that provide businesses with comprehensive insights into their email security landscape. Key metrics tracked include the volume of threats detected, types of threats (e.g., phishing, malware, business email compromise), and user engagement with security training. These reports allow businesses to understand trends in cyber threats and evaluate the effectiveness of their email protection strategies. By leveraging these metrics, organizations can better allocate resources to areas needing improvement, ensuring a more secure communication environment.

Seamless Integrations Boost Workflow Efficiency

Abnormal Security integrates seamlessly with major email platforms such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. These integrations enhance functionality by allowing the software to deeply embed itself within existing workflows, ensuring real-time threat detection and response. Additionally, integrations with IT management tools and security information and event management (SIEM) systems streamline the process of monitoring and managing threats, reducing the time and effort required by IT teams.

Mobile Apps Are Not Currently Offered

Abnormal Security does not currently provide dedicated mobile apps. However, its web-based platform is designed to be mobile-friendly, allowing users to access core functionalities from their mobile browsers. While this approach offers some level of on-the-go usability, it lacks the advanced features and user experience typically provided by native mobile applications.

Single Sign-On Enhances Convenience and Security

The platform supports Single Sign-On (SSO), compatible with common identity providers such as Azure Active Directory and Okta. SSO simplifies the login process for users, allowing them to access the platform using their existing corporate credentials. This not only enhances user convenience by reducing password fatigue but also improves security by centralizing authentication and enabling easier implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Automation Features Optimize Threat Management

Automation is a core feature of Abnormal Security, designed to save time and optimize threat management tasks. Examples include automated threat detection and response workflows that identify and neutralize email-based attacks without human intervention. By automating routine and repetitive tasks, IT teams can focus on strategic initiatives, improving overall operational efficiency.

Strong Security Measures Ensure Data Protection

Abnormal Security employs robust security measures to protect data and ensure user privacy. It complies with industry standards such as GDPR and SOC 2, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining high levels of data security and privacy. These measures include advanced encryption, secure data storage, and regular security audits to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

Flexible API for Customization and Integration

The platform offers a flexible API that enables businesses to customize and extend its functionalities. This includes integration with third-party tools and custom workflows to meet specific organizational needs. The API allows for the automation of tasks such as extracting security data for reporting purposes and integrating threat intelligence feeds for enhanced detection capabilities.

Cloud-Based Deployment with Key Benefits

Abnormal Security is primarily a cloud-based solution, which provides advantages such as ease of deployment, scalability, and reduced infrastructure costs. However, this approach may not be suitable for organizations with stringent data residency requirements or those operating in highly regulated industries. An on-premises deployment option is not currently available, which could be a limitation for some businesses.

Pros and Cons of Abnormal Security

Pros:

• Advanced email threat detection and response capabilities.
• Seamless integrations with major platforms.
• Strong automation features that enhance efficiency.
• Robust reporting tools for actionable insights.
• Compliance with GDPR and SOC 2 standards.

Cons:

• No dedicated mobile apps, limiting on-the-go usability.
• Lack of on-premises deployment option may restrict adoption in certain industries.
• Reliance on cloud infrastructure might not suit all organizations.

By addressing these aspects in detail, Abnormal Security demonstrates its strengths as a comprehensive email security solution, although certain limitations may impact its suitability for specific use cases.

Location

Locations and Branches

Location Type	Address	City	State/Region	Country
Headquarters	185 Clara Street, Suite 100	San Francisco	California	United States
Branch Office	Cinnabar Hills at Embassy Golf Links Business Park	Bengaluru	Karnataka	India
Branch Office	7 Albemarle Street	London		United Kingdom

This table provides a detailed view of Abnormal Security’s headquarters and branch locations, including specific addresses and countries where they operate.

History and Team

Year Founded

Abnormal Security was founded in 2018.

Number of Employees

Abnormal Security currently has approximately 600 to 945 employees.

Team

Name	Position
Evan Reiser	Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Sanjay Jeyakumar	Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Pricing

Business Model of Abnormal Security

Abnormal Security is a cybersecurity company that specializes in protecting email systems from various threats such as phishing, malware attacks, and account takeovers. Their services are primarily cloud-based, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze and prevent threats in real-time.

Pricing Plans

The table below provides a detailed overview of Abnormal Security’s pricing structure:

Feature	Details
Pricing Model	Subscription-based, custom pricing based on the number of users.
Starting Price	Approximately $3 per user per month.
Discounts	Available for larger organizations.
Free Trial	Yes, a free trial is offered to allow potential customers to evaluate the service.
Additional Costs	May incur additional charges for extra features such as training, support, or dedicated account management.
Target Users	Suitable for small businesses, enterprise companies, and government agencies.
Key Features	Real-time detection and blocking of malicious emails. Advanced analysis of email content and attachments. Two-factor authentication (2FA) and single sign-on (SSO) options. AI-driven threat intelligence and incident response capabilities.

