BlueVoyant Looks to Broaden Reach Beyond Managed Detection & Response
BlueVoyant, a cybersecurity vendor based in New York, is undergoing significant transformation as it seeks to branch out beyond its traditional focus on Managed Detection and Response (MDR) solutions. The company has appointed John Hernandez, a seasoned leader previously associated with Quest’s Microsoft division, as its new CEO. Under Hernandez’s leadership, BlueVoyant aims to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency and expand its client base, particularly targeting firms with mature in-house Security Operations Centers (SOCs).
With Hernandez at the helm, BlueVoyant intends to implement a next-generation Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, which promises to incorporate agentic AI at its core. This ambitious project signifies a strategic pivot from traditional service delivery methods to a more scalable, technology-first approach that facilitates a wide array of customer use cases. Hernandez described the platform as a fully self-service SaaS solution, designed not only to make the internal teams within BlueVoyant’s SOC and Response Operations Center (ROC) more agile and effective but also to serve organizations that wish to utilize the technology independently.
Prior to his current role, Hernandez spent substantial time leading Quest Software’s Microsoft security and platform management division, and held leadership roles at other prominent companies like Genesys and Selligent Marketing Cloud. He steps into the role vacated by Jim Rosenthal, who founded BlueVoyant in 2017 and continues to serve the company as board chair.
Aligning Experience with Vision
Hernandez’s career trajectory aligns closely with BlueVoyant’s objectives, particularly in building mission-critical SaaS platforms within the realms of cybersecurity and identity management. His extensive experience in the Microsoft ecosystem—especially with Active Directory and Entra ID—has illuminated the myriad operational and security challenges that large enterprises face, challenges that resonate well with BlueVoyant’s strategic mission.
“My entire career has revolved around developing multi-tenant SaaS platforms tailored for mission-critical applications,” Hernandez stated. “I’ve experienced firsthand the escalating necessity for organizations, including governments, to shield themselves against the rapid increase in ransomware attacks.”
BlueVoyant’s collaboration with Microsoft further cements its strategic advantage. By integrating deeply with Microsoft tools and acting as part of its marketplace, BlueVoyant can provide added value to clients investing in complex security measures, such as E5 and E7 licenses. Hernandez emphasized that this collaboration boosts both revenue and credibility for BlueVoyant, making it a trusted partner in the cybersecurity landscape.
“The quicker these customers can make use of their packages, the better it is for Microsoft,” he noted. “They view us as a vital resource in our expertise, capable of aiding their clients in optimizing these solutions."
Expanding into New Customer Segments
Historically, BlueVoyant concentrated heavily on managed services, such as MDR. With the introduction of its new SaaS platform, Hernandez envisions a shift toward engaging organizations that prefer to independently manage their own SOCs. This dual offering enables clients to either leverage BlueVoyant’s managed services or independently use the innovative technology the company provides, effectively broadening the scope of potential clients.
“An emerging segment for us will be organizations that don’t require a SOC or ROC from us,” Hernandez articulated. “Instead, they want the technology itself to detect, prevent, and respond to cybersecurity threats, utilizing their own teams around the clock. This transition opens the door to attract those clients who may not have previously considered a services-heavy firm like ours a suitable fit.”
BlueVoyant’s competencies stretch across various facets of cybersecurity, including managed detection and response, third-party risk management, and digital risk protection. These services collectively create a robust defense mechanism, allowing for a comprehensive risk management strategy. Hernandez is particularly enthusiastic about the efficacy of linking internal threat detection with external supply chain and brand risk monitoring, facilitating a holistic rather than siloed approach to risk management.
“The capability to assess risks across entire supply chains for enterprises and governments positions us uniquely in the marketplace,” he commented, adding that such an integrated approach offers significant advantages over competitors.
Looking Ahead: New Opportunities and Markets
Hernandez is actively exploring adjacent markets where BlueVoyant could further embed itself, particularly within the expansive Microsoft ecosystem. He is keen on enhancing supply chain risk management capabilities and broader applications of AI-driven security as potential avenues for growth. The new SaaS platform serves as a foundational element for these expansions, enabling BlueVoyant to extend its reach without having to reinvent the wheel.
“How can we incorporate agentic AI into our platform to effectively manage the threats organizations face through their supply chains or directly via their networks?” he pondered. “Our platform will serve dual purposes: it is available for customer deployment and will also empower our teams to combat the escalating threat posed by hackers.”
As BlueVoyant embarks on this new chapter, the focus on innovative technology and strategic partnerships marks a crucial turning point aimed at not only capturing a broader market share but also enhancing the effectiveness of cybersecurity defenses across various industries.