Page 11 – BlackCloak | Protect Your Digital Life™

New York Times: AT&T Says Phone Data of ‘Nearly All’ Customers Was Breached in 2022

July 12, 2024/in News & Media/by Rosa Lear

Dr. Chris Pierson, chief executive of the cybersecurity company BlackCloak, said the incident appears to pose more of a national security concern than a risk to individual consumers. Through data broker records, phone numbers can be traced back to individuals, which could expose communication networks for people in national security roles.

“The most likely beneficiary of this specific data are foreign nation states or foreign actors,” Dr. Pierson said.

Read the full article here.

Schwab Network: Ransomware Attacks are More Aggressive as Hackers Look for Bigger Paydays

June 25, 2024/in News & Media/by Rosa Lear

There were $1B in ransomware payouts in 2023 and that will be exceeded in 2024, notes Gordon Lawson. He and Dr. Chris Pierson discuss cybersecurity and the rise in ransomware attacks. Pierson highlights that ransomware attacks are becoming aggressive as hackers look for bigger paydays. Find out why the auto industry is an attractive target for cybercriminals and how companies are raising its defense against cybercriminals.

Watch the full interview here.

Information Week: Suspected Scattered Spider Leader Snagged in Law Enforcement's Web

June 21, 2024/in News & Media/by Rosa Lear

How could taking a Scattered Spider leader out of the game mean for the future of the group?

Scattered Spider has made a name for itself in the ransomware space with high-profile attacks on companies including MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, Twilio, LastPass, DoorDash, and Mailchimp. In June, Spanish police arrested a 22-year-old man suspected of being a leader of the group, Murcia Today reports.

This arrest is one of many law enforcement actions taken against hacking and ransomware groups in recent months. What could this latest actions mean for the future of Scattered Spider?

Find out what Dr. Chris Pierson, our CEO and Founder, has to say here: https://www.informationweek.com/cyber-resilience/suspected-scattered-spider-leader-snagged-in-law-enforcement-s-web

Dark Reading: How to Prevent 'Material Breaches' by Executives and Board Members

June 11, 2024/in News & Media/by Rosa Lear

SEC cyber-breach reporting requirements further elevate the risk that company leaders present to corporations.

Among the most vulnerable and consequential cyberattack targets are corporate executives and board members. The implications of a personal cybersecurity breach for these individuals are profound, potentially leading to material breaches that necessitate reporting to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Read the full article here.

BlackCloak Signs the Secure by Design Pledge

June 4, 2024/in Press Release/by Rosa Lear

ORLANDO, FL, June 4, 2024 – BlackCloak, the pioneer in Digital Executive Protection and Concierge Cybersecurity & Privacy™ for corporate executives, high-net-worth individuals, and family offices proudly announces its commitment to enhancing software security by signing the Secure by Design Pledge. This voluntary pledge, initiated by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), aims to promote and support the development of secure enterprise software products and services, including on-premises software, cloud services, and software as a service (SaaS).

By joining the Secure by Design Pledge, BlackCloak commits to the pledge’s seven core goals over the next year. These goals are designed to help software companies achieve measurable progress in enhancing software security. BlackCloak will publicly document its achievements in meeting these goals within one year of signing the pledge, in line with the spirit of radical transparency that the pledge encourages.

“It is important to us that we contribute to the collective effort to enhance software security across the industry and join the Secure by Design Pledge,” said Ryan Black, BlackCloak’s Chief Information Security Officer. “Our commitment to these goals underscores our dedication to protecting our clients and their digital assets. We believe that by working together with CISA and other industry leaders, we can make significant strides in creating a more secure digital environment.”

BlackCloak recognizes the importance of these goals and is dedicated to integrating them into its operations. As part of this commitment, BlackCloak will take various actions across its product line for future enhancements. Where BlackCloak already meets or exceeds these goals, it will provide documentation of its practices and explore additional efforts to go above and beyond the pledge’s requirements.

The Secure by Design Pledge complements existing software security best practices developed by CISA, NIST, other federal agencies, and international industry standards. BlackCloak looks forward to contributing to these efforts and advancing a secure by design posture in the cybersecurity landscape.

About BlackCloak

BlackCloak protects corporate executives and high-profile individuals from cybersecurity, privacy, financial, and other reputational risks. Used by Fortune 500 companies across all industries, the BlackCloak Concierge Cybersecurity & Privacy™ Platform is a holistic solution including mobile and desktop apps as well as concierge support. Executives and high-profile individuals get peace of mind knowing their family, reputation, and finances are secured. Companies rest assured that their brand, intellectual property, data, and finances are protected against threats coming through executives without having to invade their personal lives. Learn more at www.blackcloak.io, and follow them on LinkedIn and Twitter.

BlackCloak Media Contact:

Mike Sias

[email protected]

The Guardian: Christie’s website hack shows how art world has become target for cybercrime

June 3, 2024/in News & Media/by Rosa Lear

Auction house hit by cyber-extortionist group RansomHub which claims to have sensitive information of at least 500,000 clients

A ransomware hack was the last thing the precarious fine art market needed – but that’s what it got when Christie’s website went down days before it began its all-important 20th and 21st century May auctions in New York.