Abnormal Security’s pricing model is subscription-based, with custom pricing tailored to the number of users or specific organizational needs. They aim to cater to a wide range of customers, from small businesses to large enterprises and government agencies. Free trials and discounts for larger organizations enhance their accessibility and appeal.

This detailed breakdown showcases the flexibility and value of Abnormal Security’s pricing plans, making them a strong player in the SaaS cybersecurity market.

Funding and market

Industry

Abnormal Security operates in the cybersecurity industry, specifically focusing on email security and protection against advanced email attacks. The company utilizes behavioral AI to detect and prevent threats such as phishing, malware, ransomware, and social engineering attacks.

Market

Market Description:
The cybersecurity market, particularly the email security segment, is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. Abnormal Security’s platform is designed to combat these threats by understanding human behavior and utilizing AI to detect anomalies and prevent attacks. The company’s approach addresses the growing challenges posed by generative AI tools, which have enabled criminals to launch sophisticated attacks at scale.

Market Size:
As of August 2023, Abnormal Security reported surpassing $100 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) and has a valuation of $5.1 billion following a Series D funding round. The cybersecurity market is projected to continue expanding, with Abnormal Security at the forefront due to its innovative use of AI and behavioral analysis.

Market Share:
In the malware protection category, Abnormal Security holds an estimated market share of 0.09%. In comparison, its main competitor, Mimecast Gateway, dominates the market with a 77.60% share. Other significant competitors include VirusTotal and Malwarebytes, which hold market shares of 9.55% and 2.70%, respectively.

Funding

Abnormal Security has raised a total of $557 million over 6 funding rounds. Below is a detailed table of each funding round:

Round	Amount Raised	Date	Lead Investors	Valuation at Round
Seed	Not specified	April 2018	Greylock	Not specified
Series A	$24 million	November 19, 2019	Greylock Partners	$140 million
Series B	$50 million	November 18, 2020	Menlo Ventures, Greylock Partners	Not specified
Series C	$33 million	August 2021	Insight Partners, Menlo Ventures	Not specified
Series D	$250 million	August 6, 2024	Wellington Management, Greylock, Menlo Ventures, Insight Partners, CrowdStrike Falcon Fund	$5.1 billion

The most recent funding round was a Series D in August 2024, where Abnormal Security raised $250 million, bringing its valuation to $5.1 billion. This round was led by Wellington Management, with participation from other prominent investors such as Greylock Partners, Menlo Ventures, Insight Partners, and the venture arm of CrowdStrike.

Stocks

Abnormal Security is not a publicly traded company and therefore does not have a ticker symbol. It is privately held and currently not listed on any stock exchange. Investors can only access its stock through private markets.

This comprehensive overview provides insight into Abnormal Security’s position within the cybersecurity industry, its growth trajectory, and its status as a privately held company.

Latest news

Latest News About Abnormal Security

Generative AI Concerns in Cybersecurity

Source: Abnormal Security Launches New Report, “The State of Email Security in an AI-Powered World”
Date: October 24, 2023

Abnormal Security released a report titled “The State of Email Security in an AI-Powered World,” which revealed alarming concerns among security leaders regarding the risks posed by generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Google Bard, and WormGPT. 98% of surveyed security leaders expressed worry over the potential for AI-generated email attacks. These tools enable cybercriminals to craft highly sophisticated and personalized attacks, making traditional security measures less effective. The report highlights how generative AI lowers the barrier for launching advanced email attacks and underscores the need for AI-driven security solutions as a countermeasure.

Email Threat Surge in APAC Region

Source: New Research from Abnormal Security Reveals a Surge in Email Attacks Across the APAC Region
Date: January 21, 2025

Abnormal Security published an analysis of email attack trends in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, noting a sharp increase in advanced email threats. Phishing attacks rose by 30.5% year-over-year, while Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks grew 6%. The research highlights the rising sophistication and volume of email threats in countries like Japan, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. The report emphasizes the critical need for robust defenses to mitigate the financial and operational impacts of such attacks.

Product Enhancements: AI and Identity Protection

Source: What’s New? Product Updates – Abnormal Security
Date: 2024-2025

Abnormal Security introduced several product updates to enhance their security platform:
– GenAI Auto-Response Subsetting: Enables phased adoption of generative AI-based auto-responses for select users before full-scale implementation.
– Enhanced Account Takeover Protection: Introduced filters to sort incidents by attack signals, improving response efficiency.
– Identity Remediation for Google Workspace and Okta: Allows for automated suspension and password resets for compromised accounts, addressing evolving cloud email account threats.

These updates reflect Abnormal’s commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats with innovative solutions.

Growth and Funding News

Source: Crunchbase – Abnormal Security Overview
Date: October 4, 2023

Abnormal Security was reported to have reached a valuation of $5 billion in its latest funding round. This growth underscores the company’s strong position in the cybersecurity industry, driven by its focus on AI-based email security solutions.

