Forcepoint Strengthens Data Security Through Getvisibility Acquisition

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning,
Data Security,
Data Security Posture Management

Getvisibility Joins Forces with Forcepoint to Enhance Data Security Solutions

Forcepoint to Enhance Data Security With Getvisibility Buy
Ryan Windham, CEO, Forcepoint (Image: Forcepoint)

Forcepoint has announced its acquisition of Getvisibility, a startup based in Cork, Ireland, specializing in data security posture management. This strategic move is designed to strengthen Forcepoint’s artificial intelligence capabilities in the domains of data classification and risk management.

The Austin-based cybersecurity company aims to enhance its AI-driven solutions in a market increasingly demanding comprehensive data security measures. CEO Ryan Windham highlighted that this acquisition is a response to the evolving needs of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and enterprises, who are looking for integrated solutions rather than a patchwork of disparate tools.

“Our customers were asking for more robust integrations, which extended beyond what we could provide through an OEM relationship,” Windham stated in an interview with Information Security Media Group. “Bringing Getvisibility into the fold makes perfect sense for both parties.”

Founded in 2017, Getvisibility employs approximately 50 personnel and has attracted nearly $15 million in funding, including a recent $10.9 million Series A round co-led by Alpha Intelligence Capital and Fortino Capital. Under Mark Brosnan, who took the helm in mid-2020, the startup has focused on creating innovative solutions in data security.

Notably, Getvisibility’s AI Mesh technology, which operates on multiple small language models rather than a singular large model, allows for a more tailored approach to security, capable of adapting to specific industries and threats. This dynamic adaptability, as opposed to traditional static models, is particularly valuable in minimizing false positives while effectively capturing subtle security threats.

Implications of the Acquisition

Windham expressed that Forcepoint plans to leverage Getvisibility’s technology to enhance its capabilities in data discovery, classification, and risk assessment. As generative AI usage increases, understanding both input data for AI models and the insights they yield is essential. This integration aims to equip Forcepoint with advanced tools to identify and mitigate emerging risks.

The combined capabilities of Forcepoint’s platforms, which include data security posture management and workflow management, will provide CISOs with a singular dashboard for monitoring data security risks. Windham emphasized that this merger not only improves product integration but also strengthens the reporting mechanisms, enabling organizations to act decisively on identified risks.

Forcepoint’s comprehensive approach, which integrates Data Security Posture Management (DSPM), data detection and response, data loss prevention, cloud access security broker, and secure web gateway functionality into one user-friendly platform, sets the company apart in a competitive landscape. Utilizing AI Mesh enhances the efficiency of security management by reducing false positives and optimizing threat detection processes.

The effectiveness of the Getvisibility acquisition will be assessed primarily through metrics such as revenue growth and annual recurring revenue (ARR). Windham noted that simplifying security management is a key objective, allowing security leaders to navigate their priorities from a centralized dashboard for improved visibility and decision-making.

In this context, the acquisition suggests that tactics from the MITRE ATT&CK framework, including initial access and privilege escalation, may be relevant in understanding the broader security landscape and the techniques used against organizations. With CISOs facing an overwhelming volume of information, prioritization of actionable insights will be critical moving forward.

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