DefensX wins growth backing for browser security push

DefensX has expanded its browser security platform and secured a growth investment from Elsewhere Partners, a move aimed at serving smaller businesses and managed service providers.

The New York-based cybersecurity company also introduced an AI Cloud Connector, designed to isolate traffic from AI applications and browser-based AI workflows from local and last-mile access networks.

DefensX focuses on securing activity inside the web browser, which it describes as the main workplace for many organisations and a growing source of risk as staff use software-as-a-service tools, work remotely, and adopt artificial intelligence services.

Its products are built for managed service providers and small and medium-sized enterprises, a segment that often has fewer security resources than larger companies but still faces risks linked to phishing, credential theft, remote access, and data exposure.

The platform combines AI governance tools, file and phishing protection, data loss prevention with real-time inspection of sensitive information, and secure remote access. DefensX delivers its services through more than 500 managed service provider and distribution partners and protects more than 7,000 small and medium-sized business customers worldwide.

Funding and board

Elsewhere Partners backed the company as it seeks to deepen its reach through channel partners and expand direct sales. As part of the investment, Partner Nick Stoffregen will join the DefensX board.

The value of the investment was not disclosed. DefensX plans to use the funding to widen its market reach and expand its product development and customer success teams.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer Halis Osman Erkan outlined the company's focus on smaller organisations and service providers.

"We are doubling down on our mission to bring first-class AI governance and security tools to the MSP community and expansive SME space, extending enterprise-grade protection to where work actually happens," Erkan said.

He also pointed to customer demand tied to workplace use of AI.

"There is growing demand for browser-native security, AI governance, and secure agentic workflows. Our solutions will help MSPs turn secure AI adoption into a meaningful new revenue opportunity and help companies of all sizes stay agile, compliant, and resilient by properly protecting their data as workspaces continue to evolve," Erkan said.

Browser focus

DefensX is positioning itself around a shift in cybersecurity spending toward the browser layer, where employees increasingly access applications, files, and AI tools. The approach reflects a broader industry view that traditional endpoint and network controls do not fully address risks created by cloud software and browser-based work.

The new AI Cloud Connector reinforces that argument by targeting traffic associated with AI services. The product is intended to support compliance, governance, and data protection requirements when employees use AI applications through the browser.

Small and mid-sized businesses have become a growing focus for security vendors because they are part of the supply chains of much larger companies. Weaknesses among smaller suppliers can create risks for bigger organisations, yet many of those firms operate with tighter budgets and fewer specialist staff.

Managed service providers play a central role in that market because they package, deliver, and manage security products for customers that may not have large internal IT and security teams. DefensX's channel-led model is intended to reach that segment at scale.

Elsewhere Partners framed its investment around the rise of AI controls in the workplace.

"DefensX has built a world-class product that customers love, especially as they look to establish AI guardrails within their organizations. We are thrilled to support the leadership team as they seek to deepen their reach with MSPs and cultivate direct sales to help thousands more companies establish zero-trust access to secure AI workspaces," Stoffregen said.

DefensX will continue to build through service provider channels while extending its browser security offering to more organisations and additional use cases.