Top 10: Digital forensics software

2023. Digital forensics firm Binalyze raises $19M to investigate cyber threats



London-based startup Binalyze revealed a successful $19 million Series A funding round this week for its digital forensics and incident response toolset. Binalyze's approach involves collecting diverse digital forensics data, such as evidence of a data breach, from various sources like clouds, network assets, laptops, and desktops. Following data collection, Binalyze employs triaging tools to aid in remediation by automatically analyzing the gathered information. While other platforms like Thoma Bravo's acquisition Magnet Forensics and Cado Security offer similar capabilities for investigating cybersecurity threats, Binalyze sets itself apart by prioritizing investigation and collaboration over blocking and monitoring. Notably, it distinguishes itself from legacy forensics solutions by being fully browser-based, fast, remote, collaborative, and automated.


2023. Cloud security vendor Mitiga lands $45M



Mitiga, a cloud security firm specializing in subscription-based services for cloud and software-as-a-service (SaaS) attack preparedness, has successfully secured $45 million in Series A funding. Mitiga employs a cutting-edge approach to cloud incident response, utilizing cloud forensics data analysis for investigations. It effectively stores forensics data from diverse cloud platforms and SaaS applications. By leveraging a comprehensive library of cloud attack scenarios, Mitiga proactively searches for potential attacks within the forensics data, while simultaneously managing and coordinating real-time responses. While Mitiga stands out in the industry, several other competing vendors, including Wiz, Sentra, Dig Security, Laminar, and Opus Security, have also recently secured funding to offer cloud asset security services.

2020. Palo Alto Networks to buy digital forensics consulting firm for $265M



Security software provider Palo Alto Networks has recently completed the acquisition of The Crypsis Group, a reputable consulting firm specializing in incident response, risk management, and digital forensics. The acquisition comes with a significant price tag of $265 million. While Palo Alto Networks offers a range of tools aimed at preventing attacks, it is crucial to acknowledge that no set of tools can guarantee absolute security. The ongoing battle between companies like Palo Alto and attackers revolves around a cat-and-mouse game. Crypsis Group plays a vital role in post-breach analysis, helping identify the root causes of breaches and fortifying vulnerable areas to prevent future unauthorized access through specific weak points in the system's architecture.


2017. OpenText acquired forensic security vendor Guidance Software



Forensic security and eDiscovery vendor Guidance Software has been acquired by content management company OpenText in a deal worth $240 million. OpenText has demonstrated a willingness to invest in strategic acquisitions to fill gaps in its portfolio, even if it means acquiring companies with overlapping functionality. A notable example is its acquisition of Documentum, an alternative enterprise content management firm, from EMC for $1.62 billion approximately a year ago. While this acquisition may introduce some overlapping functionality, it also grants OpenText access to new forensic tools—a domain previously unexplored by the company. According to Cheryl McKinnon, an analyst at Forrester Research specializing in the content management industry, this move expands OpenText's capabilities and expertise in forensics.