Digital Interruption: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Digital Interruption is a Manchester-based cybersecurity consultancy specializing in penetration testing and security services. Founded in 2017 by Jahmel Harris and Saskia Coplans, the company focuses on providing tailored security solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups.

Mission and Vision

The company's mission is to make security accessible to everyone, ensuring that organizations of all sizes can protect their digital assets effectively. Their vision is to empower businesses by integrating security seamlessly into their operations, fostering a culture of proactive risk management.

Primary Area of Focus

Digital Interruption specializes in penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, security training, and compliance services. They offer comprehensive security assessments, including web, mobile, API, and network testing, to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Industry Significance

In an era where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, Digital Interruption plays a crucial role in enhancing the security posture of SMEs and startups. Their expertise helps organizations safeguard sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and comply with regulatory requirements.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Comprehensive Security Assessments: Conduct thorough evaluations to identify vulnerabilities across various digital platforms.

• Tailored Security Solutions: Develop customized security strategies that align with each client's specific needs and operational context.

• Continuous Improvement: Stay abreast of emerging threats and continuously refine security practices to address evolving challenges.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Penetration Testing: Simulate cyber-attacks to assess the effectiveness of existing security measures.

• Vulnerability Scanning: Regularly scan systems to detect and address potential security weaknesses.

• Security Training: Provide educational programs to enhance staff awareness and response to security threats.

• Compliance Services: Assist organizations in meeting industry-specific regulatory standards and best practices.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Automated Testing Tools: Employ advanced software to streamline vulnerability assessments.

• AI-Driven Security Solutions: Utilize artificial intelligence to enhance threat detection and response capabilities.

• Cloud Security Platforms: Implement solutions to secure cloud-based infrastructures and services.

Primary Markets Targeted

Digital Interruption primarily serves SMEs and startups across various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and retail. Their services are designed to be accessible and scalable, catering to organizations with limited resources dedicated to cybersecurity.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a privately held company, Digital Interruption has not publicly disclosed detailed financial information or funding history. The company operates with a focus on sustainable growth, reinvesting earnings to expand its service offerings and enhance operational capabilities.

Total Funds Raised

Specific figures regarding total funds raised are not publicly available.

Notable Investors

Information about individual investors or venture capital involvement has not been publicly disclosed.

Intended Utilization of Capital

While specific plans are not detailed, it is reasonable to infer that any capital raised would be allocated towards:

• Service Expansion: Developing new security services to meet emerging market demands.

• Technology Upgrades: Investing in state-of-the-art tools and platforms to enhance service delivery.

• Talent Acquisition: Hiring additional experts to broaden the company's expertise and capacity.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Digital Interruption is known for its commitment to research and development, contributing to the cybersecurity community through:

• Innovate UK Grant-Winning AI APT Classifier: An artificial intelligence tool designed to detect advanced persistent threats.

• RAPTOR: A tool developed to automate the testing of cookie secrets, enhancing web application security.

• Cookie Monster: Automates the testing of cookie secrets to identify vulnerabilities.

• Vulnerable-XXS-App: A project aimed at demonstrating cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications.

• Protodump: Extracts protobuf .proto definitions from binaries, aiding in reverse engineering efforts.

Stages of Development

These tools are at various stages, from initial development to active use in penetration testing and security assessments.

Target Conditions

The tools are designed to address a range of security challenges, including:

• Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): Long-term, targeted attacks aimed at stealing data or compromising systems.

• Web Application Vulnerabilities: Issues such as cross-site scripting and insecure cookie handling.

• Reverse Engineering Needs: Extracting and analyzing data from compiled binaries.

Relevant Timelines

Specific timelines for the development and release of these tools are not publicly disclosed.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• AI APT Classifier: An artificial intelligence-driven tool developed to identify and mitigate advanced persistent threats.

• RAPTOR: Automates the testing of cookie secrets to enhance web application security.

• Cookie Monster: Automates the testing of cookie secrets to identify vulnerabilities.

• Vulnerable-XXS-App: Demonstrates cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications.

• Protodump: Extracts protobuf .proto definitions from binaries, aiding in reverse engineering efforts.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Penetration Testing: Simulated cyber-attacks to assess system vulnerabilities.

• Vulnerability Scanning: Automated tools to identify potential security weaknesses.

• Security Training: Educational programs to enhance staff awareness and response to security threats.

• Compliance Services: Assistance in meeting industry-specific regulatory standards and best practices.

AI-Driven Capabilities

The development of AI-driven tools like the APT Classifier demonstrates Digital Interruption's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to enhance cybersecurity measures.

Leadership Team

Jahmel Harris

• Position: Founder and Ethical Hacker

• Professional Background: Recognized for his expertise in cybersecurity and mobile technology, Jahmel's research has been covered by international media. He conducts workshops on mobile hacking attended worldwide and has spoken at international tech conferences such as 44Con and (ISC)² Security Congress.

Saskia Coplans

• Position: Founder and Director

• Professional Background: Saskia serves on several cybersecurity advisory groups, including the Greater Manchester Cyber Advisory Group and the OWASP Education Committee. She runs the local OWASP chapter and a group aimed at upskilling women and gender minorities in cyber called the Infosec Hoppers. In 2022, she was featured as one of the Top 30 Female Cybersecurity Leaders by SC Magazine.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The cybersecurity industry is experiencing rapid growth due to increasing digitalization and the rising frequency of cyber threats. SMEs and startups are particularly vulnerable, creating a significant market opportunity for specialized security services.

Competitor Analysis

Digital Interruption operates in a competitive landscape with several notable players:

• Bridewell: A leading cybersecurity consultancy offering a comprehensive range of services to protect organizations from cyber threats.

• Secarma: Provides a range of services including penetration testing and security consultancy.

• North West Cyber Resilience Centre: A not-for-profit, police-led partnership dedicated to providing small businesses with affordable and professional cybersecurity services.

• usecure: A leading provider of Human Risk Management (HRM) solutions, focusing on empowering businesses to measure, mitigate, and monitor their human cyber risk.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Digital Interruption collaborates with various organizations to enhance its service offerings and expand its reach. Notably, they work with NATO, FTSE 250 companies, Crown Commercial Services G-Cloud 12, and SMEs, demonstrating their versatility and capability to handle diverse client needs.

Operational Insights

Digital Interruption differentiates itself through a strong emphasis on research and development, contributing to the cybersecurity community with open-source tools and technical publications. Their commitment to continuous learning and innovation positions them as a forward-thinking player in the industry.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The increasing complexity of cyber threats presents opportunities for Digital Interruption to expand its service offerings, particularly in areas like AI.