Q. Can you share with us the journey of Datashield/Lumifi and how it has evolved in the field of Managed Detection and Response (MDR)? What were the key milestones and challenges along the way? 

Datashield/Lumifi has come a long way in Managed Detection and Response (MDR). Our journey began as an investment by myself and EMC Ventures (now Dell) when we recognized the immense potential in this space. We did not anticipate that we would become one of the pioneering MDR companies in 2010! Throughout our evolution, we have encountered significant milestones and challenges that have shaped our growth and expertise in providing top-notch MDR services to our clients.

Q. MDR has rapidly transformed the cybersecurity landscape. How did Datashield/Lumifi identify the potential of MDR early on, and what were the key factors that influenced the decision to focus on this particular area? 

It was easy! We recognized the potential of Managed Detection and Response (MDR) early on by closely monitoring the evolving cybersecurity landscape and observing the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the growing need for comprehensive security solutions. Several key factors influenced our decision to focus on MDR. 

 Firstly, the acquisition of Netwitness packet technology by EMC/RSA presented a game-changing opportunity for real-time forensics, enabling us to better serve our customers by swiftly identifying and mitigating threats. Additionally, the demand for proactive threat detection and response solutions, combined with our expertise in cybersecurity, further solidified our belief in the value of MDR as a crucial area to concentrate our efforts on. 

Q. As a leader in the MDR space, what advancements do you foresee Datashield/Lumifi making in the near future? Are there any specific areas or technologies that you believe will have a significant impact on the future of MDR? 

I foresee significant advancements from Lumifi in the next year. Our ongoing investment in Shieldvision and Backquery, which allow seamless integration with various EDR and SIEM tools, will be a game changer.  

With this technology, we aim to provide our customers with a comprehensive and user-friendly platform, offering a single pane of glass access to all the necessary data for forensic analysis and proactive incident response. This innovative approach will enhance our ability to help customers effectively mitigate threats and stay ahead in the ever-evolving MDR landscape. 

Q. In your opinion, what sets Datashield/Lumifi apart from other MDR providers in the market? How does the company differentiate itself in terms of technology, expertise, or approach? 

Our extensive experience of 15 years in the cybersecurity industry distinguishes us from other providers. Unlike them, we have a proven track record of delivering Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services. We understand that despite technological advancements, human expertise remains crucial. Our approach combines advanced software technology with highly skilled teams to effectively address security issues in diverse customer environments. We strongly focus on customer satisfaction and customize our solutions to cater to specific needs and industries. This combination of human intelligence and cutting-edge technology enables us to deliver comprehensive and reliable MDR services that outperform our competitors. 

Q. Looking ahead, where do you see Datashield/Lumifi positioned in the advancements of MDR in the next 5 years? What specific goals or targets has the company set for itself in terms of growth and innovation? 

In the next five years, Lumifi aims to establish itself as the dominant player in MDR, driving significant advancements in the field. We have set ambitious goals to drive growth and foster innovation, focusing on our customers' success and security. Our primary objective is to expand our market share by acquiring new customers and enhancing our offerings through continuous technological advancements. 

We understand that achieving success in this industry relies on the synergy between people, processes, and technology. To this end, we remain committed to nurturing a skilled and dedicated workforce. We will continue to invest in intelligent and talented individuals who ensure our customers' ongoing success and security. 

Q. Looking even further into the future, how do you envision the MDR landscape evolving in the next 10 years? What major trends or changes do you anticipate, and how is Datashield/Lumifi preparing to stay at the forefront of these developments? 

Looking ahead to the next ten years, I foresee a remarkable transformation in the Managed Detection and Response (MDR) landscape, driven by technological advancements, particularly in automation and AI. These innovations will revolutionize MDR solutions, enabling faster threat detection, more accurate incident response, and improved overall security outcomes. 
Lumifi is fully committed to embracing these advancements and harnessing their potential to stay at the forefront of the industry. By leveraging automation and developing AI capabilities, we aim to optimize our detection and response processes, empower our analysts with intelligent tools, and deliver enhanced protection to our clients. 

Moreover, as the MDR market evolves, we anticipate a significant consolidation. Current MDR providers cannot scale and will need to keep pace with technological advancements, ultimately causing them to lose profitability. We will continue to maintain a proactive approach to technical integration, and our unwavering commitment to continuous innovation positions us well to navigate these changes and maintain our leadership position in the MDR space. 

Micheal Malone | CEO of Lumifi