#USA #Austin #Cybersecurity #NSS Labs #Vikram Phatak

Reintroducing NSS Labs: A New Era in Cybersecurity Assurance

NSS Labs has made its highly anticipated return, reestablishing itself as a cornerstone in the independent testing landscape for security products. With a renewed ownership structure, experienced leadership, and a specific goal set on the ever-evolving demands of cybersecurity, NSS Labs is primed for a transformative phase.

The Vision Behind the Relaunch

Under the guidance of founder and CEO Vikram Phatak, NSS Labs is now owned and managed exclusively by its senior partners and executive team. This strategic shift signifies a commitment to delivering accurate, data-driven testing services that cater to three primary stakeholders in the cybersecurity space: enterprises, security vendors, and service providers.

Phatak articulates a bold vision, stating, "We're not just relaunching NSS Labs—we're rebuilding it for the future." This quote underpins the company's mission to preserve the integrity of its rigorous testing methods while innovating processes to meet contemporary security challenges.

Services Tailored for Diverse Audiences

1. Enterprises

Modern enterprises will gain valuable insights through objective testing and continuous validation of their security technologies across various environments, including on-premises settings, cloud infrastructures, and third-party services. NSS Labs aims to support crucial initiatives that encompass risk governance, supply chain validation, and regulatory compliance, ensuring businesses can operate within a secure framework.

2. Security Vendors

Vendors will benefit from thorough third-party validation that assesses the efficacy of their products in realistic attack scenarios. By leveraging NSS Labs’ testing data, they can refine strategies, accelerate market entry, and substantiate claims regarding product reliability in an increasingly competitive landscape.

3. Service Providers

Service providers can expect tailored evaluations for their multi-vendor environments. This support enables them to benchmark offerings effectively, make informed procurement decisions, and highlight service value through independently validated data. Additionally, testing aids in operational readiness and future roadmap development, ensuring that service providers maintain a competitive edge.

Partnership with CyberRatings.org

In addition to commercial services, NSS Labs is the official testing partner of CyberRatings.org, a non-profit entity that publishes public test results and cybersecurity research. Through this partnership, NSS Labs actively contributes to developing methodologies for testing, crafting detailed reports, and producing educational content aimed at enhancing the broader cybersecurity ecosystem.

A Legacy of Trust and Expertise

Since its inception in 2007, NSS Labs has established itself as a globally recognized authority in cybersecurity, influencing the development and procurement strategies within the industry. However, after encountering operational challenges in 2020, Phatak acquired select assets and intellectual property from the predecessor organization and quickly moved to revitalize NSS Labs’ brand.

“NSS Labs has always been about adapting and innovating, ensuring our practices meet the dynamic market demands,” Phatak emphasized.

Innovative Changes at NSS Labs 2.0

Interactive, Data-Driven Tools

The new NSS Labs introduces interactive and intuitive tools that allow stakeholders to engage with testing data seamlessly, providing real-time comparisons and deep dives into product performance.

Expanded Testing Portfolio

Beyond traditional frameworks like firewalls and SD-WAN, NSS Labs has broadened its reach to include cutting-edge technologies such as AI/ML-driven tools and advanced ransomware defenses, as well as post-quantum cryptography solutions, highlighting their focus on next-generation security technologies.

Tailored Services Designed for Each Audience

The relaunch brings forth purpose-built programs designed for enterprises, vendors, and service providers, emphasizing transparency, swift response times, and meticulous technical validation.

Centered on a Culture of Confidence

NSS Labs 2.0 is propelled by a team with decades of experience, solidifying its reputation for conducting complex evaluations across a diverse array of cybersecurity products. Each assessment begins with creating robust methodologies and involves extensive real-world testing, ensuring products exceed modern security threat expectations.

The testing infrastructure mirrors the complexities of actual attacks, employing a live, real-time environment that applies various attack vectors, evasions, and harmful malware, designed to replicate real-world challenges encountered by organizations.

Leadership Driving Innovation

NSS Labs is guided by a leadership team comprised of industry veterans dedicated to cybersecurity testing, product strategy, and innovative research initiatives. The team includes:

• - Vikram Phatak, Chief Executive Officer and Founder
• - Ian Foo, Chief Technology Officer and EVP of Product
• - Carma Austin, Chief Strategy Officer
• - Cathy Main, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
• - Tim Otto, Vice President of Test Operations
• - Thomas Skybakmoen, Vice President of Research

The restructured NSS Labs intends to evolve with the cybersecurity landscape, empowering enterprises, vendors, and service providers to make informed decisions rooted in extensive research and testing methodologies.

To learn more about NSS Labs and the comprehensive services offered, visit www.nsslabs.com.