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

BlackCloak Wins 2024 Cybersecurity Excellence Award for Best Cybersecurity Startup

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] 

Ryan Black is BlackCloak's new CISO

BlackCloak Appoints Ryan Black as Chief Information Security Officer

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]

WFTV9

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

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.

Announcement: Matt Covington Appointed as Vice President of Product

BlackCloak Appoints Matt Covington as Vice President of Product

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] 

Global Infosec Awards Winner 2024, Cyber Defense Magazine seal

BlackCloak Named Winner of Three Coveted Global InfoSec Awards during RSA Conference 2024

BlackCloak Wins Visionary Cybersecurity Startup, Trailblazer in Digital Executive Protection, and Hot Company Cybersecurity CEO for Chris Pierson during the 12th Annual Global InfoSec Awards at #RSAC 2024

 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – MAY 6, 2024 – BlackCloak, the pioneer in Digital Executive Protection and Concierge Cybersecurity & Privacy™ for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and corporate executives, proudly announces it has won the following awards from Cyber Defense Magazine (CDM), the industry’s leading electronic information security magazine:

  • Visionary Cybersecurity Startup
  • Trailblazer in Digital Executive Protection
  • Hot Company Cybersecurity CEO for Dr. Chris Pierson

“It’s an honor to be recognized by Cyber Defense Magazine with not just one, but three Global InfoSec Awards. This is a testament to the BlackCloak team’s commitment to excellence in protecting the digital lives of executives, high-net-worth individuals, and their families,” said Dr. Chris Pierson, CEO and Founder of BlackCloak. “Our mission is to provide peace of mind in an era where cyber threats are ever-evolving, and this recognition fuels our drive to innovate and enhance our protective measures. We remain dedicated to delivering the highest standard of privacy and security for those at the forefront of their industries.” 

At the heart of BlackCloak’s success is its cutting-edge Digital Executive Protection and Concierge Cybersecurity & Privacy™ Platform. Designed to shield corporate executives and high-profile individuals from ever-evolving cybersecurity threats, BlackCloak offers a comprehensive suite of solutions that cater to the unique security and privacy needs of its members.

BlackCloak Delivers:

  • Personalized Cybersecurity: Tailored to the individual needs of each member, ensuring their digital life is fortified against cyber threats.
  • Privacy Assurance: Vigilant protection of personal information, safeguarding members from identity theft and financial fraud.
  • Reputational Defense: Proactive measures to prevent damaging cyber attacks that could tarnish a member’s public image.
  • Family Protection: Extending security beyond the executive or high-profile individual to cover their family members, creating a secure digital environment at home.

“We scoured the globe looking for cybersecurity innovators that could make a huge difference and potentially help turn the tide against the exponential growth in cyber-crime. BlackCloak is absolutely worthy of these coveted awards and consideration for deployment in your environment,” said Yan Ross, Global Editor of Cyber Defense Magazine.

BlackCloak thrilled to be a member on this coveted group of winners:  http://www.cyberdefenseawards.com/

 

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] 

 

About CDM InfoSec Awards 

This is Cyber Defense Magazine’s twelfth year of honoring InfoSec innovators from around the Globe. Our submission requirements are for any startup, early stage, later stage, or public companies in the INFORMATION SECURITY (INFOSEC) space who believe they have a unique and compelling value proposition for their product or service. Learn more at www.cyberdefenseawards.com

 

About The Judging 

The judges are CISSP, FMDHS, CEH, certified security professionals who voted based on their independent review of the company submitted materials on the website of each submission including but not limited to data sheets, white papers, product literature and other market variables. CDM has a flexible philosophy to find more innovative players with new and unique technologies, than the one with the most customers or money in the bank. CDM is always asking “What’s Next?” so we are looking for best of breed, next generation InfoSec solutions.

 

About Cyber Defense Magazine

Cyber Defense Magazine is the premier source of cyber security news and information for InfoSec professions in business and government. We are managed and published by and for ethical, honest, passionate information security professionals. Our mission is to share cutting-edge knowledge, real-world stories and awards on the best ideas, products, and services in the information technology industry.  We deliver electronic magazines every month online for free, and special editions exclusively for the RSA Conferences. CDM is a proud member of the Cyber Defense Media Group. Learn more about us at https://www.cyberdefensemagazine.com and visit https://www.cyberdefensetv.com and https://www.cyberdefenseradio.com to see and hear some of the most informative interviews of many of these winning company executives.  Join a webinar at https://www.cyberdefensewebinars.com and realize that infosec knowledge is power. 

 

CDM Media Inquiries:

Contact:                Irene Noser, Marketing Executive

Email:                     [email protected] 

Toll Free (USA):     1-833-844-9468

International:        1-646-586-9545

Website:                www.cyberdefensemagazine.com

Information Week

Information Week: Thoma Bravo’s $5B Darktrace Bet Highlights Cyber’s AI Excitement

Darktrace, the United Kingdom-based cybersecurity powerhouse — with a client list that includes the city of Las Vegas and Airbus — had refused earlier an Thoma Bravo bid.

Cybersecurity giant Darktrace, a UK firm specializing in AI-enabled threat detection, accepted a $5.32 billion bid by US private equity powerhouse Thoma Brava that would take the firm private.

