Content by Michael Novinson

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.

Weingarten on What Makes SentinelOne's Defense Different

Michael Novinson  •  September 2, 2024

SentinelOne's minimal reliance on the kernel, reduced dependency on cloud connectivity and use of behavioral AI for threat detection reduce the risk of system disruptions and offer a security edge over CrowdStrike, said SentinelOne CEO Tomer Weingarten.

Corelight's Brian Dye on NDR's Role in Defeating Ransomware

Michael Novinson  •  August 30, 2024

Network detection and response delivers ground truth in cybersecurity, giving organizations crucial visibility into attacker behavior before, during and after ransomware attacks. Corelight CEO Brian Dye explains how NDR helps security teams verify threats and contain incidents effectively.

Why Dell Is Once Again Eyeing the Sale of MSSP Secureworks

Michael Novinson  •  August 30, 2024

Majority owner Dell is exploring a possible sale of Atlanta-based cybersecurity services vendor Secureworks, tapping investment bankers at Morgan Stanley and Piper Sandler to gauge takeover interest from potential acquirers, which include private equity firms, Reuters reported Thursday.

Pen Test Firm Cobalt Gets Product Wiz Sonali Shah as New CEO

Michael Novinson  •  August 29, 2024

Cobalt tapped a longtime cybersecurity product leader as its next chief executive as the company expands its footprint from penetration testing to offensive security. The vendor tasked Sonali Shah with further expanding Cobalt's platform, which now includes dynamic application security testing.

CrowdStrike Debuts Safeguards, Seeks to Blunt Outage Impact

Michael Novinson  •  August 29, 2024

CEO George Kurtz said CrowdStrike has blunted the business impact from the massive July 19 outage and is implementing changes to prevent a repeat occurrence. CrowdStrike is boosting the resilience of its Falcon platform through improved content visibility and control and enhanced quality assurance.

Cisco Bolsters AI Security by Buying Robust Intelligence

Michael Novinson  •  August 28, 2024

Cisco announced its intent to acquire Robust Intelligence to fortify the security of AI applications. With this acquisition, Cisco aims to address AI-related risks, incorporating advanced protection to guard against threats such as jailbreaking, data poisoning and unintentional model outcomes.