Stroz Friedberg Acquires Gotham Digital Science (GDS), Forms Global Cyber Resilience Business

• Firm bolsters its security specialist expert bench in UK with CBEST and CREST STAR red team penetration testing
• Appointment of Rocco Grillo to head Cyber Resilience strengthens industry leadership worldwide

London and New York, NY, 14 April 2016 – Stroz Friedberg announced today significant investments in its global cybersecurity capabilities through the acquisition of Gotham Digital Science (GDS), an international information security consulting firm that brings market-leading offerings in red team penetration testing, application security and source code review. GDS’ strengths, coupled with Stroz Friedberg’s expertise in threat intelligence and incident response (IR), creates a more complete set of security solutions for clients.

Additionally Stroz Friedberg announced the appointment of Rocco Grillo to head its newly formed global Cyber Resilience business, which merges the company’s existing IR and security science units. These investments will leverage the firm’s reactive and proactive IR and security science capabilities to better help companies mitigate risk borne out of today’s digital and connected business environment.

“Businesses want to work with one organization that understands their security posture and can guide them through the process of achieving cyber resilience, from assessment through implementation, as well as response and remediation,” said Michael Patsalos-Fox, CEO of Stroz Friedberg. “With the acquisition of GDS, we can provide a much needed solution that will help organizations become and remain resilient, despite a rapidly evolving threat environment,” Patsalos-Fox added.

Founded in 2005, GDS works with clients to assess risk, design, build, and maintain secure applications, networks and processes. GDS has an established reputation as one of the most sophisticated firms in the cybersecurity space providing high-end application security services along with threat-intelligence led CBEST and CREST STAR red team penetration testing. GDS co-founders Andrew Nairn, Justin Clarke-Salt, Matt Bartoldus and Joseph Hemler will play critical leadership and entrepreneurial roles in the growth of the combined business.

“Joining forces with Stroz Friedberg will give our team access to unrivaled threat intelligence and IR capabilities. Coupled with our strengths in application security and red team penetration testing, we can offer clients a more comprehensive range of solutions to their most complex cybersecurity challenges,” said Justin Clarke-Salt, a co-founder of GDS. “We have a history of successful collaboration with Stroz Friedberg and look forward to integrating our complementary skill sets, industry accreditations and technical abilities.”

Grillo will lead Stroz Friedberg’s new Cyber Resilience business that includes the company’s incident responders and security scientists who deliver the firm’s proactive and reactive cybersecurity capabilities. In this role he will also work closely with the GDS red team and application security experts, as well Stroz Friedberg’s digital forensics business, leveraging 12 digital forensics labs worldwide.

“Boards and senior leaders are continually seeking guidance to help navigate their cybersecurity challenges and prepare for disruption caused by cyber-attacks. Rocco Grillo brings more than 20 years of information security experience, has been in the trenches with companies in every industry, and has guided boards and executives throughout the process to help safeguard critical assets and prepare them to respond to attacks. The leadership he brings to our team will further our reputation as the first choice for the most complex cybersecurity issues,” said Patsalos-Fox.

GDS is CREST (the Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers) STAR (Simulated Target Attack and Response) and CBEST penetration testing certified and is also a member of the UK Government CHECK scheme. Its clients range from professional sporting organizations to marquee financial services brands. The firm has more than 60 people across its offices in New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; and London.

Ends

Stroz Friedberg, LLC

Founded in 2000, Stroz Friedberg is a specialized risk management firm built to help clients solve the complex challenges prevalent in today’s digital, connected, and regulated business world. A global leader in the fields of cybersecurity, with leading experts in digital forensics, incident response, and security science; investigations; eDiscovery; and due diligence, Stroz Friedberg works to maximize the health of an organization, ensuring its longevity, protection and resilience. With 13 offices across nine U.S. cities, London, Zurich, Dubai, and Hong Kong, Stroz Friedberg serves Fortune 100 companies, 80% of the AmLaw 100, and the Top 20 UK law firms. Learn more at .

Gotham Digital Science

Gotham Digital Science (GDS) is an international security services company specializing in application penetration testing, security code review, and related secure development lifecycle services, as well as threat intelligence led red team penetration testing. GDS clients number among the largest financial services institutions and software development companies in the world, including Fortune 100 and FTSE 100 firms. GDS security specialists work with clients to find, fix, and prevent security vulnerabilities in mission critical systems and help manage their security risks. With offices located in New York City; Charlotte, North Carolina; and London, GDS seamlessly and efficiently assists clients with operations on both sides of the Atlantic. Learn more at .

Contact:

UK
The Communications Business
Denise Hannestad
christianh@thecommunicationsbusiness.com
+ 44 (0) 0131 208 1500

US
Stroz Friedberg
Carolyn Vadino
CVadino@StrozFriedberg.com
+1 646 524 8454

Weber Shandwick
Steve Bosk
sbosk@webershandwick.com
+1 212 445 8491