Senior Data Science Architect

Fortra expands offensive security portfolio with Zero-Point acquisition. The cybersecurity provider moves to integrate elite red team training and certification into its existing suite of adversary emulation tools. Fortra announced the acquisition of Zero-Point Security, a UK-based cybersecurity training firm, in a move to bolster its offensive security education and red team operations. The acquisition integrates Zero-Point Security's specialized training expertise in adversary emulation and penetration testing with Fortra's existing software suite, which includes Cobalt Strike, Core Impact and Outflank Security Tooling. Based in Warrington, UK, Zero-Point Security is known for its Red Team Operations I and II courses. These programs are certified by the Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers (CREST) and lead to the Certified Red Team Operator (CRTO) designation, a credential used to validate expertise in offensive security techniques. Fortra leadership stated the acquisition is intended to create a more comprehensive training portfolio, allowing organizations to upskill internal teams in adversary-focused techniques. The integration aims to facilitate a "purple-team" mindset, where offensive tactics are used directly to inform and strengthen defensive postures. Zero-Point Security founder Daniel Duggan will join the Fortra team to help develop new training programs specifically for Fortra's core offensive security products. The companies have previously collaborated on training initiatives for the Cobalt Strike platform. The move marks a continued expansion for Fortra in the offensive security market, focusing on the human expertise required to operate sophisticated security assessment tools.

AI interfaces, security consolidation, and MSP marketplaces point to a shift in where authority lives. Anthropic has released an extension to its MCP protocol, enabling servers to provide an interactive app-like experience within chat interfaces. This open extension allows third-party applications to be built on the MCP protocol, facilitating integrations with platforms such as Goose, Visual Studio Code, and ChatGPT. The MCP Apps framework allows for real-time monitoring and interactive data exploration. This release builds on the existing MCP-UI project and OpenAI's Apps SDK, aligning with the need for more dynamic and interactive AI interactions in enterprise environments. LevelBlue, a managed security services provider based in Dallas, has announced its acquisition of Alert Logic's managed services unit from cybersecurity firm Fortra. This strategic move expands LevelBlue's managed detection and response capabilities while allowing Fortra to focus on its software offerings. The partnership aims to streamline security operations for clients by integrating Alert Logic's services with LevelBlue's existing tools, enhancing overall threat detection and response efficiency. This acquisition is part of a broader trend in the cybersecurity sector where companies seek to consolidate services to provide clients with a single point of accountability. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Syncro has announced a partnership with IRONSCALES to integrate advanced email security solutions for managed service providers (MSPs) into the Syncro Marketplace. This integration allows MSPs to quickly provision IRONSCALES' AI-driven email protection, streamlining the purchasing and billing process through Syncro's Universal Billing model. The IRONSCALES solution provides protection against phishing and business email compromise, and it can be deployed instantly for clients. It integrates with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, and consolidates licensing and billing, eliminating the need for multiple vendor portals. This partnership aims to reduce administrative overhead and simplify email security management for MSPs. Why do Business of care? These product announcements matter less for what they add than for what they quietly remove: friction and visibility. Anthropic's MCP Apps push AI from assistant to interface. That speeds work, but it also changes where decisions happen and how they're tracked. LevelBlue's acquisition of Alert Logic's managed services reflects a market that values accountability over component choice. Syncro's marketplace integration shows how efficiency is now table stakes - and how platforms increasingly shape MSP economics. As platforms remove friction, they also capture pricing power and dictate recovery paths - leaving MSPs responsible for outcomes they can't fully control or reprice. Individually, these are sensible moves. Collectively, they signal a shift toward centralized control across interaction, security delivery, and purchasing. For MSPs and IT services firms, the risk isn't adopting these tools - it's adopting them without redefining who owns outcomes when automation, consolidation, or platforms fail.

LevelBlue has acquired Fortra's Alert Logic managed detection and response offering as part of a long-term partnership announced Tuesday. Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal extends LevelBlue's position as what it calls "the world's largest pure-play MSSP", combining Alert Logic's technology with LevelBlue's existing managed security services. Fortra will become a leading cybersecurity partner, offering its digital risk portfolio to LevelBlue customers. LevelBlue aims to double its business size over the next 12-18 months, according to chief strategy officer Sundhar Annamalai. This marks the company's fourth acquisition since 2024, following purchases of Cybereason, Trustwave, and Aon's Stroz Friedberg practice. LevelBlue, formerly ATT's security business, became a standalone company in 2024. Minnesota-based Fortra specialises in offensive and defensive security across the cyber kill chain.