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All About UnderDefense

All About UnderDefense

Amakiri Welekwe UPDATED: December 4, 2024

Due to the increasing threat of cyberattacks, organizations are on a relentless quest for robust security solutions to safeguard their assets. An innovative cybersecurity company

Known as UnderDefense was set up for this purpose. With a focus on proactive threat detection, incident response, and comprehensive security assessments, UnderDefense is reshaping how businesses approach their digital defense strategies.

In this spotlight, we’ll explore the innovative solutions offered by UnderDefense, including its unique approach to cybersecurity, and highlight the impact it has had on organizations striving to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly complex threat environment. Join us as we uncover what makes UnderDefense a standout choice for enterprises looking to fortify their defenses in today’s dynamic business world.

The Founding of UnderDefense

UnderDefense was founded in 2017 by a team of cybersecurity experts with a vision to address the growing challenges of cyberattacks faced by businesses worldwide. Recognizing that traditional security measures were often inadequate in the face of evolving cyber threats, the founders set out to create a company that would provide comprehensive, cutting-edge solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client.

From its inception, the company aimed to provide expert, tailored solutions in Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Incident Response, and Compliance Automation. With a focus on empowering businesses to protect their critical assets and maintain operational resilience, UnderDefense recognizes that threats and breaches are not just possible; they are imminent.

The journey began with a small team conducting penetration tests for an initial group of ten clients. This foundational phase set the stage for rapid growth. By 2018, UnderDefense expanded its team from four to twenty-five members, identifying a significant opportunity to develop a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) business model. This led to the introduction of SOC-as-a-Service, which provided initial customers with enhanced security monitoring and support.

As the company’s reputation grew, so did its workforce and client base. By 2020, UnderDefense boasted a team of sixty highly skilled security engineers and had secured over 120 clients for penetration testing and MDR services. This growth reflected a strong demand for proactive cybersecurity measures and demonstrated the company’s commitment to addressing the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

In 2021, UnderDefense took a significant step forward by developing UnderDefense MAXI, a product focused on Security Automation and MDR. This innovation was driven by the recurring pain points observed in client interactions, allowing UnderDefense to offer a solution that streamlined security operations and enhanced overall effectiveness.

The launch of UnderDefense MAXI in 2023 marked a pivotal moment for the company. In less than four months, the platform gained over 500 users, a testament to its impact and utility. By 2024, nearly 2,000 businesses were utilizing UnderDefense MAXI on a freemium model, transforming it into a comprehensive Security and Compliance Automation tool. This evolution addressed the pressing needs of small and mid-sized fast-growing businesses, empowering them to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity with ease.

UnderDefense practices what it preaches: a human-led security approach is central to its philosophy. The company is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the cybersecurity space across various industries, ensuring that organizations are well-equipped to face the challenges of an ever-changing threat landscape. As UnderDefense continues to grow and innovate, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide effective and sustainable cybersecurity solutions for all.

Timeline of Key Events and Milestones

  • 2017: UnderDefense is founded as a cybersecurity services agency, initially conducting penetration tests for ten clients.
  • 2018: The team expands from 4 to 25 members, reflecting increasing demand for cybersecurity services. Recognizing market opportunities, UnderDefense introduces SOC-as-a-Service to its initial customers.
  • 2020: The team grows to 60 highly skilled security engineers. UnderDefense serves over 120 clients in penetration testing and MDR services.
  • 2021: UnderDefense develops UnderDefense MAXI, focusing on Security Automation and MDR to address recurring client pain points.
  • 2023: UnderDefense MAXI is launched publicly, quickly gaining over 500 users within the first four months.
  • 2024: Nearly 2,000 businesses adopt UnderDefense MAXI on a freemium model, solidifying its role as a Security and Compliance Automation tool for small and mid-sized fast-growing businesses.

Overview of UnderDefense MAXI Platform

UnderDefense MAXI Platform

UnderDefense MAXI is a cutting-edge Security and Compliance Automation platform designed to address the day-to-day cybersecurity challenges faced by IT leaders and their teams. This innovative solution empowers organizations by providing comprehensive 24/7 Managed Detection and Response (MDR), allowing businesses to take control of their security measures while streamlining compliance efforts.

