Sophos has taken a decisive step toward reshaping the cybersecurity landscape with its acquisition of Arco Cyber, a UK‑based cybersecurity assurance company known for helping organizations validate controls, strengthen governance, and stay ahead of compliance requirements. The announcement, made on February 11, 2026, signals a major evolution in Sophos’ strategy to merge agentic AI, integrated platforms, and advisory expertise into a unified offering for organizations of all sizes.
The acquisition will accelerate Sophos CISO Advantage, a program designed to provide organizations especially those without dedicated security leadership with real-time insight into cyber risk and security effectiveness. The goal is simple: deliver the clarity, judgment, and operating discipline normally associated with a seasoned CISO.
“Cybersecurity must deliver clarity and control — not more noise.”
— Joe Levy, CEO, Sophos
CEO Joe Levy said the market suffers not from a lack of tools but from a lack of governance. “What’s missing for most organizations is the ability to understand whether controls are actually working and make informed decisions about risk,” he noted, emphasizing Arco’s strength in providing proof, not just activity.
Arco Cyber’s platform continuously validates control effectiveness, maps data to risk and compliance frameworks, and presents clear, executive-ready insights. This aligns directly with rising expectations from boards, insurers, and regulators. IDC’s Phil Harris said the combination represents “a new category of platform-led cybersecurity that connects operations, assurance, and risk-based outcomes.”
A key component of Sophos’ strategy involves MSPs and MSSPs, who serve as trusted advisors for millions of organizations worldwide. Through Sophos CISO Advantage, partners will gain AI-driven governance and continuous assurance capabilities, enabling them to deliver CISO-level leadership as a service. This gives customers greater clarity and confidence while helping partners elevate from technology operators to strategic risk advisors.
For Arco Cyber, the acquisition amplifies its mission. “We help organizations move from assumption to proof,” said co‑founder Matt Helling. “With Sophos, we can bring clarity and confidence to far more customers.”
Arco Cyber’s technology will be integrated into Sophos Central, strengthening Sophos’ broader ecosystem of MDR, XDR, SIEM, and advisory services and firmly positioning Sophos as a leader in AI‑driven cyber governance.
