Top DC cyber company launches new ransomware prevention tool

Nearly half a year after landing a seven-figure Series B, a NoMa-area cybersecurity company aims to stop and prevent file encryption with a new offering. 

Adlumin recently introduced this ransomware prevention tool as a feature in its Managed Detection and Response (MDR) product, which is an outsourced security measure that detects and stops threats. The company provides software products and manages security services primarily for middle-market companies, and works with more than 1,500 customers globally. 

Adlumin CEO and cofounder Robert Johnston said that he saw a failure in the industry when it comes to protecting files. For the average antivirus company, it’s often the case that by the time ransomware is detected, a majority of files are destroyed. Speed, and the methodologies used to stop the attack, matter, Johnston said. 

Adlumin CEO Robert Johnston. (Courtesy Adlumin)

“Recovery from ransomware is a lot easier when nothing important got encrypted,” he said. “That’s our slogan.” 

The 2023 Technical.ly Awards winner developed this product to analyze “the root of every portion of the file system,” Johnston said. This inspection allows for quick identification and termination of ransomware. On average, the tool saved 99% of the file system from encryption, according to benchmark tests against malware. The capability was tested against the most notorious ransomware groups including Black Basta, Conti, Ryuk and NoEscapeLocker. 

The company also released a free ransomware simulation tool for companies to be able to test the efficacy of their defenses. Mock-up data and files are put onto a company’s systems, a synthetic ransomware attack is launched and the organization gets graded on how well defenses were performed. Adlumin then cleans up the files, so there’s no mess. 

Adlumin’s ransomware prevention tool has been automatically added for all those using its MDR services. In addition, any company or organization, including non-clients, can get the simulation tool for free.

Adlumin serves customers in several sectors, including education, healthcare and finance. 

“Every industry needs cybersecurity,” Johnston said. “Security is most certainly an industry that spans every vertical.”

Looking forward, Johnston said he’s planning to keep developing new tools for customers. He also wants to expand more into foreign markets and develop programs compliant with regulations outside of the US.

In October, Adlumin closed its Series B funding round with $70 million raised in total. That raise closed several months after it landed on the prestigious annual Inc. 5000 list of the country’s fastest-growing companies. 

Johnston isn’t focused on fundraising right now, but more so on providing value for customers. That’s where the new ransomware tool comes in. 

“Right now,” Johnston said, “it’s all about execution.”

Update: This article has been updated to clarify that any user, and not just Adlumin customers, can use its ransomware simulation tool. (4/2/2024, 9:19 a.m.)