Content by Michael Novinson

Swiss Post to Strengthen Cybersecurity With Open Systems Buy

Michael Novinson  •  September 18, 2024

Swiss Post has signed an agreement to acquire Open Systems, a cybersecurity leader specializing in secure access service edge. The deal, expected to close by late 2024, will expand Swiss Post's offerings for secure digital communications for public and private organizations across Switzerland.

Intezer's $33M Series C Funding to Fuel AI, Customer Support

Michael Novinson  •  September 18, 2024

Norwest Venture Partners led a $33 million Series C round to accelerate Intezer's product development, strengthen AI models and broaden security alert coverage. The funding will enable the New York-based company to offer more support for cloud security while growing its customer success teams.

Apple Moves to Dismiss Suit Against Spyware Firm NSO Group

Michael Novinson  •  September 17, 2024

Apple has filed a motion to dismiss its lawsuit against NSO Group, citing concerns over the potential exposure of sensitive threat intelligence information. The tech giant believes continuing the lawsuit could compromise its ability to protect users and lead to the disclosure of sensitive data.

BlackCloak Raises $17M to Boost Cybersecurity for Executives

Michael Novinson  •  September 17, 2024

BlackCloak’s $17 million Series B funding round will help the company triple its engineering and product teams, enhancing cybersecurity for executives and high-net-worth individuals. The funding will help BlackCloak address emerging issues such as deepfakes and threat intelligence and modeling.

Why Thoma Bravo Is Considering Taking SailPoint Public Again

Michael Novinson  •  September 16, 2024

Thoma Bravo has begun interviewing underwriters as it explores an initial public offering for SailPoint, Bloomberg reported last week. The private equity firm hasn't finalized details, including the timing of a potential listing for the identity governance and administration vendor.

Strider Secures $55M to Fuel AI Growth and Global Expansion

Michael Novinson  •  September 13, 2024

Strider Technologies has raised $55 million in a Series C funding round to strengthen its AI capabilities and fuel global expansion efforts. The money will enhance the company’s AI-driven insights, support business with government agencies, and fuel international expansion in Europe and Asia.

Kernel Mode Under the Microscope at Windows Security Summit

Michael Novinson  •  September 12, 2024

Cutting kernel mode dependencies and adopting safe deployment practices will make endpoint systems more resilient and secure for Windows customers. Tuesday's meeting came two months after a faulty CrowdStrike update disrupted 8.5 million Windows machines and caused $5.4 billion in direct losses.

Mastercard Buys Threat Intel Firm Recorded Future for $2.65B

Michael Novinson  •  September 12, 2024

Mastercard plans to buy threat intelligence firm Recorded Future for $2.65 billion to enhance cyber resilience and offer greater protection and trust around digital transactions. The deal will enhance Mastercard's identity, fraud prevention services by helping businesses identify and mitigate risk.

Why Hellman & Friedman Wants to Unload Checkmarx for $2.5B

Michael Novinson  •  September 11, 2024

Hellman & Friedman has met with several investments banks in recent weeks and will choose one to run the sale process for Paramus, New Jersey-based Checkmarx, in which it hopes to get at least $2.5 billion, Calcalist reported. The private equity firm bought Checkmarx for $1.15 billion in April 2020.

ColorTokens Strengthens Zero Trust With PureID Acquisition

Michael Novinson  •  September 11, 2024

ColorTokens purchased PureID, expanding its zero trust framework with identity-based segmentation for cloud and hybrid environments. The acquisition focuses on securing cloud applications, microservices and APIs through advanced identity-based authentication.

Darktrace CEO Swap: Gustafsson Steps Down; Popelka Steps Up

Michael Novinson  •  September 9, 2024

Darktrace has promoted COO Jill Popelka to CEO, replacing long-time leader Poppy Gustafsson. As the cybersecurity AI vendor prepares to finalize its sale to Thoma Bravo, Popelka will steer Darktrace into its next phase of growth. Gustafsson will join the board as a non-executive director.

Absolute Purchases Syxsense to Tackle Cyber Vulnerabilities

Michael Novinson  •  September 6, 2024

Absolute Security has strengthened its platform with the acquisition of Syxsense, adding powerful automated vulnerability management tools to its existing endpoint security capabilities. The move aims to improve security compliance and simplify complex remediation tasks for organizations.

Kaspersky US Customers Migrate to Pango's UltraAV After Ban

Michael Novinson  •  September 5, 2024

Kaspersky is transferring 1 million U.S. antivirus customers to Pango Group's UltraAV product following the Department of Commerce's ban on Kaspersky software sales or updates. The transition ensures users will continue to receive critical cybersecurity updates and services.

Oswal: AI, Platformization Key to Network Security Evolution

Michael Novinson  •  September 4, 2024

Unifying fragmented network security technology under a single platform allows for consistent policy application across on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments, said Palo Alto Networks' Anand Oswal. Having a consistent policy framework simplifies management and improves security outcomes.

New HackerOne CEO Kara Sprague to Expand Beyond Bug Bounties

Michael Novinson  •  September 3, 2024

HackerOne has tapped F5's longtime product leader as its next chief executive to continue expanding its portfolio beyond operating vulnerability disclosure programs. The firm tasked Kara Sprague with building on existing growth in areas including AI red teaming and penetration testing as a service.