Cybercrime,
Data Privacy,
Data Security
Investment to Scale Engineering, Expansion from Data Deletion to Threat Reduction
360 Privacy, a digital executive protection platform founded by an Army veteran, has successfully raised $36 million to enhance the security of sensitive personal data for high-profile individuals. This funding from FTV Capital is strategically aimed at transitioning the company’s focus from mere data deletion to broader threat mitigation strategies, particularly in the realms of advertising technology and location tracking.
Based in Nashville, Tennessee, 360 Privacy’s CEO Adam Jackson articulated that the increasing prevalence of data broker sites has made executives more susceptible to various threats. He shared practical examples where stalkers gained access to public figures’ locations through data aggregation services, a vulnerability that traditional physical security measures alone cannot address.
Redefining Security Measures in a Digital Age
The evolving landscape of cybersecurity requires a shift in strategy. Hackers now more often leverage online platforms to extract personal information, diminishing the effectiveness of traditional security measures. Jackson attempted to utilize existing data deletion services but deemed them inadequate for his purposes. Consequently, the company pivoted towards a more comprehensive data privacy protection model.
Founded in 2019, 360 Privacy has a workforce of 66 and had previously not sought outside funding. Jackson, who has extensive military experience, expressed confidence in FTV’s successful track record with past investments in similar startups, which reassured him about their partnership. This investment will specifically support the company’s expansion in engineering and marketing initiatives.
360 Privacy intends to develop capabilities that will monitor and limit the data harvested and sold regarding individuals through ad technologies. The goal is to establish safeguards that protect critical information such as location history and online behavior from malicious entities.
Understanding the Risks Associated with Data Brokers
As the market for sensitive data continues to expand, Jackson warned that cybercriminals are increasingly using this information to target high-profile figures. Particularly alarming is the fact that data brokers can track users’ movements using device-level data for extended periods, which greatly increases vulnerability to both digital and physical attacks.
In light of recent incidents involving executives, where attackers exploited open-source intelligence, it is essential to recognize the significant role that data brokers play in compromising security. Jackson emphasized that the overarching strategy for 360 Privacy in the coming year will be to mitigate these risks, particularly as they relate to digital advertising practices.
To enhance its technical capabilities, the company plans to bolster its engineering team significantly, focusing on recruiting specialists in crucial areas like artificial intelligence and data scraping. Given the diverse privacy laws across various U.S. states, Jackson advocates for scalable, technology-driven solutions as a necessary approach to addressing these challenges.
As the threat landscape evolves, Jackson called attention to the integrated nature of digital and physical security, positing that organizations must not view them as separate disciplines. The collaboration of Chief Security Officers and Chief Information Security Officers is increasingly vital to ensure comprehensive protection methodologies are in place.
