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In financial services, customer trust is everything. Protecting sensitive data, avoiding financial loss and meeting regulatory requirements are not optional. They are business-critical.
For Hodge Bank, a UK-based financial services provider offering savings, mortgages and commercial lending through a fully digital-first model, the stakes were high. With no physical branches, every interaction with customers rely on the strength of its digital platforms and the security behind them.
The Challenge:
Modern Banking Needs Modern Security
As Hodge adopted a cloud-first strategy across Azure, AWS, and Microsoft 365, its leadership recognised the need for a proactive approach to cyber security. The challenges were clear:
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Preventing financial loss from cyber threats
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Safeguarding customer data to preserve trust
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Avoiding reputational harm in a competitive market
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Ensuring compliance with strict financial regulations
As a cloud-first bank operating across both Azure and AWS, Hodge required a solution that could deliver unified visibility and control across its environments, while seamlessly managing Microsoft 365 alongside third-party tools like Zscaler and Mimecast.
The Solution:
MXDR Assure 365
CyberOne stepped in with a Microsoft-powered Managed eXtended Detection and Response (MXDR) service. This integrated Microsoft Sentinel and Defender XDR to deliver 24x7x365 threat detection, response and visibility across Hodge’s multi-cloud estate.
Third-party security solutions including Zscaler (ZIA and ZPA) and Mimecast were also integrated into the managed service, ensuring consistent monitoring, secure access, advanced email protection and enriched telemetry across the entire environment.
Crucially, CyberOne recalibrated Sentinel’s cost forecasts. By reviewing the assumptions behind the Azure Pricing Calculator, the team identified that metrics had been applied as if Hodge were a much larger enterprise. Adjusting for the bank’s true operational scale aligned the pricing with its actual needs, removing a major barrier to adoption.
“Our goal with Hodge was to ensure that security became an enabler, not a barrier. By optimising Sentinel and integrating Microsoft’s security stack with third-party tools, we delivered a solution that aligned with their scale and ambition. It’s a great example of how Microsoft-powered security, when deployed correctly, can support innovation and growth in highly regulated industries.”
– Luke Elston, Microsoft Practice Lead, CyberOne
The Results:
Resilience & Confidence
By partnering with CyberOne, Hodge Bank transformed its security posture and aligned it with its growth ambitions. The benefits included:
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24x7 Monitoring & Response – complete visibility and incident handling across Microsoft, AWS and integrated third-party platforms.
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Optimised Sentinel Costs – revised modelling provided accurate, scalable pricing aligned to Hodge’s usage.
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Integrated Multi-Cloud Visibility – centralised telemetry from Azure, AWS, Zscaler and Mimecast for cohesive monitoring and detection.
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Improved Incident Containment – delegated out-of-hours response ensured faster containment and reduced service impact.
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Enhanced Compliance – detailed reporting supported regulatory obligations and audit-readiness.
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Support for Innovation – the solution adapted to new business initiatives, including Hodge’s digital savings platform.
What Hodge Bank Said...
“Working with CyberOne has been a game-changer for our security operations. Their ability to tailor a service that fits our technical landscape and strategic business priorities has delivered genuine value. They’ve enabled us to consolidate visibility and control across our multi-cloud environment, including Azure, AWS and a range of third-party tools like Zscaler and Mimecast, while ensuring seamless 24x7 coverage and a proactive, responsive approach to threat management.
The clarity of their communication, the depth of their expertise and their commitment to supporting our evolving needs have given us real confidence in our security posture. CyberOne remains a trusted partner in ensuring resilience and safeguarding our customers, data and operations as we continue to scale and innovate digitally."
-Drew Evans, Head of Engineering at Hodge Bank
Building Secure Growth in Financial Services
For Hodge Bank, the partnership with CyberOne has delivered more than technology. It has provided confidence.
With CyberOne’s MXDR as a Service, part of the Assure 365 Solution, Hodge Bank has with a secure, flexible and cost-effective defence strategy, empowering it to continue innovating while meeting the demands of regulation and customer trust.
CyberOne’s expertise ensured Hodge Bank didn’t just deploy Microsoft’s advanced security tools, it maximised them. That difference has helped transform security from a perceived cost centre into a strategic enabler of growth.
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