Guillaume Cerutti, CEO of the French-owned auctioneer, gently called the attack a “technology security incident”. Christie’s posted its auction catalogs on a separate site, the sale went ahead with sales of $640m, and 10 days later the website came back to life.

Find out what our CEO and Founder, Dr. Chris Pierson, had to say on this topic.

BlackCloak: Winner of the 2024 cybersecurity excellence award for best cybersecurity startup

BlackCloak Wins 2024 Cybersecurity Excellence Award for Best Cybersecurity Startup

May 22, 2024/in Press Release/by Rosa Lear

Orlando, FL – May 22, 2024 – BlackCloak, the pioneer in Digital Executive Protection and Concierge Cybersecurity & Privacy™ for corporate executives, board members, and high-net-worth individuals, is proud to announce it is the recipient of the 2024 Cybersecurity Excellence Award for Best Cybersecurity Startup.

By creating the Digital Executive Protection market segment to protect high-net-worth individuals and top corporate executives from targeted cyber attacks and privacy breaches, BlackCloak has established itself as the Pioneer of Personal Cybersecurity™. The company’s holistic concierge approach combines robust cybersecurity solutions with privacy protection, defining the industry standard in Digital Executive Protection.

BlackCloak provides a Concierge Cybersecurity & Privacy™ Platform designed to protect the digital private lives of high profile individuals and their families. As cybercriminals shift their focus from corporate systems to personal targets, BlackCloak ensures that all personal digital devices, home networks, and private information are secured against potential threats.

Dr. Chris Pierson, CEO and Founder of BlackCloak, expressed his gratitude and vision following the announcement: “We are thrilled to receive this award, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. Our commitment to protecting our members with cutting-edge technology and expert guidance is stronger than ever. As cyber threats continue to evolve, so will BlackCloak. We remain dedicated to advancing our technologies and services to meet the growing needs of our clients.”

“We congratulate BlackCloak on being recognized as an award winner in the Best Cybersecurity Startup category of the 2024 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards. With over 600 entries across more than 300 categories, the awards are highly competitive. Your achievement reflects outstanding commitment to the core principles of excellence, innovation, and leadership in cybersecurity,” said Holger Schulze, CEO of Cybersecurity Insiders and founder of the Information Security Community on LinkedIn.

BlackCloak’s bespoke services include privacy protection, protected devices, home protection, concierge service, holistic cybersecurity, and protection against identity theft. The company’s round-the-clock concierge service ensures that clients receive immediate assistance whenever needed, reflecting its commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.

With this award, BlackCloak reaffirms its commitment to providing unparalleled personal cybersecurity and privacy services, empowering clients to navigate the digital world securely and confidently. The recognition highlights BlackCloak’s impact in the industry and reinforces its position as a leader in the personal cybersecurity community.

About BlackCloak

BlackCloak protects corporate executives and high-profile individuals from cybersecurity, privacy, financial, and other reputational risks. Used by Fortune 500 companies across all industries, the BlackCloak Concierge Cybersecurity & Privacy™ Platform is a holistic solution including mobile and desktop apps as well as concierge support. Executives and high-profile individuals get peace of mind knowing their family, reputation, and finances are secured. Companies rest assured that their brand, intellectual property, data, and finances are protected against threats coming through executives without having to invade their personal lives. Learn more at www.blackcloak.io, and follow them on LinkedIn and Twitter.

BlackCloak Media Contact:

Mike Sias

[email protected]

BlackCloak Appoints Ryan Black as Chief Information Security Officer

May 20, 2024/in Press Release/by Rosa Lear

BlackCloak welcomes new CISO to lead Digital Executive Protection and Concierge Cybersecurity & Privacy™ initiatives

ORLANDO, FL, May 20, 2024 – BlackCloak, the pioneer in Digital Executive Protection and Concierge Cybersecurity & Privacy™ for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and corporate executives, today announced the appointment of Ryan Black as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). He brings a wealth of experience and a robust track record in cybersecurity, where he has expertly led initiatives to develop and enhance security strategies.

Throughout his role as Director of Engineering Security and Compliance at Mandiant, Black spearheaded the security integration of Mandiant Defense products and infrastructure, significantly enhancing product security and compliance services. His efforts were crucial in achieving FedRAMP Ready High / IL-5 status in record time and were instrumental in the seamless acquisition of Mandiant by Google Cloud.

At Bugcrowd, Black served as Senior Director of Security Operations, where he significantly advanced the company’s security operations. He drove initiatives that increased delivery capacity, and reduced vulnerability triage time while boosting client satisfaction. His leadership in crowdsourced penetration testing expanded Bugcrowd’s impact across multiple Fortune 50 companies. Black’s deep expertise has prepared him to tackle the intricate and evolving security challenges that affect today’s executives, their families, and high profile individuals.

