Censys Company Profile

Background

Censys, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a cybersecurity firm specializing in internet intelligence. Originating from a research project at the University of Michigan, the company was established by computer scientists including Zakir Durumeric, J. Alex Halderman, David Adrian, David Corcoran, and Brian Kelly. Censys's mission is to empower security teams with comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date maps of the internet to defend attack surfaces and hunt for threats. The company has developed a platform that enables organizations to discover, monitor, and analyze devices accessible from the internet, thereby enhancing their cybersecurity posture.

Key Strategic Focus

Censys's strategic focus centers on providing advanced threat hunting and attack surface management solutions. The company's core objectives include delivering the most accurate internet intelligence data, enabling organizations to uncover risks, and facilitating the remediation of threats at scale. Censys specializes in internet-wide scanning capabilities, offering a comprehensive dataset of internet intelligence. The primary markets targeted by Censys encompass both private and public sectors, including corporations and government organizations worldwide.

Financials and Funding

Censys has successfully raised a total of $131 million over multiple funding rounds. Notably, in October 2023, the company secured $75 million in a Series C funding round. Earlier, in January 2022, Censys raised $35 million in a Series B round led by Intel Capital. These funds are intended to accelerate the company's research and development, engineering, product, and sales operations, particularly focusing on expansion in Western Europe.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Censys distinguishes itself through its proprietary internet scanning technology, which provides extensive coverage and rapid discovery of internet-facing assets. The company's platform is built upon the foundational technology of ZMap, a network scanner developed by Censys co-founder Zakir Durumeric. This technology enables Censys to conduct daily comprehensive scans of the top 100+ ports and utilize machine learning-based discovery across all 65,000 ports. The platform offers deep insights into internet infrastructure, facilitating proactive threat hunting and effective attack surface management.

Leadership Team

Brad Brooks, Chief Executive Officer: Appointed in January 2022, Brooks brings over 25 years of experience in the technology industry, having held leadership roles at companies such as OneLogin, DocuSign, Juniper Networks, and Microsoft.

Zakir Durumeric, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist: Durumeric is an assistant professor at Stanford University and the inventor of ZMap. He has been instrumental in developing Censys's scanning technology and continues to lead the company's scientific research initiatives.

Dayna Rothman, Chief Marketing Officer: Rothman oversees the company's marketing strategies, leveraging her extensive experience in the tech industry to drive growth and brand awareness.

Leadership Changes

In January 2022, Censys appointed Brad Brooks as the new CEO, succeeding interim chief executive Lorne Groe, who returned to his role as CFO and COO. Brooks's appointment marks a strategic move to lead the company into its next growth phase.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The cybersecurity industry, particularly the attack surface management and threat hunting segments, is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing complexity of IT infrastructures and the rising number of cyber threats. Organizations are seeking comprehensive solutions to monitor and secure their internet-facing assets, driving demand for platforms like Censys.

Competitor Analysis

Censys operates in a competitive landscape with several key players:

Shodan: A search engine for internet-connected devices, Shodan allows users to discover devices and services exposed to the internet.

UpGuard: Provides cybersecurity ratings and risk assessment solutions, focusing on external attack surface management.

Orca Security: Offers cloud security solutions with a focus on vulnerability management and compliance.

Dragos: Specializes in industrial cybersecurity, providing threat detection and response solutions for industrial control systems.

These competitors offer various approaches to internet intelligence and attack surface management, each with unique features and capabilities.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Censys has established significant partnerships to enhance its platform's capabilities and integration:

ServiceNow Integration: In November 2024, Censys announced an extended partnership with ServiceNow, highlighting the importance of visibility from organizations’ external attack surfaces into their security ecosystem.

Integrations Marketplace: In May 2024, Censys launched the Censys Integrations Marketplace, allowing security teams to onboard integrations with any vendor in less than 15 minutes, demonstrating a commitment to interoperability and customer satisfaction.

Operational Insights

Censys's competitive advantage lies in its comprehensive internet scanning infrastructure, which provides unparalleled visibility into the global internet landscape. The company's ability to rapidly discover new services and assets enables organizations to proactively manage their attack surfaces and respond to emerging threats. Censys's focus on continuous innovation and strategic partnerships positions it favorably against competitors in the cybersecurity industry.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Censys aims to expand its presence in Western Europe and further develop its platform's capabilities. The company's strong financial backing and leadership team are well-positioned to drive growth and innovation in the cybersecurity sector. By continuing to enhance its internet intelligence platform and forming strategic partnerships, Censys seeks to solidify its position as a leader.