Security Mentor Company Profile

Background

Security Mentor is a privately held company specializing in online security awareness training. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Monterey, California, the company has been a pioneer in the cybersecurity education sector. Its mission is to empower individuals and organizations to become cyber-secure by providing engaging, effective, and concise training solutions. Security Mentor's innovative approach has been recognized by industry leaders and is utilized by organizations worldwide.

Key Strategic Focus

Security Mentor's strategic focus centers on delivering transformative security awareness training through its "Brief, Frequent, and Focused™" model. This approach involves 10-minute, single-topic lessons delivered monthly, designed to fit into employees' busy schedules while keeping security top of mind. The company's core objectives include reducing organizational risk by enhancing end-user awareness of security threats and teaching secure behaviors. Security Mentor specializes in interactive, engaging content that employs serious games and innovative interactions to equip employees with the knowledge and cyber skills necessary to protect against cyber threats, phishing attacks, and ransomware.

Financials and Funding

Security Mentor has raised a total of $332,000 in funding over two rounds. The company generates annual revenue estimated between $1 million and $10 million. With a team of approximately 12 employees, Security Mentor operates efficiently to deliver its services.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Security Mentor's training platform is distinguished by its proprietary "Brief, Frequent, and Focused™" delivery model, which has revolutionized security awareness training. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of services, including security awareness training, phishing simulation, and policy tracking and compliance. Lessons are designed with hand-illustrated graphics, sleek animations, and interactive content that are both relevant and engaging. The training is accessible via a cloud-based service or as SCORM-compliant modules for integration with an organization's Learning Management System (LMS). The platform also supports multiple languages, catering to global organizations.

Leadership Team

Marie E. White: Founder, CEO, and President. Dr. White brings over 20 years of information security experience. Prior to founding Security Mentor, she co-founded PIM Technology, specializing in web application security and development. She holds a Ph.D. and a Master's in Oceanography from Texas A&M University and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Craig Kunitani: Founder, COO, and CTO. With over 30 years of experience in information security and computer technology, Kunitani leads Security Mentor's operations and engineering. He co-founded PIM Technology and has held technical positions at organizations including SGI and Cray Research. He holds a Master's in Atmospheric Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor's in Statistics from the University of California-Berkeley.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The security awareness training market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing cyber threats and regulatory requirements. Organizations are investing in comprehensive training programs to mitigate human-related security risks. The market is characterized by a demand for engaging, effective, and easily deployable training solutions.

Competitor Analysis

Security Mentor faces competition from several companies offering security awareness training solutions:

KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training: Provides comprehensive security awareness training and simulated phishing platforms, focusing on creating a human firewall as a last line of defense.

Infosec IQ: Offers a platform with over 2,000 awareness resources and phishing simulations to empower employees with cybersecurity knowledge.

Hoxhunt: Combines AI and behavioral science to create individualized learning paths that drive behavior change and lower human risk.

MetaCompliance Security Awareness Training: Provides a cloud-based solution with integrated security awareness and compliance capabilities, including policy management and risk management.

SoSafe: Utilizes simulated phishing attacks and interactive e-learnings to sensitize and train employees on IT security topics.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

In May 2021, Security Mentor partnered with NetWorks Group, a managed security service provider, to offer clients access to Security Mentor's security awareness training and phishing training services. This partnership aims to address the human element of cybersecurity risks by providing effective training solutions.

Operational Insights

Security Mentor's competitive advantage lies in its innovative training model and engaging content, which have been widely adopted and praised for their effectiveness. The company's focus on brief, frequent, and focused lessons aligns with modern learning principles and addresses the challenges of traditional, lengthy training sessions. By continually innovating and expanding its offerings, Security Mentor maintains a strong position in the security awareness training market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Security Mentor is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for effective security awareness training. Opportunities include expanding its global reach through localization, enhancing its technological platform with advanced features, and forming strategic partnerships to broaden its market presence. By leveraging its strengths in innovative training delivery and engaging content, Security Mentor aims to continue transforming employees into an organization's best security defense.