The Security Industry

The Security Industry Substack analyzes the cybersecurity sector, discussing trends, investments, product development, and startup dynamics. It covers the roles of investors, the importance of product choice over platform solutions, market growth, and the impact of technology trends like AI. It aims to provide insights on cybersecurity innovation, investment patterns, and company strategies.

Cybersecurity Trends Investment and Funding Product and Vendor Analysis Startup Ecosystem Technology Innovation Market Strategy Event Analysis Industry Challenges Security Solutions Regulatory and Policy Impacts

The hottest Substack posts of The Security Industry

And their main takeaways

Building a "Vertical Agent"

13 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Security SaaS Data
  1. Vertical agents are a new trend gaining interest for their potential impact in various fields. They utilize specialized AI to cater to specific industries or tasks.
  2. AI tools like HarvestIQ.ai can assist organizations in managing their security tools and processes. They can streamline research and decision-making by providing quick insights and analysis.
  3. The future may see AI agents that fully understand an organization's needs. These agents could help businesses choose the right tools and maintain compliance more effectively.

16 Cybersecurity Startups Selected for Google Growth Academy

11 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence Startups Data Management Cloud Computing
  1. IT-Harvest is part of Google's Growth Academy for 2025, focusing on supporting cybersecurity startups. This helps them connect with experts and gain valuable resources.
  2. The platform has evolved to meet the needs of security teams, showing strong interest in their data tools and features. Users can now map their security tools to important frameworks like NIST CSF.
  3. They are using AI to streamline data collection and analysis, which makes understanding cybersecurity products faster and easier. This change has made their tools more appealing to companies and consultants alike.

Updating HarvestIQ

10 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity AI Tools Product Development Software Data Analysis
  1. HarvestIQ now combines two assistants into one, simplifying interactions for users. This helps reduce confusion and makes it easier to get information about cybersecurity vendors and products.
  2. Users can ask the Cyber Assistant for various tasks like product comparisons, SWOT analyses, and customized news summaries. These features aim to enhance decision-making in cybersecurity.
  3. The IT-Harvest Dashboard and HarvestIQ serve different purposes. The Dashboard is great for exploring detailed data, while HarvestIQ is more about getting direct answers and insights.

Create a SWOT in 2 Minutes

21 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Market Analysis Cybersecurity Consulting
  1. A SWOT analysis helps businesses identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, which can guide their strategy. It's a simple way to evaluate a company's position in the market.
  2. Using tools like HarvestIQ.ai can make creating a SWOT analysis quick and easy, potentially saving time compared to hiring a consultant. This software can provide detailed insights on vendors and competitors.
  3. Businesses should keep an eye on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the competition, as changes in regulations and economic conditions can impact success and growth opportunities.

Battle Cards!

16 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💼 Business Sales Marketing Competitor Analysis Cybersecurity Technology
  1. Battle cards are useful tools for sales teams. They provide key information about competitors and help highlight your own product's strengths.
  2. Understanding your competition can help you sell better. Knowing what makes your product different can win over customers who are considering other options.
  3. There are now resources available that can help you create battle cards easily. Using tools like HarvestIQ.ai can make tracking competitor information simpler.
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Announcing the 2025 Cyber 150

21 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Data security Investment Software Development Threat intelligence
  1. The 2025 Cyber 150 list highlights the fastest growing midsize cybersecurity companies, showcasing how many of them have expanded significantly over the last year.
  2. Dopple was the standout performer, increasing its headcount by 217%, which shows that some companies can grow rapidly even in a competitive market.
  3. Overall, these companies have raised a total of $8.6 billion in funding, and their success attracts even more investment, allowing them to grow and hire more employees.

Correction: 2024 Cybersecurity Investments hit $16.1 Billion!

25 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Investments Data Analysis Market Trends Business Growth
  1. In 2024, investments in cybersecurity reached an impressive $16.1 billion, which is a big jump of 60% from the previous year.
  2. A total of 432 cybersecurity companies received funding, with many rounds exceeding $100 million, showing strong interest in the industry.
  3. Looking ahead, experts believe that funding in 2025 could surpass 2024, indicating a growing demand for tech and security services.

Looking at Initials Again

10 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Industry Trends Market Analysis
  1. The letter 'S' stands out in the security industry, followed closely by 'C' for 'Cyber.' This shows that more companies are focusing on these areas.
  2. Choosing a company name is important and can be tricky. It's smart to look at existing names in the industry to avoid confusion.
  3. There are a lot of companies with similar names, especially with the word 'Cyber' in them. A new tool could help find unique names for startups.

