Over the past four decades, ACT Network Solutions has come a long way from selling Commodore 64s to establishing themselves as a leading managed service provider (MSP) for independent businesses. Today, ACT specializes in tailored security solutions for organizations with 50 to 100 employees.
The challenge | Protecting clients with limited time and resources
As cyber threats grew more sophisticated, ACT encountered two significant challenges:
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Protecting clients despite limited internal resources
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Optimizing security operations across diverse industries
The Huntress solution | ACT teams up with a real partner for stronger security
In 2021, ACT partnered with Huntress to step up real-time protection for endpoints, identities, and cloud activity. And the results showed up fast.
This is the highest level of security and support I’ve received in the channel across any segment. There’s no close second.
Stopping an early morning breach with Managed EDR
Early one morning, a threat actor gained access to a client’s workstation using a stolen VPN key. Because the client had no IT staff on duty, the risk of lateral movement and widespread system compromise was high. But before ACT’s president, Christopher Hoffman, was even aware of the breach, Huntress Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and the Huntress Security Operations Center (SOC) had already stepped in.
SOC Support swiftly isolated the compromised device and provided Hoffman’s team with a comprehensive remediation plan, neutralizing the threat before it had a chance to escalate.
Gaining a library of engaging, memorable content with Managed Security Awareness Training
By mid-2025, ACT made the switch to Huntress Managed SAT, moving on from a competitor’s training program. The decision came down to Huntress’ ever-growing library of phishing simulations, personalized coaching, and interactive training materials. Clients were fed up with the competitor’s stale, repetitive content. Huntress, however, keeps things fresh with engaging monthly episodes created by Emmy Award-winning animators, making it easy (and even fun) to learn how to handle evolving cyber threats.
Ransomware losses lead to proactive protection with Managed SIEM
Hoffman shares a tough experience before Huntress was in place for a client. The business, reluctant to use cloud storage, was hit by a ransomware attack that wiped out all their local backups. They were forced to recover years of data manually, which proved to be a long, painstaking process.
After that ordeal, the client didn’t hesitate to embrace ACT’s security recommendations, like adopting zero-trust frameworks, using stronger password policies, and implementing Managed Security Information and Event Management (SIEM).
"Not only does Managed SIEM provide our clients more security, but it gives us more visibility,” says Hoffman. “It helps us know what’s going on and prepare better before another event happens."
Results | ACT brings reliable, always-on protection to their clients
With Huntress on their side, ACT's clients can stay confident knowing a trusted MSP has their back and is protecting their interests with:
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24/7 threat coverage: Huntress monitors ACT’s client environments around the clock. If a threat strikes at 4:30am, ACT’s team is confident the SOC has already contained it by the time they log on.
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Live support in minutes: Whether it’s diving into a breach or a quick question, ACT can reach SOC Support via a “Connect” button, giving ACT direct access to other experts in minutes.
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Step-by-step remediation: With every incident, Huntress delivers clear, guided remediation plans. Because ACT can move quickly and decisively, they become heroes for their clients.
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One-team advantage: Huntress solutions are specially designed for and managed by the SOC, meaning Huntress’ cybersecurity pros work seamlessly with their own tech. This alignment eliminates delays in detection and response, giving ACT’s clients swift, agile, and expert-backed protection at all hours.
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Comprehensive protection: Managed EDR, Managed ITDR, Managed SAT, and Managed SIEM work together across ACT’s client base, delivering full visibility without the overhead of managing disconnected tools.
Partnering with Huntress has helped ACT stop major incidents in their tracks, turning serious threats into neutralized risks before any damage is done.
With the Huntress SOC managing detection and analysis, ACT’s team isn’t bogged down chasing alerts anymore. They’re now free to focus on more important priorities. “The tech is great, but the people are the real advantage,” says Hoffman. “There’s no close second.”
For ACT, Huntress isn’t just a set of tools. They’re a trusted partner. By streamlining operations and boosting security, Huntress gives ACT the ability to scale their business, protect more clients, and work faster and more confidently.
You don’t just stop once the event is over. You guys walk us through it and truly partner with us, which is one of the reasons why you’re head and shoulders above any other partner that we team up with.
