Performanta - Experts & Thought Leaders

Global cybersecurity firm Performanta celebrates the recognition of its Head of Security Automation, Torvald Johnson, as one of Microsoft’s first Security Copilot Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs). The first of only 10 Security Copilot MVPs worldwide, Johnson has been recognised for his practical expertise, leadership and guidance across the cybersecurity sector and wider industries, and commitment to pursuing a future of cyber safety. Performanta’s cyber innovation “It is an absolute honour to be named among the world’s first Security Copilot MVPs by Microsoft,” stated Johnson. “Microsoft’s powerful solutions and Performanta’s dedication to driving cyber innovation create a partnership that can only benefit our sector and customers. It is a mission I am proud and grateful to be a part of. I must extend my sincere thanks to Rod Trent and James Key at Microsoft, both resolute and passionate experts we have the pleasure to work with, for recommending me as an MVP.” Innovation with Microsoft products Microsoft MVPs are selected not only for their expertise and innovation with Microsoft products Microsoft MVPs are selected not only for their expertise and innovation with Microsoft products, but also for the demonstration of exceptional leadership, industry impact, and proactive efforts to support and expand the broader community.  Microsoft MVP candidates are selected exclusively through nominations from within Microsoft before they are put through a rigorous judging process. What cybersecurity solutions are capable of? Guy Golan, Founder and Executive Chairman of Performanta said, “Torvald’s appointment as one of the first MVPs for Security Copilot is a huge achievement, on both an individual and company level." "Together, our work pushes the possibilities of what cybersecurity solutions are capable of. Recognition of this regard provides us with Microsoft’s stamp of approval and the credibility of knowing we have world-pioneering cyber professionals guiding our customers, at a time when businesses face rising digital threats. As our partnership with Microsoft continues to grow, we are excited to work together to pave the way to a safer digital environment for all.” Microsoft Security products Johnson is a donor to cyber events and a written host on emerging cybersecurity trends With a rich background working with Microsoft Security products like Defender and Sentinel, Johnson now specialises in Microsoft Security Copilot, using the AI-enabled solution and Safe XDR platform to cut incident response time from days to minutes.  Alongside his work, Johnson is a regular contributor to pioneering cyber events and regular written commentator on emerging cybersecurity trends. Johnson is the second member of the Performanta team to achieve the status of Microsoft MVP. Application of Security Copilot Performanta and Microsoft collaborate closely to drive innovation in the application of Security Copilot. Johnson recently spoke alongside James Key, Microsoft’s Principal Product Manager for Security Copilot, on the future of cybersecurity and AI at a joint Cyber AI Summit in December. He expressed an optimistic view of the industry’s future, innovations to cyber tools such as Safe XDR, and continued partnership.

The Cyber Safety Force (CSF) has launched to change the way businesses manage their cybersecurity. Forming a consortium of renowned cyber experts, the CSF takes a data-driven, collaborative approach to revolutionise the way businesses think about and manage threat defence and risk aversion – moving from ‘cybersecurity’ to ‘cyber safety’. The CFO recently found that 75% of security professionals have observed an increase in cyber attacks over 2023, with the global average cost of a data breach hitting $4.45 million – a 15% increase over three years (IBM). Businesses manage cybersecurity Guy Golan, Founder of the CSF and global cybersecurity firm Performanta, believes it has never been more imperative for such an initiative to drive real change across organisations. Guy comments: “The way most businesses manage cybersecurity is through compliance. Experts understand that this forms the bare minimum when striving for cyber safety. The CSF has been created to combat this misunderstanding and introduce principles to reform the way businesses think about cybersecurity. Clear demand for better protection has enabled us to combine field-pioneering expertise and actionable data to form a new set of best practices. It’s an exciting time for the CSF as we gain momentum toward sparking true change for businesses globally, ushering in a new, vastly more impactful method of managing risk and achieving cyber safety.” Organisations to reconsider Guy is joined by a group of pioneers in this initial launch of the CSF, including Greg Sim Guy is joined by a group of pioneers in this initial launch of the CSF, including Greg Sim, Founder of cyber group 2020 Partners, Simon Hodgkinson, ex-CISO of BP and strategic advisor to pioneering cybersecurity firms, and Wolfgang Selzer, Co-Founder and CEO of myResilience GMBH, among others. Simon Hodgkinson believes the initiative will create a talking point and a platform for organisations to reconsider the way they view cybersecurity within their organisation. He comments: “Cybersecurity is too often viewed as the technical team’s problem. In fact, CISOs are often fired for poor cybersecurity while the CEO remains in their position. It’s time to take cybersecurity as seriously as physical security and adopt a cyber safety mindset. I’m proud to be pioneering this mission with some of the very best in the business.” Cyber safety approach More information and events will be announced on the CSF website throughout the year for industry pioneers to collaborate and make change happen. The website will also feature advice and insight that will help other pioneers to adopt a cyber safety approach within their organisations.

Global cybersecurity firm Performanta, which recently announced its latest AI-enhanced security service offering, Safe XDR, has revealed significant changes in its leadership. Shift in direction The firm’s CEO Guy Golan has been appointed as the new Executive Chairman alongside his current role while COO Quentene Finnegan will take on the position of Managing Director, in addition to COO. The shift in direction will enable Golan to focus on corporate strategy and Finnegan’s expertise will be directed towards operations, as the company continues its push to be the pioneers of cyber safety. Cyber safety In response to the transition, Golan expressed his vision for the future of Performanta, stating, “As part of our strategy there is a bigger need to shape the industry towards Cyber Safety and provide more insights related to our new Safe XDR platform, which is a true gamechanger in the world of cyber." "This requires me to be more outward-facing, spending time with clients, analysts, media, events, and investors. Since our operations are now structured and working well, the timing is perfect. Beyond that, at a certain point, we would like to take Performanta to newer heights. We would need more cash to execute on these ambitions.” Navigating threats with confidence Finnegan conveyed his dedication to operational excellence, stating, “I am honoured to lead Performanta’s operations into this next chapter for the business. I joined the business as COO two years ago and in that short time, the business has grown from strength to strength." "Through my role as Managing Director, I will be able to make a much greater impact across all of our teams globally, ensuring we are all aligned with our mission to pioneer cyber safety.” Together, under this new leadership structure, Performanta reaffirms its commitment to pioneer cyber safety, empowering organisations globally to navigate ever-changing threats with confidence.