“Ryan’s expertise in cybersecurity is exactly what BlackCloak needs at this pivotal time. Bringing Ryan into our team is a strategic move that aligns with our commitment to advancing the personal cybersecurity industry. His innovative mindset and leadership abilities are key as we enhance our services to safeguard our clients and members against the most pressing digital threats,” said Dr. Chris Pierson, CEO and Founder of BlackCloak.

As the BlackCloak CISO, Ryan will oversee strengthening the company’s cybersecurity framework, ensuring the privacy and security solutions provided continue to lead the industry in protecting the personal lives of high profile individuals. His strategic insight will be crucial in advancing the BlackCloak mission to extend Digital Executive Protection services.

Ryan expressed his enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I am ready to contribute to a mission that resonates deeply with me – protecting the personal cybersecurity and privacy of executives, board members, and high-profile individuals. I look forward to leading our talented security operations team and innovating further to meet the evolving needs of our members.”

About BlackCloak

BlackCloak protects corporate executives and high-profile individuals from cybersecurity, privacy, financial, and other reputational risks. Used by Fortune 500 companies across all industries, the BlackCloak Concierge Cybersecurity & Privacy™ Platform is a holistic solution including mobile and desktop apps as well as concierge support. Executives and high-profile individuals get peace of mind knowing their family, reputation, and finances are secured. Companies rest assured that their brand, intellectual property, data, and finances are protected against threats coming through executives without having to invade their personal lives. Learn more at www.blackcloak.io, and follow them on LinkedIn and Twitter.

BlackCloak Media Contact:

Mike Sias

[email protected]

WFTV 9: Flagler County deputies respond to 3rd day of threats at local middle schools

May 17, 2024/in News & Media/by Rosa Lear

An anonymous caller reported a bomb threat at Buddy-Taylor Middle School in Palm Coast on Thursday.

It was just one of several calls targeting Flagler County schools so far this week.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office released body-worn camera video Thursday showing deputies responding to the first bomb threat call at Buddy Taylor Middle School on Tuesday.

Click here to read the full article: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/flagler-county-deputies-respond-3rd-day-threats-local-middle-schools/HEDJW72EINEI3PD4JE4NG3GS5I/

Announcement: Matt Covington Appointed as Vice President of Product

BlackCloak Appoints Matt Covington as Vice President of Product

May 8, 2024/in Press Release/by Rosa Lear

Highly respected cybersecurity innovator accelerates BlackCloak’s Digital Executive Protection and Concierge Cybersecurity & Privacy™ Platform

ORLANDO, FL, May 8, 2024 – BlackCloak, the pioneer in Digital Executive Protection and Concierge Cybersecurity & Privacy™ for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and corporate executives, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Matt Covington as the new Vice President of Product. With an impressive track record of over 25 years in product development and management within the technology sector, Covington is set to lead BlackCloak’s product strategy and innovation into a new era.

Prior to joining BlackCloak, Matt Covington held the VP of Product Management at ZeroFOX, where he spearheaded strategic development for the platform and influenced the market evolution of a new external cybersecurity product category stemming from the rapid convergence of Attack Surface, Digital Risk Protection, and Threat Intelligence use cases. His experience includes roadmap development for generative AI to facilitate the programmatic creation of intelligence products based on the deployment and training of large language models.

“We are excited to welcome Matt to our executive team. His expertise in product lifecycle management, combined with a deep understanding of cybersecurity technologies, positions him uniquely to drive BlackCloak’s product offerings and enhance our market presence,” said Dr. Chris Pierson, CEO and Founder of BlackCloak. “His visionary leadership and proven track record in product innovation are exactly what BlackCloak needs as we expand our technological frontiers. Matt’s role will be pivotal in shaping the future of our product line and delivering solutions that protect our clients against evolving cyber threats.”

In his new role, Covington will oversee the development and implementation of product strategies, enhancing the user experience and ensuring the alignment of product offerings with the strategic goals of the company. His appointment is a key part of BlackCloak’s ongoing commitment to leadership and excellence in the personal cybersecurity industry.

“I am delighted to join BlackCloak and look forward to working with the team to develop cutting-edge products that not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations in terms of security and functionality,” said Matt Covington. “BlackCloak stands at the forefront of Digital Executive Protection, and I am eager to contribute to its mission of delivering robust, innovative solutions.”

About BlackCloak

BlackCloak protects corporate executives and high-profile individuals from cybersecurity, privacy, financial, and other reputational risks. Used by Fortune 500 companies across all industries, the BlackCloak Concierge Cybersecurity & Privacy™ Platform is a holistic solution including mobile and desktop apps as well as concierge support. Executives and high-profile individuals get peace of mind knowing their family, reputation, and finances are secured. Companies rest assured that their brand, intellectual property, data, and finances are protected against threats coming through executives without having to invade their personal lives. Learn more at www.blackcloak.io, and follow them on LinkedIn and Twitter.

BlackCloak Media Contact:

Mike Sias

[email protected]

PROTECT YOUR DIGITAL LIFE™