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All About SecPod

All About SecPod

Amakiri Welekwe UPDATED: December 18, 2024

Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated.  Organizations face an array of threats that require innovative solutions to safeguard their digital assets. One of the top companies operating in this field is SecPod, a company renowned for its commitment to providing comprehensive security assurance and risk management for every connected device.

SecPod has established itself as a global leader in cybersecurity, leveraging its innovative SanerNow Cyberhygiene Platform to help enterprises and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) manage vulnerabilities effectively. In this article, we will explore SecPod’s unique approach to cybersecurity, its commitment to proactive prevention, and the core values that drive its culture of innovation and collaboration. Join us as we shine a spotlight on SecPod and discover how it is reshaping the landscape of digital security.

The Founding of SecPod: A Commitment to Cybersecurity

Founded in 2008, SecPod (formerly known as SecurityPodium) was established to address the rising cybersecurity threats that organizations around the world face. With operations based in both the USA and India, SecPod has established itself as a global leader in cybersecurity, committed to ensuring security for every connected device.

What SecPod Does

At its core, SecPod is a SaaS-based cybersecurity products and technology company. The flagship offering, the SanerNow Cyberhygiene Platform, serves as a comprehensive solution for enterprises and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) of all sizes. The platform is designed to secure and manage endpoints, mobile devices, network infrastructure, cloud systems, operational technology (OT), and the Internet of Things (IoT). SecPod emphasizes a proactive approach, believing that prevention is far more effective than remediation. By prioritizing cyber hygiene as a routine practice, SecPod empowers organizations to safeguard their IT infrastructure from emerging threats.

Mission and Vision

SecPod's mission is clear: to provide security assurance to every connected device, globally. This mission is underpinned by a commitment to innovation and excellence, as evidenced by SecPod's development of the world’s largest vulnerability database, containing over 175,000 checks. This extensive resource enables organizations to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities effectively, reinforcing the company's ethos that security, risk management, and compliance should be integral and straightforward aspects of daily operations.

Culture and Values

The culture at SecPod is rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning. The company promotes a flat hierarchy, where employees are encouraged to express ideas freely and engage in innovative thinking. There is a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusivity, with a firm stance against discrimination of any kind. At SecPod, the focus is on nurturing a work environment that fosters curiosity and exploration, allowing team members to experiment like “mad scientists” in pursuit of new algorithms, workflows, and marketing strategies.

SecPod's code of ethics is robust, guiding every aspect of its operations. Employees are motivated to execute ideas effectively, bypassing cumbersome processes that could stifle creativity. Monthly all-hands meetings serve as a platform for brainstorming and tracking progress towards goals, while annual events like Business Day and Sports Day celebrate not just the achievements of the company but also the camaraderie among employees and their families. This sense of community is a cornerstone of SecPod's identity, reinforcing the idea that the organization is more than just a workplace—it's a family.

Commitment to Excellence

SecPod’s relentless pursuit of excellence is evident in its products and its workplace culture. By integrating end-to-end automation and intelligence into its solutions, SecPod ensures that cybersecurity becomes an intuitive part of an organization's routine. This dedication to quality and simplicity drives SecPod's consistent growth and success in the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity.

Timeline of Key Events and Milestones

Over the years, SecPod has transformed from a startup into a respected organization in cybersecurity, driven by a commitment to innovation, strategic partnerships, and a thorough understanding of the challenges organizations encounter in safeguarding their digital assets. Below is a summary of key events and milestones in SecPod's journey:

  • 2008: SecPod (originally SecurityPodium) is founded, establishing its operations in the USA and India.
  • 2009: SecPod contributes to the open-source community with significant contributions to projects like OpenVAS, Snort, and OVAL.
  • 2011: The company launches the SCAP Feed as an OEM service for major security vendors, including AllenVault, CloudPassage, and Amazon.
  • 2015: SecPod introduces the Saner Endpoint Scanning, Remediation, and Compliance Product, enhancing its portfolio of security solutions.
  • 2016: The release of SecPod Saner 2x features advanced Endpoint Threat Detection and Response capabilities.
  • 2018: SecPod launches SanerNow, a SaaS platform focused on security, risk management, and compliance.
  • 2021: The SanerNow Network Vulnerability Scanner is introduced, expanding SecPod's offerings in vulnerability management.
  • 2023: The company launches SanerNow CPAM (Continuous Posture Management) for improved risk prioritization and management.
  • 2024: SecPod conceptualizes CVEM (Continuous Vulnerability and Exposure Management) to further advance its commitment to proactive cybersecurity.

Flagship Product: Cyberhygiene Platform

The SanerNow Platform is a cloud-based cybersecurity solution developed by SecPod. It is designed to help organizations manage security risks and compliance effectively by providing a unified approach to cyber hygiene. 