362 Cyber Acquisitions in 2024

13 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Finance Mergers Investments Market Trends Acquisitions Tech industry
  1. In 2024, there were 362 cyber acquisitions, which is a significant increase from the previous years. This shows how fast the cybersecurity industry is changing.
  2. The total value of disclosed acquisitions reached nearly $49.9 billion. Many deals were notable, including big companies like HPE and IBM making major purchases.
  3. Out of all the acquisitions, a majority were strategic, while a smaller portion involved private equity firms. This highlights different approaches companies are using to grow in the cybersecurity space.

Getting to 4,000 Cybersecurity Vendors

26 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity AI Security Data Management Industry Trends
  1. The number of cybersecurity vendors has increased significantly, from around 467 in 2003 to over 4,000 today. This shows how important cybersecurity has become over the years.
  2. Many early cybersecurity companies have disappeared, each with its own story, which highlights the changing landscape in the industry.
  3. There is a new wave of AI-focused security companies emerging, indicating trends and advancements in cybersecurity solutions.

IT-Harvest Launches AI Assistants for Industry Research

8 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Cybersecurity Software Data Innovation
  1. IT-Harvest has launched AI assistants called HarvestIQ.ai, which help users research companies and products in the cybersecurity field. These assistants are designed to make finding information easier and faster.
  2. The HarvestIQ Assistants feature chat interfaces that allow users to ask questions about cybersecurity vendors and products, providing detailed responses and insights. This is especially helpful for professionals needing quick access to relevant data during discussions.
  3. The tools are cost-effective compared to traditional research methods and integrate advanced technologies to assist users in selecting the best cybersecurity solutions for their needs.

Revisiting the Cyber 150

26 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
💼 Business Cybersecurity Startups Investment Market Trends Mergers & Acquisitions
  1. The Cyber 150 lists cybersecurity companies that have grown their staff by at least 15% this year. They are actively monitored to see how many continue to thrive.
  2. Some companies from the Cyber 150 have secured substantial investments, with fifteen companies raising nearly $1 billion collectively. This shows a strong interest and confidence in cybersecurity ventures.
  3. The Cyber 150 list will be updated at the end of the year for better accuracy, as some companies have changed in size or staffing. The criteria for inclusion may also become less strict to accommodate more companies.

Dashboard Update: NIST Subcategories, MITRE Subtechniques and Mitigations

30 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Software Data Research Compliance
  1. The platform now includes detailed information on over 9,000 cybersecurity products, helping professionals match their needs with available solutions. Users can see how each product aligns with NIST and MITRE standards.
  2. Customers will soon be able to analyze their entire security stack, finding overlaps and gaps in their cybersecurity coverage. This feature will help them save costs and improve efficiency.
  3. Traditional research firms only cover a small fraction of the cybersecurity industry. By capturing detailed data on all products, this platform aims to provide a more comprehensive view of available options.

Weekly News Roundup

6 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity AI Regulation Product Updates
  1. The cybersecurity field is seeing new tools like AI assistants that help with research and news updates. This makes it easier to stay informed about security issues.
  2. There have been important government updates regarding AI cybersecurity strategies and standards for IoT devices. These measures aim to improve overall security practices.
  3. Several companies have launched new cybersecurity products, highlighting a growing effort to address ongoing threats. This includes platforms for network visibility and data protection.

Why Product Data Beats Company Data

18 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Data Analysis Cybersecurity Product Management Market research Competitor Analysis
  1. Product data is more useful than company data. Knowing what products a company offers helps you find competitors better.
  2. You can categorize products accurately to see how they stack up against each other. This way, you can identify direct competition more effectively.
  3. Having detailed product information helps customers find the right solutions for their needs. You can easily search by features or requirements.

Cyber Fantasy Versus Reality

31 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Market Dynamics Management Product Strategy
  1. In the cybersecurity industry, a company's success often comes from acquiring and integrating other successful cybersecurity companies that offer products in different areas like network, endpoint, data, identity, or GRC.
  2. Professional management is essential for growth through acquisitions in the cybersecurity field. It's crucial to make wise choices, integrate acquired teams effectively, and stay focused on customer service.
  3. Cybersecurity companies need to deliver good products at good prices to succeed, rather than solely relying on complex platformization strategies for sales growth.

10 Cybersecurity Unicorns That You Won't Find in a Gartner MQ

20 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Market Analysis
  1. Cybersecurity unicorns like Wiz, Tanium, and Lacework are not featured in Gartner's Magic Quadrants despite their high valuations.
  2. In the cybersecurity field, some leading companies are not included in Gartner's MQs due to the evolving nature of the market and the variety of specialized solutions available.
  3. Gartner's Magic Quadrants may not fully represent the fast-growing cybersecurity sector, leaving out numerous innovative companies providing essential solutions.

