Layer7 Networking × Ironscales

AI-powered email security that catches what Microsoft misses.

Ironscales

Ironscales is a self-learning email security platform that combines AI-driven threat detection with automated incident response and integrated security awareness training. The platform operates at the mailbox level — inside Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace — detecting and remediating phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and social engineering attacks that bypass traditional gateway defences.

Unlike legacy Secure Email Gateways (SEGs) that inspect mail in transit, Ironscales uses computer vision, natural language processing, and behavioural analysis to identify threats after delivery. This post-delivery detection model catches the attacks that SEGs miss — particularly BEC attacks that contain no malicious links or attachments.

Key Capabilities

• AI-Powered Threat Detection — Machine learning models trained on millions of phishing emails. Computer vision detects brand impersonation. NLP identifies social engineering language patterns.
• Automated Incident Response — One-click remediation across all affected mailboxes. Automated clawback of phishing emails post-delivery. Reduces response time from hours to seconds.
• Business Email Compromise Protection ��� Detects impersonation of executives, suppliers, and trusted contacts. Analyses sender behaviour patterns and communication anomalies.
• Phishing Simulation & Training — Integrated security awareness programme. Customisable phishing simulations that adapt difficulty based on user performance. Real-time training moments when users interact with simulated threats.
• Crowdsourced Threat Intelligence — Anonymised threat data from the entire Ironscales customer base. Community-driven detection improves accuracy for emerging threats.

Why Layer7 Chose Ironscales

Over 90% of successful cyberattacks begin with a phishing email. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 catches most commodity phishing, but sophisticated BEC attacks — those that impersonate a CEO requesting an urgent wire transfer, or a supplier sending updated banking details — routinely bypass native defences because they contain no malicious payloads to detect.

Ironscales fills this gap with mailbox-level AI that understands communication patterns. It knows when an email claiming to be from your CFO doesn't match that person's typical writing style, sending patterns, or device fingerprint. This behavioural approach catches what signature-based and URL-reputation tools cannot.

The integrated phishing simulation and training platform means Layer7 can deliver a complete email security programme — not just technology, but the human behaviour change that reduces click rates over time. Security awareness isn't a checkbox exercise when it's delivered in context, immediately after a user interacts with a simulated threat.

How Layer7 Delivers Ironscales

Email Security Deployment

API-based integration with Microsoft 365 — no MX record changes, no mail flow disruption. Deployed in minutes with immediate protection. Policy configuration, detection sensitivity tuning, and VIP protection rules for high-value targets.

Phishing Simulation Programmes

Design and execution of ongoing phishing simulation campaigns. Custom templates mimicking real-world threats relevant to your industry. Difficulty adaptation based on individual user performance. Executive reporting on organisational risk posture.

Security Awareness Training

Integrated training modules delivered at the moment of failure — when a user clicks a simulated phish. Short, focused training that changes behaviour without disrupting productivity. Compliance reporting for POPIA, ISO 27001, and industry-specific requirements.

Managed Email Security

Ongoing monitoring of email threat landscape, detection rule tuning, and incident response for confirmed phishing attacks. Monthly reporting on threats detected, user risk scores, and training programme effectiveness.