Search Trends

Analysis of Abnormal Security’s Search Volume and Popularity Trends

Search Volume Data for Relevant Keywords

The table below showcases the search volumes, competition levels, and CPC (Cost Per Click) values for keywords associated with Abnormal Security:

Keyword	Search Volume	Competition	Competition Index	Low Top of Page Bid ($)	High Top of Page Bid ($)	CPC ($)
invoice	135,000	MEDIUM	55	3.17	18	12.88
payment	450,000	LOW	10	1.05	3.79	5.51
phishing	74,000	LOW	4	2.42	11.9	14.47
ransomware	33,100	LOW	11	4.26	75.48	42.49
account takeover	880	LOW	24	6.79	40.4	31.04
business email compromise	2,400	LOW	24	1.62	24.26	10.03
brute force attack	1,900	LOW	5	4.53	14.79	23.53
AI-enabled cyberattacks	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
document sharing	880	LOW	27	2.91	18.3	8.75
CEO fraud	590	LOW	0	N/A	N/A	N/A
botnet	8,100	LOW	3	2.61	17.4	15.18
cybersecurity	165,000	MEDIUM	46	6.89	20.47	22.08
email security	2,400	LOW	21	6.2	34.82	28.38
social engineering	18,100	LOW	0	N/A	N/A	1.29

Insights into Popularity Trends

1. Brand Recognition:
   • The keyword “Abnormal Security” has a significant search volume of 12,100, indicating strong brand awareness.
   • The competition for this term is low, allowing the company to dominate its niche without facing high advertising costs.
2. Interest in AI Capabilities:
   • The specific keyword “Abnormal Security AI” has a smaller search volume (20) but demonstrates interest in their AI-driven solutions, particularly in combating cyber threats.
   • The high CPC ($18.42) suggests that this term is valued by advertisers targeting niche AI-related topics.
3. Focus on Cybersecurity:
   • Broader cybersecurity-related terms like “phishing” (74,000) and “ransomware” (33,100) show substantial interest and align with the company’s focus areas.
   • The search volume for specific services like “email security” (2,400) and “account takeover protection” (880) is lower, indicating opportunities for improved visibility in these areas.

Reasons Behind Observed Trends

1. Product Innovations:
   • Abnormal Security has introduced features like GenAI auto-responses for email security and enhanced filtering for account takeover protection. These innovations have likely sparked interest among users and cybersecurity professionals.
2. Media Coverage:
   • The company has been featured in news articles discussing its role in combating AI threats and protecting against phishing attacks. This media attention has contributed to its growing online presence.
3. Industry Reports:
   • Abnormal Security’s report on “The State of Email Security in an AI-Powered World” has highlighted the risks of AI-enhanced cyberattacks and the need for advanced security solutions, positioning the company as a thought leader in this space.

By analyzing the search volume data and these contextual factors, it is evident that Abnormal Security’s popularity is influenced by its innovative solutions, media presence, and proactive approach to emerging cybersecurity challenges.

Review

Customers

Abnormal Security is widely used by organizations across various industries to enhance their email security and protect against sophisticated threats. Examples of notable companies using the software might include large enterprises, financial institutions, or technology firms, which leverage the platform for its AI-driven ability to detect and prevent phishing, ransomware, and other email-based attacks. Specific customer examples and details on how they utilize Abnormal Security in their operations would typically provide insights into their reliance on features like anomaly detection, behavioral profiling, and integration with existing email systems.

Alternatives

Below is a comparative table showcasing alternative software solutions to Abnormal Security with a brief overview of their features, pricing, and target audiences:

Software	Features	Pricing	Target Audience
Proofpoint	Advanced threat protection, cloud security, data loss prevention, and email encryption.	Mid to high-range pricing	Enterprises and large organizations.
Mimecast	Email security, archiving, continuity, and phishing protection.	Competitive pricing tiers	Medium to large enterprises.
Barracuda Email Security	Spam filtering, malware protection, and data leak prevention.	Affordable entry-level plans	Small and medium-sized businesses.
Cisco Secure Email	Comprehensive threat intelligence and advanced malware protection.	Custom pricing based on need	Large enterprises with complex needs.
Microsoft Defender for Office 365	Seamless Office 365 integration, phishing, and malware protection.	Included in Microsoft 365 plans	Businesses using the Microsoft ecosystem.

Sources for this table and analysis include vendor websites and user reviews from platforms such as Gartner and G2, which provide insights into features and user feedback. For instance, Proofpoint is often highlighted for its robust email security features, while Mimecast is praised for its cost-effective solutions.

Comparing FlowHunt with Abnormal Security

Both FlowHunt and Abnormal Security leverage modular architectures to automate complex processes and ensure seamless integrations. While Abnormal Security excels at using AI for threat detection and email security, FlowHunt empowers users to create customized AI-driven workflows and chatbots for enhanced productivity and automation. By providing a no-code visual builder, FlowHunt allows users to achieve similar levels of automation and control, offering a highly flexible and user-friendly alternative to address diverse organizational needs.