A Walk Through of the New Analyst Dashboard

15 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Data Analysis Database Management
  1. Version 6 of the Analyst Dashboard for cybersecurity industry research brings a dramatic update to user interface and introduces useful new tools.
  2. Knowing all cybersecurity product vendors is crucial for creating a comprehensive data tool, and manual categorization of vendors is currently necessary.
  3. By collecting data on vendors, answering specific questions about the cybersecurity industry becomes possible, like listing vendors in a certain city or sorting them by year founded.

You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet

16 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity AI Tech Stocks Technological Impact
  1. Cybersecurity stocks have seen significant growth in just a year, with some major stocks more than doubling.
  2. The rise of AI, particularly large language models, is predicted to have a greater impact on human development than past technological advancements like the internet and electricity.
  3. Investors, security buyers, and industry pundits need to adapt to the technological expansion ahead and be prepared for significant changes in various sectors.

10,000 Cybersecurity Products

11 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Products Vendors IT Security
  1. The cybersecurity industry has over 10,000 products from almost 4,000 vendors, making product discovery and purchasing complex.
  2. The approach to buying cybersecurity products differs from other tech areas due to the constant evolution of threat actors, leading to a wide range of products.
  3. Gartner, a key player in cybersecurity product evaluation, covers only a small percentage of the total number of products available, leaving gaps for buyers seeking specialized solutions.

Intro to Stiennon on Security

15 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Networking Privacy History Innovation
  1. Richard Stiennon compiled his essays into a book to provide a historical record of cybersecurity writing.
  2. Stiennon's career was impacted by his writing, leading to job offers and industry recognition.
  3. Stiennon's writing covers a range of topics in cybersecurity, from government regulations to industry critiques and technology trends.

Using the Dashboard to Discover Investment Trends.

8 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💰 Finance Investment Trends
  1. IT-Harvest uses no-code methodologies and OpenAI to quickly add features to their Dashboard.
  2. The Dashboard rapidly evolves with UI changes and enhancements based on user suggestions.
  3. The latest feature allows users to examine investment trends by analyzing portfolios of VCs and PE firms, giving insights into categories and accelerated interests.

Competitor Landscapes

11 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
💼 Business Competitive Analysis Market research
  1. Competitive analysis is crucial for investors to understand the market and competition.
  2. The platform has been enhanced with a Competitor Landscape tool for comparisons.
  3. Building a database of security products will provide a comprehensive tool for competitive analysis and product selection.

There Is No Anti-Ransomware Market

21 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
  1. Developing and selling an anti-ransomware solution is a strategy doomed to failure because there are already numerous cybersecurity solutions in the market.
  2. Identifying a buyer for anti-ransomware is challenging as organizations hit by ransomware often lack mature IT systems and security teams.
  3. Consider exploring different cybersecurity use cases rather than focusing solely on anti-ransomware solutions.

Cybersecurity Pioneers

13 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Entrepreneurs History Identity
  1. The Security Yearbook 2023 highlights the personal stories of cybersecurity pioneers.
  2. Cybersecurity pioneers like Gil Shwed, Eva Chen, and Kailash Katkar have made significant impacts on the industry.
  3. The industry's history includes key figures like Barry Schrager, Marty Roesch, and other notable contributors.

We Need More FUD

18 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Risk management Data Breaches
  1. CISOs should not adopt the board's language but focus on educating and evoking emotions to get support
  2. Board members often make decisions based on emotions rather than data or risk metrics
  3. Instilling fear through education can be an effective way for CISOs to get the necessary resources

2022 M&A in Cybersecurity

15 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Mergers & Acquisitions Public Companies Private Equity Cloud Security
  1. In 2022, the cybersecurity industry saw 332 acquisitions, with the largest deal being VMware acquired by Broadcom for $60 billion.
  2. Most of the acquisitions in 2022 were strategic, where one vendor acquired another, like Google buying Mandiant.
  3. Special Purpose Acquisition Corps (SPACs) were used for acquiring cybersecurity companies, with notable large deals taking advantage of lower valuations.

Women in Cyber

15 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Gender Diversity
  1. 72 cybersecurity vendors have female CEOs, making up 2.1% of the total.
  2. The US has the highest number of cybersecurity companies with female CEOs at 44.
  3. There is hope for more female-led cybersecurity vendors in the future.

India Is an Emerging Hotbed of Cybersecurity Startups

16 implied HN points • 02 Jan 23
  1. India has 124 cybersecurity startups, showing a growing industry presence.
  2. Successful exits in India are motivating other founders to enter the cybersecurity market.
  3. India ranks sixth globally in cybersecurity companies, with potential for more growth.

A Very Short History of The Last 12 Months

15 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
  1. Started with an intern for a cybersecurity project
  2. Switched from Airtable to Bubble for dashboard development
  3. Transitioned to Xano for better security and monthly subscriptions