Rook Security, an 11-year-old firm that specializes in cyber-threat detection and response services, had been on a torrid growth pace for most of this decade but has downsized its workforce more than 60 percent over the past three years.
Leaders of nine local tech firms see a variety of trends gaining steam in 2017, including an increased focus on cybersecurity and heightened interest in employee-engagement software.
Founder J.J. Thompson’s cyber security firm increased its staff and doubled its client base over the past year.
J.J. Thompson’s Rook Security, a provider of risk-based decision support for IT security, compliance and risk-management initiatives, holds seven registered trademarks with 10 more pending and has earned a spot on the Inc. 500.
It’s immensely difficult for tech firms to quickly build and sell technology software or hardware without a sizable venture war chest. Nevertheless, at least a few central Indiana firms have managed to grow at a healthy pace without trading equity stakes for cash.
The IT security firm, which relocated here from the Silicon Valley five years ago, plans to invest $589,000 to upgrade and buy new equipment at its headquarters at 120 E. Market St. downtown.
Every day, it seems, brings news of another data breach. Rook Security CEO J.J. Thompson said companies needing to protect their information is one reason his business has grown rapidly.
Corporate executives, shaken by fears of hackers, are enlisting Rook Security and an explosion of companies like it to monitor and chase cyber criminals across borders and recover stolen intellectual property.
