Content by Michael Novinson

Why Broadcom Seeks 'Strategic Alternatives' for Carbon Black

Michael Novinson  •  December 1, 2023

It looks as if Carbon Black's days as part of Broadcom are numbered. Broadcom CEO Hock Tan told staff at newly acquired VMware in both an email and town hall meeting that he plans to "review strategic alternatives." The move comes just four years after VMware purchased Carbon Black for $2.1 billion.

Okta Delays New Products, Projects 90 Days to Boost Security

Michael Novinson  •  November 30, 2023

Okta has paused product development and internal projects for 90 days to beef up its security architecture and operations for applications, hardware and third-party vendors. Okta will move to strengthen its cyber posture, including a security action plan and engaging with third-party cyber firms.

BlueVoyant Raises $140M, Buys Resilience Firm Conquest Cyber

Michael Novinson  •  November 29, 2023

BlueVoyant purchased a risk management vendor led by an Army veteran to expand its SaaS footprint with U.S. government and defense industrial organizations. Buying Conquest Cyber will allow BlueVoyant to provide cyber risk maturity and compliance assessments to both federal and commercial customers.

CrowdStrike SIEM Demand Rises Amid Cisco-Splunk, Legacy Woes

Michael Novinson  •  November 28, 2023

Discontent with legacy SIEM offerings and Cisco's proposed acquisition of Splunk have driven "a significant and pronounced increase in interest" in CrowdStrike's SIEM offering. LogScale hit the $100 million ARR milestone last quarter thanks to its search speed, data gravity and cost efficiency.

Second Front Raises $40M to Support More Classified Networks

Michael Novinson  •  November 28, 2023

A vendor focused on fast-tracking government access to commercial software closed its Series B funding round to support more classified and regulated environments. The $40 million will allow Second Front Systems to support additional bespoke networks in the U.S. Defense and National Security space.

Proofpoint Snags Former VMware President Sumit Dhawan as CEO

Michael Novinson  •  November 28, 2023

Proofpoint landed top VMware lieutenant Sumit Dhawan as its new chief executive just days after the cloud and virtualization giant was acquired by Broadcom. The Silicon Valley-based email security firm said it liked Dhawan's track record of building security, cloud and end-user computing businesses.

Zscaler Taps Generative AI to Measure Risk, Predict Breaches

Michael Novinson  •  November 27, 2023

Zscaler infused generative AI features into its data protection bundles and is introducing AI-powered products that quantify risk and predict breaches, said CEO Jay Chaudhry. The cloud security firm enhanced its data protection policies for AI/ML apps and tools to lower the likelihood of data loss.

How Generative AI Will Reshape the Financial Services Sector

Michael Novinson  •  November 27, 2023

Generative AI can improve operational efficiencies, enhance risk and compliance and elevate the client experience for financial services firms, said Wipro's Suzanne Dann. Wipro embraced generative AI to reduce fraud by spotting anomalous behavior and used synthetic data to test deep learning models.

Founder Sam Altman Back as OpenAI CEO Under Revamped Board

Michael Novinson  •  November 22, 2023

The nonprofit behind ChatGPT reinstated co-founder Sam Altman as its chief executive following a tumultuous 106 hours that saw OpenAI burn through two interim CEOs. Most of the board members responsible for firing Altman on Friday gave up their director positions to get him back.

How Instability on OpenAI's Board Led to Sam Altman's Firing

Michael Novinson  •  November 21, 2023

Having a small board of directors composed largely of current employees left OpenAI with insufficient governance and oversight, creating the conditions for Sam Altman's firing. Technology or financial firms considering an investment in OpenAI should have demanded a more stable and competent board.

OpenAI CEO Emmett Shear Tries to Right Ship Amid Mass Exodus

Michael Novinson  •  November 20, 2023

Emmett Shear's first move as OpenAI's third CEO in three days has been damage control with the AI firm's workers planning a mass exodus over the firing of CEO Sam Altman. But the course correction may be too little, too late as 95% of the staff is demanding that the board that fired Altman resigns.

Microsoft Snags OpenAI's Sam Altman to Lead AI Research Team

Michael Novinson  •  November 20, 2023

OpenAI co-founders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman will lead a new advanced AI research team at Microsoft after OpenAI's board decided not to bring them back, Satya Nadella said. The nonprofit behind ChatGPT opted instead to name longtime Twitch CEO Emmett Shear as its new interim leader Sunday night.

Industry Reels From Sam Altman Firing; OpenAI Return Rumored

Michael Novinson  •  November 18, 2023

Technology investors and executives are reeling from OpenAI's shocking firing of co-founder and CEO Sam Altman, though there's a chance the split may be short-lived. 'Whatever offense Altman committed, it would have to be tremendous for the board to make this move,' said Rain Capital's Chenxi Wang.

OpenAI Fires CEO Sam Altman for Lying to Board of Directors

Michael Novinson  •  November 17, 2023

The organization behind ChatGPT carried out a shocking firing of its high-profile chief executive for being "not consistently candid in his communications with the board." OpenAI's board said Friday that it "no longer had confidence" in Sam Altman's ability to continue leading the AI juggernaut.

AT&T Forms Joint Venture for Managed Cybersecurity Business

Michael Novinson  •  November 17, 2023

AT&T will split its managed cybersecurity services practice from its core connectivity business by standing up a joint venture with Chicago-area investor WillJam Ventures. AT&T will move its security software, managed security operations and cyber consulting into an entity owned by WillJam and AT&T.