Gotham Security - Experts & Thought Leaders

Gotham Security, an Abacus Group company providing high-quality boutique cybersecurity services, has announced that its research team recently discovered two vulnerabilities in ConnectWise ScreenConnect, saving tens of thousands of enterprises from the possible consequences of a significant cyber-attack. ConnectWise ScreenConnect is a remote-control software used by IT-managed service providers (MSPs) globally. Had Gotham Security not stepped in, therefore, and had a hacker identified the vulnerabilities as part of a zero-day attack, it would likely have led to MSPs and their clients being exposed to this zero-day vulnerability. Gotham Security’s findings ConnectWise then began the development of a security patch to handle both vulnerabilities If the vulnerabilities were left unaddressed, bad actors would have been able to gain access to all workstations and servers with ScreenConnect from a local network and then escalate their privileges to be local administrators on the affected systems. Gotham Security acted quickly to mitigate this possibility, rapidly developing a technical write-up about the vulnerabilities and disclosing it to ConnectWise in accordance with its Vulnerability Disclosure Policy. Within an hour of submission, ConnectWise had triaged the vulnerabilities and assigned security engineers to replicate Gotham Security’s findings. Later that same day, both findings were confirmed as valid. ConnectWise then initiated the development of a security patch to address both vulnerabilities. Benefits of a partnership-based approach Christian Scott, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Security Officer of Gotham Security said: “Our success in identifying and disclosing these vulnerabilities so quickly is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and just one more example of how our technical know and cyber-security research helps protect organizations worldwide.” Scott added, “This incident shows the benefits of a partnership-based approach. ConnectWise was fast to engage and did a great job in responding to these vulnerabilities and pushing out a patch to rectify them as quickly as possible.” Resolving software vulnerabilities Abacus Group recognizes the exceptional technical prowess of Gotham in the realm of security Paul Ponzeka, Chief Technology Officer, Abacus Group, said: “Abacus Group recognizes the exceptional technical prowess of Gotham in the realm of security. Gotham has demonstrated a unique capability in uncovering vulnerabilities at a speed that other boutique providers would struggle to match." “Our experience with Gotham goes beyond the superficial 'paper security' offered by others. Christian and his team have not only identified but also actively engaged in resolving software vulnerabilities, working directly with vendors. This hands-on approach and direct problem-solving attitude sets Gotham apart in the field of cybersecurity." Author's quote “It also underlines the value of a tight coupling between an MSP like ourselves and a cybersecurity company like Gotham Security,” Ponzeka added. “Gotham Security’s close relationship with us allowed them to quickly develop and implement mitigation strategies to protect all of our customers while ConnectWise worked on developing a patch.”

Rubrik, the Zero Trust Data Security Company, launches the Rubrik Transform Partner Program to empower partners to become trusted data security advisors and help improve the cyber readiness, resilience, and recovery for their customers. Rubrik Transform leverages a points-based scoring system and customizable incentive plan to reward top-performing partners, equipping them with important resources to win in the ongoing battle against modern cyber threats. Cyber resilience strategy According to the Rubrik Zero Labs State of Data Security report, only five percent of organizations were able to return to business continuity or normal operations within one hour of discovering a cyberattack. Organizations need a complete cyber resilience strategy in addition to simple ways to quickly test recovery readiness plans and investigate data threats.  Rubrik’s most strategic partners are focused on addressing some of the most urgent cybersecurity risks" “Rubrik’s most strategic partners are focused on addressing some of the most urgent cybersecurity risks organizations are facing. The solutions they provide customers with Rubrik’s technology is enabling customers to build resilience, which enables quick recovery from cyber incidents,” said Ghazal Asif, Vice President of Global Partners and Alliances at Rubrik. “Our commitment to collaborating with and enabling our partner ecosystem has never been stronger, and we’re committed to providing our partners opportunities to expand their earning potential and offerings through the Rubrik Transform Partner Program. Together, we aim to enable business resiliency for organizations around the world.” Strategic financial benefits The Rubrik Transform Partner Program is a groundbreaking program that leverages a points-based scoring system. Partners are able to accumulate points based on specific activities outlined in the program. And in line with Rubrik's continued commitment to cyber security offerings and securing the world's data, partners can accelerate their score by completing qualifying value-add activities that highlight the value of Rubrik Data Security. This points-based system allows partners to unlock tiers, with the top tiers providing strategic financial benefits and investments from Rubrik, regardless of their type, size, or historical status. End user opportunities With the new structure, partners can achieve the following tiers and associated benefits: Authorized Partner: This partnership provides eligibility for discount advantages for uncovering and driving approved end user opportunities registered through the Partner Portal. Authorized Partners receive quarterly sales incentives for uncovering net-new opportunities. Elite Partner: Once a partner accumulates a minimum threshold of points by demonstrating achievement against the qualifying activities, Elite Partner status is unlocked. In addition to the discount advantages and sales incentives that Authorized Partners benefit from, Elite Partners are eligible for additional financial benefits to reward performance for uncovering and closing net-new opportunities to Rubrik. Elite+ Partner: Elite Partners with a high volume of bookings in the previous 12 months are eligible for customized incentives and business development investments, including marketing development funds and Rubrik dedicated resources by completing an investment plan with their regional channel development team. Providing additional benefits The new Rubrik Transform Partner Program provides additional benefits to partners" “The new Rubrik Transform Partner Program provides additional benefits to partners for doing what we already aim to do – help customers enhance their data observability and bolster their cyber resilience,” said Tawna Perkins, Associate Vice President of Strategic Alliances at CDI. “We’re thrilled that Rubrik is collaborating with their partner network to build a program and create an incentive structure that encourages and rewards partners for focusing on mutually beneficial results.” “The new Transform Partner Program is a testament to Rubrik’s ongoing prioritization of robust partnerships,” said Rob Maniscalco, Senior Technology Executive at Gotham Technology Group. More holistic approach “There are multiple avenues for rewards that are not just based on revenue. This allows partners of all sizes to reap the benefits and enable a more holistic approach to Zero Trust Data Security for customers around the world.” “Partners are critical to Rubrik’s mission of securing the world’s data,” said Brian McCarthy, Chief Revenue Officer of Rubrik. “We’ve experienced tremendous momentum with our partners and Rubrik is committed to continually investing in their success as part of our core go-to-market strategy.”

