Goldman Sachs analyst Brian Essex initiated coverage of Secureworks with a Sell rating and $12 price target. The analyst started the Security Software sector with an attractive view, believing IT Security offers "attractive levels of exposure to growth technology," and that profitable companies with this exposure could outperform the market. While encouraged by the strategic direction Secureworks has outlined, he notes the company's efforts remain in early stages. Further, Essex remains cautious on Secureworks' outlook due to recent sales productivity setbacks as well as a "target market that is relatively competitive in nature."