Bob Erdman, Associate VP of Research & Development at Fortra, recently joined Dark Reading’s News Desk to discuss the company’s collaboration with Microsoft and Health-ISAC in an effort to crack down on illegal copies of Cobalt Blue, Fortra’s adversary simulation tool. In the interview, Erdman highlighted the contributions of each partner, emphasized Fortra’s commitment to discouraging illegal use of its software, and discussed the impact they have seen so far. He also summarized the message Fortra wants to send to criminals attempting to use cracked copies of Cobalt Strike.
With over 25 years of experience in the information technology industry, Bob Erdman joined Fortra in 2017 and has been instrumental in leading Fortra’s Cyber Intelligence team (FACIT) and developing offensive and defensive security products. His team focuses on research related to business email compromise, advanced persistent threats, and malware groups. They also work on enhancing security solutions with machine learning and artificial intelligence to protect customers’ environments worldwide.
Erdman explained that Fortra’s collaboration with Microsoft and Health-ISAC was born out of a shared commitment to combat cybercrime and protect users from potential threats. Microsoft brings its expertise and resources in the field of cybersecurity, while Health-ISAC provides valuable insights and collaboration opportunities with healthcare organizations, a sector particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Fortra, as a software company, takes the issue of illegal software use seriously. Erdman highlighted the potential dangers associated with cracked copies of their adversary simulation tool, Cobalt Blue. Unverified copies of the software can contain malware or backdoors that expose users to malicious activities. To combat this, Fortra employs various strategies to discourage illegal use, including the use of digital fingerprints and product activation procedures. These measures not only protect Fortra’s intellectual property but also help ensure the safety of their customers.
When asked about the impact of their efforts, Erdman reported positive results. He explained that their collaboration with Microsoft and Health-ISAC has significantly reduced the availability of illegal copies of Cobalt Strike in the marketplace. This crackdown sends a strong message to criminals attempting to exploit Fortra’s software for illegal purposes. Erdman emphasized that Fortra is committed to taking necessary action against those who engage in unauthorized use of their products and that they will continue to work closely with their partners to maintain the integrity of their software.
Fortra’s dedication to cybersecurity extends beyond their partnership with Microsoft and Health-ISAC. Erdman mentioned that the company actively participates in industry conferences and events, sharing their insights and knowledge with the cybersecurity community. Additionally, Fortra is a member of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s InfraGard Cyber Health Working Group, demonstrating their commitment to collaborating with public and private partners in the fight against cybercrime.
In conclusion, Bob Erdman’s interview on Dark Reading’s News Desk shed light on Fortra’s collaboration with Microsoft and Health-ISAC to address the issue of illegal copies of their adversary simulation tool, Cobalt Blue. Erdman emphasized Fortra’s commitment to discouraging illegal software use and protecting their customers from potential threats. He expressed satisfaction with the impact of their efforts so far and conveyed a strong message to criminals attempting to exploit cracked copies of Cobalt Strike. Fortra’s dedication to cybersecurity and collaboration with industry partners make them an important player in the ongoing battle against cybercrime.