#UK #Warrington #Fortra #Zero-Point Security #Cobalt Strike

Fortra's Strategic Move into Cybersecurity Training

In a significant development in the cybersecurity landscape, Fortra, a prominent name in the provision of cybersecurity software and services, has announced its acquisition of Zero-Point Security. This specialized training firm, based in Warrington, UK, is recognized for its top-notch education in the field of offensive security. The merger aims to bolster Fortra's educational capabilities surrounding red team operations, adversary emulation, and penetration testing.

A Game-Changer for Education in Cybersecurity

Zero-Point Security has established itself as a trusted provider of red team operations training, offering high-quality, self-paced courses tailored for individuals and organizations eager to enhance their offensive operations skills. According to Daniel Duggan, the founder and director of Zero-Point Security, this acquisition positions them to broaden their global outreach and provide innovative training solutions that emphasize practical, adversary-focused methodologies.

Duggan noted, "Becoming part of Fortra means we can expand the global reach of our training programs and introduce new opportunities to empower red teamers with practical, adversary-focused training." This collaboration with Fortra's product teams—especially Cobalt Strike, Core Impact, and Outflank Security Tooling—will lead to the creation of new educational initiatives that aim to elevate the standards for offensive security training across the globe.

Recognized Courses and Certifications

Among Zero-Point's acclaimed courses are Red Team Operations I and II, which adhere to rigorous standards set by the Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers (CREST). Completing these programs allows participants to gain the prestigious Certified Red Team Operator (CRTO) credential, confirming their expertise in offensive security techniques that are crucial in the fight against cyber threats.

Pieter Ceelen, product owner of Cobalt Strike and founder of Outflank, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "We have worked with Daniel and Zero-Point for years, collaborating on Cobalt Strike training and other initiatives. We’re excited to take this to the next level, putting more advanced Cobalt Strike Certified Operator trainings, Core Impact trainings, and training for Outflank Security Tooling on the roadmap for the future."

Commitment to Cyber Resilience

Fortra's CEO, Matthew Reck, emphasized that the acquisition reflects the company's dedication to enhancing offensive security as a key element of modern cyber resilience. Under Duggan’s guidance, Zero-Point Security is set to play an integral role in developing an enriched training portfolio that empowers organizations globally, enabling them to adopt a purple-team approach.

This methodology is centered on collaboration between offensive (red team) and defensive (blue team) operations, fostering a more comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Reck pointed out that through this acquisition, Fortra aims to facilitate organizations in upgrading their team's skills, focusing on adversary-centric techniques for robust protection strategies.

About Fortra

Fortra provides a wide array of advanced offensive and defensive security solutions that offer extensive protection across the entire cyber kill chain. With capabilities that encompass visibility throughout the attack process and access to global threat intelligence, Fortra’s solutions empower its customers to anticipate and mitigate criminal activities in real time. For more information, visit fortra.com.

About Zero-Point Security

Zero-Point Security was founded by Daniel Duggan in January 2018 and has been at the forefront of providing cutting-edge cybersecurity training. The firm specializes in courses designed to equip professionals with the skills needed for real-world adversarial conditions. Key offerings include foundational and advanced courses in red team operations, focusing on adversary simulation, operational planning, and sophisticated techniques for effective red team engagements. Learn more at zeropointsecurity.co.uk.