Abacus Group, the leading provider of hosted IT services and solutions to alternative investment firms announces that it has acquired two boutique cybersecurity consulting companies, Gotham Security and its parent company, GoVanguard, both of which have unparalleled track records of excellence in the cyber arena.   Security-focused MSP Gotham Security, as the new business will be known, will be a subsidiary of Abacus Group but continue to operate independently. The acquisition marks a milestone in Abacus Group’s expansion from a security-focused managed service provider (MSP) to a full-bodied managed security service provider (MSSP) with an extensive suite of industry-leading cybersecurity services and products.   Cybersecurity consulting Abacus will acquire a comprehensive set of information security capabilities to provide real-world, actionable insight The deal will see Gotham Security supercharge Abacus Group’s existing services portfolio with a wide breadth of cybersecurity consulting expertise. Abacus Group will acquire a comprehensive set of information security capabilities to provide clients with real-world, actionable insight, including penetration testing, red teaming, tabletop exercises, risk and compliance gap assessments, and threat-hunting services.   Cybersecurity awareness Complementing and aligning with Abacus Group’s leading cybersecurity technology platform, Gotham Security’s services will continue to be delivered by its team of industry trailblazers, comprised of cybersecurity leaders, researchers, educators, and creators. Gotham Security’s dedicated leadership team will remain at the helm of the company, bringing their passion for elevated quality, insight, and cybersecurity awareness to both their own clients and customers of Abacus Group.    Safe and secure We are thrilled to be able to expand our cybersecurity capabilities and provide the full suite of services" Chris Grandi, CEO of Abacus Group, commented, “This acquisition is a natural next step in a long working relationship with Gotham Security, as the businesses have been valued resources to each other and our clients over the last decade. It’s fantastic to now join forces and take further strides in our own expansion from MSP to MSSP." "Abacus Group has always been committed to keeping our clients safe and secure, especially as the security and regulatory landscape continues to evolve in line with escalating cyber threats. Therefore, we are thrilled to be able to expand our cybersecurity capabilities and provide the full suite of services offered by Gotham Security to our customers and investors.”  MSSP capabilities The synergy between Abacus Group’s cybersecurity offerings and Gotham Security will result in a complete set of MSSP capabilities. Expanding further into the MSSP space will support Abacus Group in meeting the growing demand for comprehensive, expert-led cybersecurity insights at every level of an organization’s technology stack, especially as security threats against businesses continue to increase and become ever more sophisticated.  High-quality cybersecurity and technology services Christian Scott, COO, CISO, and Partner at Gotham Security, added, “This is a very exciting time for everyone at Gotham Security." We’ve listened closely to customers growing demand for integrated technology solutions to fulfill security needs"  "Alongside the close, the collaborative working relationship we’ve developed with Abacus Group over the years, our shared mission to provide a broader scope of high-quality cybersecurity and technology services to customers has been the key driving force behind our union under the same umbrella. We continue to take pride in the best-in-class security insight we provide to our customers, but we’ve also listened closely to their growing demand for integrated technology solutions that fulfill an entire spectrum of security needs and requirements." Robust technology solutions "The complementary opportunities created by Abacus Group’s robust technology solutions and Gotham Security’s innovative cybersecurity services will provide greater value and more options than ever to our shared customer base.”  Lowenstein Sandler LLP served as legal counsel to Abacus Group, while Szaferman, Lakind, Blumstein & Blader, PC. Served as legal counsel to GoVanguard and Gotham Security on the transaction.