Key Features:

  • Natural Language Search: Supports instant searches using unstructured natural language queries, enhancing usability and efficiency in retrieving information.
  • Multi-Tenant Support: Manages multiple business units and users within a single server while neatly segregating user data, allowing for varied user roles and access rights.
  • Device Protection: Ensures security for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), remote office, and transient devices from a centralized console, providing control across perimeter limits.
  • Lightweight Agent: Operates as a single multifunctional agent that weighs less than 20MB, serving as both a network scanner and execution tool, minimizing hardware costs.
  • Real-Time Communication: Enables real-time interaction with distributed devices, allowing on-demand operations and responses.
  • Machine Learning Insights: Utilizes machine learning to analyze network parameters, providing deep insights and identifying outliers.
  • Anomaly Detection: Employs rule and trend-based analysis to spot deviations and anomalies in network behavior.

SanerNow empowers organizations to take control of their attack surface from a centralized cloud-based console. This remote and scalable platform enables users to secure, monitor, and manage their distributed devices seamlessly. Whether you're onboarding new devices or scaling up to accommodate a growing number of endpoints, SanerNow simplifies the process, ensuring that security measures are implemented swiftly and effectively.

At the heart of SanerNow is its Saner Agent, which can be installed on heterogeneous endpoints. This agent performs all assigned tasks without consuming excessive bandwidth or system resources. From a single console, users can control and monitor every activity, making it easy to keep an eye on security protocols and compliance statuses. SanerNow also supports agentless scanning, providing flexibility in how you manage security across various environments. 

SanerNow stands out for its unified platform that consolidates all cybersecurity tools into one system. Its cloud-first architecture features modular applications tailored to the specific needs of information security and infrastructure operations, ensuring organizations have the right tools for their environments. SanerNow benefits from continuous updates powered by SecPod Research Labs, utilizing a vast library of security checks from the SCAP repository to protect against the latest threats. 

Pros:

  • Unified Management: Consolidates multiple security functions into one platform, simplifying management and enhancing collaboration among teams.
  • Scalability: Capable of managing large device fleets without performance issues, making it suitable for growing organizations.
  • User-Friendly: Natural language search and a centralized console improve usability, making it easier for teams to operate.
  • Configuration Deviation Checks: Uses over 40 checks to assess configuration standards and identify deviations that require immediate attention.
  • Integration Capabilities: Seamless integration with other systems allows for a flexible security ecosystem.
  • Proactive Threat Detection: Machine learning and anomaly detection features enable organizations to stay ahead of potential threats.

Cons:

  • Pricing Transparency: Pricing information is not publicly displayed, which can make it challenging for potential customers to assess the investment required before engaging with the vendor.
  • Learning Curve: Despite its user-friendly design, there may still be a learning curve for new users unfamiliar with integrated cybersecurity platforms.
  • Initial Setup Complexity: Implementing the platform may require significant initial configuration and adjustment, particularly for large organizations with existing systems.

SanerNow is best suited for a diverse range of customers, including large enterprises, MSPs, and SMBs that require effective, scalable security solutions. A free trial is available upon signup. 

Notable Product: SanerNow CVEM

SanerNow CVEM

SanerNow Continuous Vulnerability & Exposure Management (CVEM) is a robust cybersecurity solution designed to help organizations identify, assess, and mitigate vulnerabilities and security risks in real time. It offers organizations a powerful solution to identify, address, and mitigate vulnerabilities and security risks effectively. Designed as an integrated part of the SanerNow platform, CVEM streamlines the management of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) and other security risks from a single, user-friendly console.

Key Features:

  • Broad Awareness for Cyber Safety: The platform enables organizations to gain deep insights into their IT systems, allowing them to quickly identify and address unusual activities or risk factors.
  • Continuous Vulnerability Scanning: With access to the world's largest vulnerability database, CVM continuously scans for vulnerabilities, facilitating rapid identification and remediation.
  • Prioritization of Security Risks: Utilizing a unique SSVC-based framework, SanerNow prioritizes security risks based on various factors, including business context, exploit potential, and automation feasibility.
  • Regulatory Compliance: The platform helps organizations achieve compliance with regulatory standards by hardening system configurations and proactively scanning for and remediating vulnerabilities.
  • Automated Patching: SanerNow automates the patching process for operating systems and third-party applications, ensuring that all assets remain up-to-date.
  • Extensive Security Checks: The platform monitors over 100 different security parameters, such as threats, software updates, and device settings, ensuring that all devices are functioning correctly and securely.
  • Cyber Hygiene Quantification: SanerNow enables organizations to measure their attack surface and quantify their cyber hygiene, using a data-driven proprietary scoring model to refine remediation strategies.

One of the standout features of SanerNow CVEM is its ability to handle a variety of security risks in one place. By consolidating vulnerability management into a single unified platform, organizations can efficiently address multiple risks without the need to juggle disparate tools. The platform supports integrated remediation processes, allowing security teams to deploy patches and implement other security controls swiftly and effectively. 

By utilizing advanced methods such as machine learning and statistical analysis, SanerNow CVEM provides deep insights into vulnerabilities, helping teams prioritize their responses based on real-time data and threat intelligence. Furthermore, in order to maintain an effective security posture, SanerNow CVEM allows organizations to automate end-to-end tasks. This includes everything from initial scanning for vulnerabilities to the final stages of remediation. 

