New platform pairs Cyberr’s professional network with identity verification and payment safeguards
A new platform aimed at simplifying how companies find contract cybersecurity help launched Tuesday. Heelr connects organizations with identity-verified security professionals, targeting the gap between when businesses need specialized expertise and how long it typically takes to find someone trustworthy.
The platform draws on the existing network of Cyberr, a cybersecurity professional community, and covers services such as penetration testing, virtual CISO work, compliance preparation and security assessments. Professionals must pass identity verification and credential checks before they can take on paid engagements. Payment protection is built in as well, intended to reassure both clients and contractors during a project.
In a statement, Laurent Halimi, who serves as CEO of both Heelr and Cyberr, argued that procurement practices haven’t kept pace with the cybersecurity field itself. He said companies still lean on referrals, email chains and manual contracting to find specialized help during time-sensitive moments, and that current freelancer platforms don’t do much to confirm professionals are who they claim to be or actually hold the expertise they list.
Why now
According to the release, the global market for cybersecurity services tops $86 billion. Demand for contract-based expertise is being pushed by recurring compliance needs, including customer security questionnaires, ISO 27001 certification, pre-launch penetration testing, and rules such as NIS2 and DORA.
The release also links demand to the speed of AI-assisted product development. As companies, including newer and smaller ones, build and launch products more quickly, their security needs are outstripping what in-house teams can always cover.
Who it’s built for
Heelr is designed for business leaders, founders, operations teams and IT managers who need security expertise on a project or fractional basis rather than a full-time hire. It’s also open to cybersecurity consultants, independent specialists and boutique firms seeking vetted client work and tools to manage engagements.
Since the platform is built on Cyberr’s established network, the release states Heelr launches with a verified pool of professionals already available, rather than needing to build one up.
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