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive Threat Detection: 24/7 monitoring and proactive threat hunting to identify and analyze potential threats in real-time.
  • Expert Team Support: Access to industry veterans and award-winning security analysts who work as an extension of your team, providing in-depth investigation and incident prioritization.
  • Response Automation: Automated response capabilities with over 85 integrations to enhance accuracy, block malicious threats, and streamline response times.
  • Compliance Management: Ready-to-use templates for regulatory standards to simplify the compliance process and ensure cybersecurity requirements are met.
  • Vulnerability Management: Early detection and mitigation of vulnerabilities to prevent potential exploits before they occur.
  • Visibility into Security Posture: Centralized reporting and intuitive dashboards for comprehensive visibility, along with executive-level reports for C-suite communication.
  • AI-Powered Incident Context: Enhanced context for incidents to facilitate informed decision-making during threat responses.
  • Cloud Security Assessment: Evaluation of cloud security measures to protect data and systems in cloud environments.

MAXI AI is a game-changer for customers utilizing the UnderDefense MAXI platform. It was designed to enhance security operations through advanced artificial intelligence. This tool significantly improves the way organizations manage and respond to cybersecurity threats, providing customers with tailored insights and streamlined processes. By combining advanced AI capabilities with proactive and personalized security measures, it empowers organizations to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape with confidence.

UnderDefense MAXI stands out as a preferred vendor for organizations seeking robust security solutions. By automating security operations and simplifying compliance efforts, it frees teams to focus on what matters most—strategically protecting the organization and its assets. With its emphasis on seamless integration, 24/7 proactive protection, significant reduction of alert fatigue, and advanced AI capabilities, UnderDefense MAXI positions itself as a vital tool for modern cybersecurity management.

Pros:

  • 24/7 Expertise: Continuous monitoring and support from experienced professionals ensure prompt detection and remediation of threats.
  • Automated Responses: Reduces manual workload for security teams, allowing them to focus on higher-priority tasks.
  • Streamlined Compliance: Easy access to compliance templates helps organizations meet regulatory requirements efficiently.
  • Proactive Vulnerability Management: Early identification of weaknesses helps safeguard systems against potential attacks.
  • Enhanced Communication: Intuitive dashboards and executive reporting facilitate better communication of security value to leadership.

Cons:

  • Pricing Transparency: Pricing is not publicly displayed on their website; potential customers must request a quote, which can complicate budgeting and planning.
  • Dependence on External Team: Relying heavily on external analysts may lead to reduced internal team engagement with security processes.
  • Potential for Information Overload: The abundance of data and alerts might overwhelm teams if not managed properly.

UnderDefense is well-suited for mid-sized to large enterprises, particularly those in regulated industries like finance and healthcare, as well as cloud-dependent organizations and startups with limited security resources. It serves businesses undergoing rapid growth or those seeking advanced threat prevention and vulnerability management. A free trial is available upon request.

Evolution of UnderDefense Platform and Its Use Cases

UnderDefense’s product suite has evolved in parallel with advancements in network technologies, adapting to the shifting landscape of cybersecurity needs. Initially focused on basic threat detection, the suite has expanded to include comprehensive 24/7 monitoring and automated incident response capabilities as organizations increasingly relied on digital infrastructure.

As cloud computing gained prominence, UnderDefense integrated specialized solutions for securing cloud environments like AWS and GCP, addressing the unique vulnerabilities associated with these platforms. The rise of compliance requirements spurred the development of ready-to-use templates and guidance for regulatory standards, helping clients streamline their compliance processes.