Pros:

  • Unified Management: The ability to monitor all IT assets from a single dashboard simplifies vulnerability management and enhances visibility across the network.
  • Rapid Response: Continuous scanning and automated remediation capabilities allow organizations to respond quickly to vulnerabilities and security threats.
  • Prioritization: Unique algorithms prioritize security risks effectively, ensuring that resources are focused on the most critical issues.
  • Compliance Support: The platform aids organizations in meeting regulatory requirements, enhancing overall security posture.
  • Automation: Automated patching and remediation reduce manual workload, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of human error.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Cyber hygiene quantification provides valuable insights that help organizations improve their security strategies over time.

Cons:

  • Dependence on Continuous Monitoring: The effectiveness of the solution relies heavily on continuous monitoring; lapses in this process can leave vulnerabilities unaddressed.
  • Pricing Transparency: Like other SanerNow products, pricing details are not publicly available, which can make it difficult for potential customers to gauge costs before engaging with the vendor.

By establishing a continuous routine for managing vulnerabilities and security risks, organizations can minimize manual effort and ensure that their security practices are both proactive and responsive. A free trial is available upon signup. 

Challenges and How They Were Addressed

SecPod's journey has not been without its challenges, but the company has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability. SecPod has effectively navigated obstacles, positioning itself as a trusted cybersecurity solution provider. Through these efforts, SecPod continues to evolve and meet the demands of a complex and dynamic industry. Here are some key issues SecPod encountered and how the company addressed them:

  1. Technological Evolution: The rapid pace of technological advancement in networking and cybersecurity posed challenges in keeping products relevant and effective against new threats, such as those associated with cloud computing and IoT devices. SecPod adopted a proactive approach to product development, continuously updating and enhancing its offerings. The launch of SanerNow as a cloud-based solution allowed the company to cater to organizations transitioning to cloud infrastructures. Additionally, incorporating machine learning and automation into its products enabled better threat detection and response capabilities.
  2. Scaling Operations: As SecPod grew, scaling operations while maintaining product quality and customer support posed a significant challenge. The company focused on building a strong organizational culture that values innovation and collaboration. By investing in talent acquisition and fostering a work environment that encourages creativity and experimentation, SecPod was able to enhance its operational efficiency. Additionally, leveraging cloud technology allowed for a scalable infrastructure that supported growth without sacrificing performance.
  3. Market Competition: The cybersecurity market is highly competitive, with numerous established players and new entrants continuously emerging. SecPod had to differentiate itself and establish a strong market presence amidst fierce competition. SecPod focused on innovation and the unique capabilities of its SanerNow Cyberhygiene Platform. By developing a comprehensive, integrated solution that emphasizes continuous vulnerability management, the company highlighted its unique features, such as the extensive vulnerability database and automated remediation processes. This differentiation helped attract a diverse customer base.
  4. Adapting to Regulatory Changes: As regulatory frameworks around data protection and cybersecurity evolved, SecPod faced the challenge of ensuring that its solutions remained compliant with various standards and regulations. The company invested in compliance management tools and integrated features into the SanerNow platform that help organizations meet regulatory requirements. By staying informed about changes in the regulatory landscape and proactively adapting its solutions, SecPod ensured that its customers could effectively manage compliance and security simultaneously.
  5. Customer Education and Adoption: Many organizations lacked a clear understanding of the importance of proactive vulnerability management and cybersecurity hygiene, which affected the adoption of SecPod's solutions. SecPod implemented educational initiatives, such as webinars, training sessions, partner engagement programs, product briefs, documentation, videos, case studies, white papers, infographics, and ebooks to help potential customers understand the significance of cyber hygiene. By promoting awareness about vulnerabilities and demonstrating the effectiveness of their solutions, SecPod improved customer engagement and adoption rates.

Wrap-Up

In this Vendor Spotlight on SecPod, we’ve explored the journey of a company that has risen to prominence since its founding in 2008. SecPod began as a response to the growing threats faced by organizations worldwide. The company has established a unique position by delivering security assurance for every connected device with its innovative products.

Central to SecPod’s offerings is the SanerNow Cyberhygiene Platform, a solution designed to manage vulnerabilities, ensure compliance, and enhance overall security posture. The platform’s unique capabilities, including its extensive vulnerability database and advanced prioritization algorithms, further differentiate it in a crowded market.

Throughout its evolution, SecPod has navigated significant challenges, including intense competition, rapid technological changes, and the need for compliance with shifting regulatory standards. The company’s proactive approach has allowed it to maintain relevance and effectiveness in the industry.

Looking to the future, SecPod is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends such as the increasing adoption of cloud technologies, the rise of remote work, and the proliferation of IoT devices. As organizations continue to face sophisticated cyber threats, the demand for integrated, automated security solutions will only grow. SecPod's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation positions it to meet these challenges head-on, helping its clients maintain strong security.