Cyber attacks can upend a business, impacting the organization, its reputation, and its customers. Fortra, a Minnesota-based cybersecurity company, is on a mission to help organizations defend against this threat proactively. Based in the United States, they have grown to more than 2,000 security professionals across more than 15 countries serving over 9,000 organizations. As a member of the Minnesota Technology Association since 2018, they have been supporting Minnesota’s technology community through their own business line and with their involvement in the Association.
We recently spoke with Fortra to learn more about the importance of cybersecurity, emerging technology like artificial intelligence and its impact on cybersecurity, and why they joined MnTech.
To start off, tell us a little bit about your organization.
Fortra is a cybersecurity company on a mission to break the attack chain. We provide offensive and defensive security solutions that help organizations proactively defend against evolving threats. Our platform brings together a broad suite of capabilities—from vulnerability and threat intelligence to data protection and incident response—built to work together, not in silos. With a global footprint and deep roots in Minnesota, we’re proud to be a trusted partner to organizations of all sizes and industries.
What are you most excited about in your organization right now?
Right now, we’re especially excited about the recent expansion of our Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) solution via our acquisition of the cloud data protection product line from Lookout. Organizations are generating and storing more sensitive data than ever—and keeping it secure across cloud and hybrid environments is no small task. Our DSPM technology helps companies gain visibility into where sensitive data lives, who has access to it, and how it’s being used, so they can reduce risk in a smart, scalable way. It’s a critical component in modern cyber defense, and one we’re proud to be leading in.
What should companies consider when they are thinking about their cybersecurity solution needs?
Security today isn’t just about stopping threats—it’s about managing complexity. Most companies are juggling multiple tools, vendors, and platforms, which can lead to gaps and inefficiencies. When evaluating cybersecurity solutions, we encourage organizations to consider how well their tools integrate, how quickly they can adapt to new threats, and how effectively they support teams who are often stretched thin. A unified, intelligent approach is key to staying ahead.
How have you seen AI change the cybersecurity landscape, and how has Fortra adapted to these changes in the solutions it offers?
AI is fundamentally reshaping cybersecurity, with two sides to the coin. We like to talk about AI for cybersecurity vs. cybersecurity for AI. On one side we’re able to use this incredible technology to gain speed, precision, and context in responding to threats and attacks. At Fortra, we’ve invested heavily in AI-driven threat intelligence, automated response, and the development of our own Threat Brain—an evolving system designed to act as the central intelligence layer across our platform. It helps our customers anticipate, detect, and mitigate threats faster than ever before.
On the other side is the threat created by AI, both malicious and unintended. Some attackers are using AI to automate and scale their efforts, and at the same time the rise in use of common tools such as ChatGPT creates a data risk for any organization. So here we can add cybersecurity for AI and help establish protections against unintended consequences such as sharing sensitive data like source code with these tools, and we can help ensure that our customers’ intellectual property and most sensitive data stays within their organization.
What do you see as the most valuable piece of your membership with MnTech?
The Minnesota tech community is full of incredible talent and innovation. MnTech gives us the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to that ecosystem. Whether it’s sharing best practices, participating in local events, or supporting workforce development, we see real value in being part of something bigger than any one company. It’s also a great way to stay inspired by what others are building right here in our own backyard.
