BARR Advisory

From patchwork methods to purpose-built security

BARR’s old security awareness training (SAT) system left something to be desired. It relied on Zoom recordings, Google Forms, and manual tracking—a real “patchwork” approach. According to Larry Kinkaid, CISSP and Manager of Cybersecurity Consulting at BARR Advisory, it was pretty “dry and rudimentary,” not to mention unscalable and ineffective.

Client endpoint protection also had challenges. With so many clients working in a remote-first world and using cloud platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, traditional antivirus (AV) just wasn’t enough anymore. AV can only spot known bad files, so what Kinkaid really needed was an endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution to “analyze behavioral patterns within operating systems and identify sketchy actions that are characteristic of malware.” 

Huntress has been a great partner, providing us with scalable ways to deliver cybersecurity services to our clients while fitting perfectly into our compliance-led security strategy.

A fresh take on security awareness training

BARR first teamed up with Huntress in 2024 to give their SAT program a much-needed upgrade. With Huntress Managed SAT, BARR got engaging, story-driven content that their users actually remember. Designed by cybersecurity practitioners, Managed SAT gave Kinkaid’s clients practical phishing simulations, memorable episodes, and easy integrations with platforms like Google, Microsoft, Okta, and Slack. Better yet, the MSP program allows him to easily create new accounts and scale as he needs. 

Kinkaid also appreciates the straightforward pricing, metrics that are easy to understand, and solutions that help BARR quickly step in when users need extra support.

Closing security gaps with Managed EDR

Having relied and trusted on Huntress for years, BARR ultimately turned to Huntress Managed EDR in 2024 to fill the gaps left by traditional AV tools. Fully managed by a 24/7 human-led Security Operations Center (SOC), Managed EDR elevates Kinkaid’s threat detection needs by providing everything vital to respond to zero-day threats, lesser-known malware, and even malware that’s been modified enough to avoid detection through traditional checks. 

Early in its deployment, Managed EDR proved its worth to a client. Kinkaid notes that during one signal investigation, the client was impressed because it showed that there’s a dedicated, human-led SOC watching their back at all hours of the day.

From compliance checkboxes to real security outcomes

By implementing Managed SAT and Managed EDR, BARR achieved:

• Enhanced efficiency: Managed SAT took the hassle out of security training for BARR, cutting out the delays of manual processes. Now, they can onboard new clients quickly and handle growing demand with ease, all through the MSP portal.

• Better customer experiences: With interactive features and phishing simulations, Managed SAT helped BARR’s clients stay prepared. Plus, detailed metrics made it easy to customize support, leading to real, measurable behavioral improvements over time.

• Stronger security: Managed EDR transformed how BARR handles endpoint protection. With Huntress’ proprietary technology built specifically for a 24/7 human-led SOC, they now have fast, agile defense at all times.

• Scalable solutions for modern workflows: Huntress’ managed services helped BARR tackle the challenges of remote-first operations. With Huntress managing security on their behalf, lean teams can focus on what really matters: growing their businesses. 

BARR knows it’s not enough to only meet compliance requirements—they believe security should drive the conversation. Kinkaid sums it up best: "Compliance without security is a shadow box, and security without compliance is absolute chaos." 

Huntress empowers them to turn that vision into reality. With tools like Managed SAT to Managed EDR, BARR now has reliable solutions, expert-led support, and the scalability needed to match their clients’ fast-paced growth.