Former Trustwave executives launched Vigiles, a cybersecurity AI startup focusing on accessible offensive security solutions

TL;DR:

  • Vigiles, a new cybersecurity startup founded by industry veterans, seeks to transform offensive security procurement.
  • The company aims to offer top-tier offensive security solutions at a fraction of the cost, addressing evolving cyber threats.
  • Leveraging automation, AI, and ML, Vigiles lowers the expense while maintaining sophisticated threat simulations.
  • The startup’s founders bring decades of experience, including leadership roles at Trustwave Spiderlabs and Secureworks.
  • Notably, Jack L. Johnson Jr., a former Chief Security Officer at the Department of Homeland Security, joins as a Board Advisor.
  • Vigiles offers a comprehensive suite of services, from business email compromise to security awareness training.

Main AI News:

In a bold move set to reshape the landscape of offensive security, a group of seasoned industry veterans, formerly of Trustwave, have orchestrated the birth of Vigiles, a cutting-edge cybersecurity startup. The company’s vision centers around revolutionizing the procurement and utilization of offensive security solutions, marking a pivotal departure from convention.

The driving force behind Vigiles, led by Owner Mark Whitehead, is to dismantle the barriers that have long obstructed comprehensive protection against the relentless surge of cyber threats. Whitehead emphasizes, “Our mandate is clear: to equip businesses, regardless of their scale, with the tools to shield themselves from the ubiquitous tactics of threat actors.” He accentuates that the unprecedented pace of cyber threat evolution, accelerated by the emergence of generative AI, coupled with inflated security expenditures, has engendered a precarious environment for organizations. Vigiles steps in with an innovative approach, streamlining the delivery of traditionally intricate offensive security solutions at a fraction of the customary expense.

The contemporary landscape of cybersecurity confronts a fresh manifestation of social engineering, as generative AI becomes the fulcrum of malevolent activities, leading to breaches of passwords, data and an escalation in vulnerability. This evolution has spurred the founding duo, John Cartrett, a red team expert, and Whitehead, into action. Cartrett explains, “We harnessed the potential of automation, AI, and ML to drive down the costs of offensive security, all the while executing sophisticated simulations that mirror the modus operandi of present-day threat actors.” The alarming prevalence of threats like phishing and smishing has propelled them to design Vigiles around awareness, education, and innovative approaches to offensive security.

At the helm of Vigiles stand Whitehead and Cartrett, stalwarts whose combined experience spanning thousands of tests has cemented their authority in the industry. Whitehead’s recent tenure on HUMAN Security’s executive team and leadership roles at Trustwave Spiderlabs and Secureworks, alongside Cartrett, form a robust foundation. Fortifying this expertise is industry luminary Jack L. Johnson Jr., a Board Advisor to Vigiles. Johnson’s unparalleled 25-year tenure at the Department of Homeland Security culminated in his historic appointment as the Department’s inaugural Chief Security Officer, followed by more than a decade as a Senior Partner at PwC. Together, they wield an unmatched grasp of the domain, assuring tailor-made products and services that cater precisely to client exigencies.

Johnson remarks, “Vigiles extends a hearty welcome to all entities tethered to the digital realm. Our mission encapsulates a paradigm shift in how enterprises acquire and harness offensive security.” He draws upon four decades of observations of threat actors to underscore the transformative potential of Vigiles. The startup ushers in democratized access to transformative security, effectively curbing cyber risk. With a fusion of avant-garde technology, industry acumen, and robust security protocols, Vigiles stands poised to deliver unparalleled value to its clientele.

True to its name, Vigiles, reminiscent of the Roman Nightwatch, mounts the guard for businesses of all sizes. Its repertoire encompasses a diverse range of offerings, from business email compromise to smishing and from security awareness training to an extensive suite of security testing services. This innovative enterprise stands as a harbinger of change in a sector yearning for innovation and disruption.

Conclusion:

Vigiles’ entry into the market signifies a paradigm shift in offensive cybersecurity. By amalgamating technology, industry expertise, and cost-efficiency, they intend to democratize access to robust security solutions. As cyber threats evolve, the innovative approach of Vigiles has the potential to reshape how businesses protect themselves, fostering a more secure digital landscape.

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