CrowdStrike, a prominent cybersecurity company recently associated with a massive global IT outage, is widely recognized as a leader in its field. Renowned for developing advanced software defenses tailored to the cloud computing era, CrowdStrike has also played a pivotal role in exposing cyber threats from nations such as Russia and North Korea.
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, CrowdStrike was founded in 2011 by George Kurtz, Dmitri Alperovitch, and Gregg Marston.
Both Kurtz and Alperovitch brought extensive experience in cybersecurity to the venture, having previously worked at companies like McAfee. In 2013, just two years after its inception, CrowdStrike introduced its flagship product, the Falcon platform.
A significant aspect of CrowdStrike’s approach has been its “cloud-first” model. This strategy minimizes the computational demands on clients while providing enhanced protection.
Unlike traditional cybersecurity firms that focused predominantly on malware and antivirus solutions, CrowdStrike aimed to identify and thwart attackers and their methodologies.
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“CrowdStrike is one of the best-known cybersecurity companies around,” remarked Michael Daniel, former White House cybersecurity coordinator during the Obama administration.
“It provides what we typically think of as endpoint protection, meaning it has software operating on servers or individual devices like laptops and desktops, scanning for potential malware, unusual behavior, and connections to malicious domain names,” added Daniel, who now leads the Cyber Threat Alliance.
Despite its robust reputation, CrowdStrike’s share price recently experienced a dip, falling by approximately 9 percent in morning trading on Wall Street. The company went public in 2019, and its latest quarterly revenue stood at $921 million, with forecasts predicting annual revenues of around $4 billion for the current fiscal year.
CrowdStrike faces competition from several standalone cybersecurity firms, most notably Palo Alto Networks and SentinelOne. Additionally, tech giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Google have developed their own cybersecurity solutions, positioning them as formidable rivals in the industry.
CrowdStrike’s continued focus on innovation and comprehensive protection underscores its commitment to staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. As the company navigates challenges and competition, its influence and contributions to the field remain significant.
CrowdStrike, also known for its cyber intelligence capabilities, has investigated several high-profile cyberattacks.
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Notably, in 2014, the company linked North Korean actors to the Sony Pictures hack, where hackers stole data and threatened theaters over the release of “The Interview.” This incident cost Sony an estimated $35 million.
CrowdStrike also investigated the 2015-2016 cyberattacks on the Democratic National Committee, tying them to Russian intelligence services. In December 2016, they reported that the Russian group Fancy Bear hacked a Ukrainian artillery app, though this claim was later disputed.
Recently, CrowdStrike criticized Microsoft for cybersecurity lapses and ongoing business in China, highlighting potential risks from Chinese intelligence.