ME

Margus Ernits

CTO

Overview


Name: Margus Ernits
Current Position: Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Co-founder, RangeForce
Location: Estonia
LinkedIn: [Margus Ernits - LinkedIn](https://ee.linkedin.com/in/margusernits)

Professional Background


Margus Ernits, a seasoned cybersecurity expert, software developer, and system architect, is a co-founder and the Chief Technology Officer of RangeForce. He brings over 20 years of experience in IT operations, having served in various roles including systems integrator, consultant, and lecturer.

Key Roles and Responsibilities


  • RangeForce: As the CTO, Margus is responsible for overseeing the company’s technological direction and development. He has played a pivotal role in developing the RangeForce Cyber Simulator platform, which is designed to enhance cyber skills through real-world simulation.

  • Previous Roles: Margus has held significant positions at Estonian IT College, Swedbank, and Marat. His broad experience in these roles has equipped him with the expertise required to advance RangeForce’s technological innovations.

  • Lectureship: In addition to his corporate responsibilities, he is also a lecturer at the Estonian Information Technology College, where he educates the next generation of IT professionals.


Educational Background


Margus Ernits attended the Tallinn University of Technology, where he acquired the educational foundation that underpins his extensive experience in cybersecurity and IT.

Notable Achievements and Contributions


  • Founding RangeForce: Alongside co-founders Taavi Must and Jaanus Kink, Margus founded RangeForce in 2015. The company was inspired by their work on the cyber range for NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence.

  • Funding Success: RangeForce has secured significant funding, including a recent round that raised $16 million to enhance its cybersecurity training programs. This underscores the confidence investors have in the company’s vision and technological capabilities.

  • Publications and Thought Leadership: Margus contributes to the field not only through technology development but also via thought leadership. He regularly publishes articles, such as his recent contribution on building continuous education programs for improved cybersecurity, available on Dark Reading.


Company Profile: RangeForce


Company Name: RangeForce
Founded: 2015
Website: [RangeForce](https://www.rangeforce.com)

Core Business


RangeForce operates as a comprehensive cybersecurity training platform. It leverages cloud-based, on-demand training modules that simulate real IT infrastructure and security tools, enabling enterprises to bolster their cyber defense capabilities through hands-on learning. The company's mission is to tackle the cybersecurity skills gap by providing scalable, interactive training.

Leadership Team


  • Brett Jackson: CEO

  • Taavi Must: President, Chief Product Officer, Co-founder

  • Margus Ernits: Chief Technology Officer, Co-founder

  • Jaanus Kink: Chief Operating Officer, Co-founder


Recent Initiatives


  • Log4Shell Vulnerability Module: In December 2021, RangeForce released a new training module focused on the Log4Shell vulnerability, demonstrating the company’s agility in responding to emerging cyber threats.

  • Hackathons and Developer Recruitment: The company frequently engages in community activities, such as hackathons, and recruits skilled backend developers to join their software engineering team, reflecting their continuous growth and commitment to innovation.


Analysis and Actionable Insights


Margus Ernits’s extensive background in cybersecurity and IT operations, coupled with his leadership role at RangeForce, positions him as a key decision-maker and influencer within the company. His academic involvement and continuous contributions to industry thought leadership further enhance his credibility.

Potential Action Points:
  • Engage with Margus about collaboration opportunities that leverage RangeForce’s training platform, especially if your offerings align with enhancing cyber training effectiveness.

  • Highlight any advanced cybersecurity solutions or technologies that could integrate with or complement RangeForce’s existing platform.

  • Consider discussing funding opportunities or partnerships that could support their ongoing mission and expansion plans.


Key Contact Information:



By focusing on these aspects, you can establish a strong, informed foundation for fruitful engagement with Margus Ernits and RangeForce.