Moreover, the growing complexity of threats led to the incorporation of AI-powered incident context and advanced threat-hunting techniques, enhancing the ability to preemptively identify and mitigate risks. UnderDefense’s product suite has continually adapted to leverage emerging technologies and respond to evolving cyber threats, ensuring comprehensive protection for its clients. Here are some potential use cases for UnderDefense:

  1. Automate Incident Response: UnderDefense enables organizations to streamline their incident response processes through automation. By integrating over 85 tools, security teams can quickly identify, respond to, and remediate threats with minimal manual intervention. This reduces response times and enhances overall efficiency, allowing teams to focus on more complex issues.
  2. Build Advanced Threat Prevention: With comprehensive threat detection capabilities, UnderDefense helps organizations proactively defend against sophisticated cyber threats. By employing continuous monitoring and threat-hunting expertise, companies can anticipate potential attacks and implement preventative measures before incidents occur.
  3. Enhance Alert Triage and Investigation: The platform provides enriched context for alerts, enabling security teams to prioritize and investigate incidents more effectively. This capability reduces alert fatigue, allowing analysts to focus on high-fidelity alerts and ensure that critical threats are addressed promptly.
  4. Check If My Email Is Compromised: UnderDefense offers tools to verify if an organization’s email accounts have been compromised. This feature helps businesses identify potential breaches and take immediate action to secure accounts, safeguarding sensitive information and preventing unauthorized access.
  5. Accelerate SOC 2 Compliance: For organizations striving for SOC 2 compliance, UnderDefense provides ready-to-use templates and guidance to streamline the compliance journey. By simplifying documentation and reporting, businesses can achieve compliance more efficiently, thereby building trust with clients and stakeholders.
  6. Protect My AWS Environment: UnderDefense specializes in securing cloud environments, including AWS. The platform assesses and enhances security measures specific to AWS, helping organizations safeguard their cloud infrastructure from potential threats and vulnerabilities.
  7. Protect My GCP Environment: Similar to its AWS offerings, UnderDefense also provides robust security for Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This includes continuous monitoring, vulnerability assessments, and compliance checks to ensure GCP environments are secure against cyber threats.
  8. Scan for Vulnerabilities for Free: Organizations can take advantage of UnderDefense’s free vulnerability scanning service. This allows businesses to identify potential weaknesses in their systems without upfront costs, enabling proactive risk management and mitigation before threats can be exploited.

Navigating Obstacles: How UnderDefense Confronted Challenges

UnderDefense has faced several challenges in its journey, primarily related to the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape and the need to maintain a competitive edge. Early on, like many emerging security providers, they struggled with scaling their services to meet the diverse demands of clients across various industries.

To overcome this, UnderDefense invested in expanding its team of experts and enhancing its technological capabilities. By hiring industry veterans and continuously training staff, they built a knowledgeable workforce capable of providing advanced threat detection and response services.

Another challenge involved keeping up with compliance regulations that frequently changed across different sectors. To address this, UnderDefense developed a suite of ready-to-use compliance templates and frameworks, streamlining the compliance journey for clients and ensuring they remained audit-ready.

Additionally, as cyber threats became more sophisticated, UnderDefense had to enhance its threat-hunting and incident-response strategies. They implemented AI-driven tools and automated processes to improve detection accuracy and reduce response times, thus adapting their offerings to better protect clients.

Through these strategies, UnderDefense has successfully navigated past challenges, positioning itself as a reliable partner in the cybersecurity space.

Wrap-Up

In conclusion, UnderDefense has established itself as a formidable player in the cybersecurity landscape by offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the diverse needs of its clients. Through its continuous evolution, the company has effectively addressed challenges related to scaling services, regulatory compliance, and the ever-increasing sophistication of cyber threats. Key offerings, such as 24/7 monitoring, automated incident response, and tailored cloud security solutions, highlight UnderDefense's commitment to proactive threat management. Their focus on leveraging expert knowledge and advanced technologies, including AI-driven tools, has enabled them to enhance threat detection and response capabilities.

Looking ahead, UnderDefense is well-positioned to expand its services further, adapting to emerging threats and evolving technologies. As organizations increasingly prioritize cybersecurity, UnderDefense stands out as a reliable partner, helping businesses navigate the complexities of modern security threats while ensuring compliance and protecting sensitive data. With a forward-thinking approach, the company is set to continue driving innovation in the cybersecurity space, enhancing its value to clients in an ever-changing digital landscape.