Darktrace Chair Gordon Hurst in a statement suggested that Thoma Bravo’s most recent bid was too sweet to pass up. “The proposed offer represents an attractive premium and an opportunity for shareholders to receive the certainty of a cash consideration at a fair value for their shares,” he said. “The proposed acquisition will provide Darktrace access to a strong financial partner in Thoma Bravo, with deep software sector expertise.”

Find out what our CEO and Founder, Dr. Chris Pierson, had to say about this topic: https://www.informationweek.com/cyber-resilience/thoma-bravo-s-5b-darktrace-bet-highlights-cyber-s-ai-excitement

BlackCloak joins collaborative cyber intelligence community RH-ISAC

BlackCloak Joins Collaborative Cyber Intelligence Community RH-ISAC

Associate Membership Expands BlackCloak’s Ability to Protect the Digital Lives of Retail and Hospitality Executives

 

ORLANDO, FL, April 16, 2024 – BlackCloak, the pioneer in Digital Executive Protection and Concierge Cybersecurity & Privacy™ for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and corporate executives, today announced its new Associate Membership with the Retail and Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center (RH-ISAC). This strategic alignment underscores BlackCloak’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity resilience within the retail and hospitality industries.

As cyber threats continue to evolve and escalate, collaboration and intelligence sharing are critical. By joining RH-ISAC, BlackCloak will engage in a wealth of industry-specific threat intelligence, resources, and collaboration opportunities. This membership will enable BlackCloak to better serve its clients by staying ahead of potential cybersecurity threats and enhancing its defensive strategies.

Leigh Dow, Vice President of Marketing at BlackCloak, commented on the membership, “Joining RH-ISAC represents a pivotal step for BlackCloak in our mission to protect the personal digital lives of our members and their employers. Through this collaboration, we look forward to not only contributing to but also benefiting from the collective expertise and intelligence that RH-ISAC fosters among its members.”

RH-ISAC serves as a central hub for trusted cybersecurity information sharing and collaboration among consumer-facing sector companies in the retail and hospitality sectors. Its members include some of the most renowned brands in the industry, working together to defend their enterprises from cyber threats.

The retail industry is increasingly vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, including ransomware attacks, which are escalating in both frequency and sophistication. Cybercriminals often initiate these attacks through breaches in personal cybersecurity, exploiting individual vulnerabilities to gain access to the broader corporate networks. “Personal cybersecurity lapses are a common point of attack into corporate systems. This is particularly important in a sector where vast amounts of personal and payment information is processed daily,” said Dow. The resultant breaches can cripple operations and compromise sensitive data across supply chains, highlighting the urgent need for retailers to fortify their defenses with robust personal cybersecurity measures and protocols to protect against these pervasive threats. 

BlackCloak’s membership in RH-ISAC will enhance its capabilities to provide top-tier Digital Executive Protection solutions and support to its clients, ultimately helping to secure the broader digital landscape of the retail and hospitality sectors.

 

About RH-ISAC

The Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center (RH-ISAC) is the trusted community for sharing sector-specific cybersecurity information and intelligence. The RH-ISAC connects information security teams at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels to work together on issues and challenges, to share practices and insights, and to benchmark among each other – all with the goal of building better security for consumer-facing industries through collaboration. RH-ISAC serves businesses including retailers, restaurants, hotels, gaming casinos, food retailers, consumer products, and other consumer-facing companies. For more information, visit www.rhisac.org.

 

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 Seattle Times

The Seattle Times: A congressman wanted to understand AI. So he went back to a college classroom to learn

Don Beyer’s car dealerships were among the first in the U.S. to set up a website. As a representative, the Virginia Democrat leads a bipartisan group focused on promoting fusion energy. He reads books about geometry for fun.

So when questions about regulating artificial intelligence emerged, the 73-year-old Beyer took what for him seemed like an obvious step, enrolling at George Mason University to get a master’s degree in machine learning. In an era when lawmakers and Supreme Court justices sometimes concede they don’t understand emerging technology, Beyer’s journey is an outlier, but it highlights a broader effort by members of Congress to educate themselves about artificial intelligence as they consider laws that would shape its development.

Frightening to some, thrilling to others, baffling to many: Artificial intelligence has been called a transformative technology, a threat to democracy or even an existential risk for humanity. It will fall to members of Congress to figure out how to regulate the industry in a way that encourages its potential benefits while mitigating the worst risks.

 

Read the full article here. 

ABC News

ABC News: Cybersecurity expert shares what guests, hotels should know in wake of Omni breach

In the wake of a recent cyberattack on Omni Hotels & Resorts that prompted a “shut down [of] its systems to protect and contain its data,” experts are reminding people of the actions guests can take to preserve their digital safety and weighing in on risks facing the hospitality industry at large.

“We are currently working to determine the scope of the event, including impact to any data or information maintained on Omni systems,” the company said in an statement following the cyberattack on Friday, March 29. “Our investigation into the incident remains ongoing and we are working with external specialists in this process.”

 

Read the full article here.

Schwab Network

Schwab Network: AT&T Data Leak: The Holy Grail for Cyber Criminals

AT&T confirms that the personal information of 73M users has been leaked on the dark web. Dr. Chris Pierson and Shira Rubinoff go inside AT&T’s massive data leak. Pierson notes that the type of information leaked is considered the holy grail for cyber criminals. They then go over the importance of cybersecurity.

 

https://schwabnetwork.com/video/at-t-t-data-leak-the-holy-grail-for-cyber-criminals