Apollo Information Systems has announced the launch of iCOUNTER, a cyber risk intelligence company led by John Watters, a pioneer in cyber threat intelligence. iCOUNTER focuses on delivering precision risk intelligence to protect customers in the SLED, SMB, and enterprise sectors from targeted attacks.
Backed by a $30 million Series A funding from SYN Ventures, iCOUNTER emerges after five years of development, during which it created advanced AI-driven technology and processes to combat sophisticated threats.
As AI-equipped attackers increasingly target specific companies, they utilize AI for reconnaissance to exploit security gaps and develop zero-day tactics. And iCOUNTER enables its customers to detect, deflect, and counter these tailored attacks effectively.
Watters, with over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, previously served as President and COO of Mandiant. Following its acquisition by Google, he joined SYN Ventures as a Venture Partner. With iCOUNTER’s launch, Watters aims to help organizations combat targeted and AI-enabled threats.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are in the dawn of a new era of cybersecurity. Traditional methods will increasingly fail, and defenders will be forced to reimagine their defenses against a flood of targeted operations that leverage AI to generate new and novel TTPs. Traditional threat intelligence is designed to report on threats that have been seen before in an age where an increasing number of targets will be Patient Zero.”
John Watters, CEO and Managing Partner of iCOUNTER
“iCOUNTER has built the only intelligence capability exclusively focused on countering targeted attacks. Their unique approach positions them well in an age of AI-enabled adversaries.”
Jay Leek, Managing Partner and Founder of SYN Ventures
“The strategy of providing dedicated threat intelligence to address threats mapped against individual companies’ specific gaps and vulnerabilities is a service that is desperately needed. iCOUNTER’s unique approach will likely become invaluable to sensitive organizations and systems.”
Chris Kissel, Research Director in IDC’s Security and Trust Products Group
