Optiv Doubles Federal Presence with ClearShark Acquisition

Convergence of two leading cybersecurity companies creates federal sector powerhouse

  • Mar 14, 2023

Optiv, the cyber advisory and solutions leader, today announced it has acquired Maryland-based ClearShark LLC and ClearShark Services Inc. (collectively ClearShark), a premier advisor and top value-added reseller of cybersecurity and modernization technology to the federal government. The transaction more-than doubles Optiv’s federal presence, while significantly deepening its bench of government expertise and expanding the breadth of its federal capabilities.
 
“ClearShark is now the cornerstone of a vibrant Optiv federal business where we will together bring a new level of world-class federal capabilities to the market at scale,” said Kevin Lynch, CEO at Optiv. “Between the uptick in cyberattacks, the recent Biden-Harris Administration’s National Cybersecurity Strategy and other security regulations, cybersecurity has never been more vital. Together with ClearShark, we are primed to better help federal agencies and contractors ensure a strong cybersecurity posture and build a legacy in the public sector space.”

“Joining forces with the largest pure-play cybersecurity company in the world provides us, our clients and partners with a tremendous growth opportunity. We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership or more bullish on the future,” said Brian Strosser, ClearShark LLC president. 
 
ClearShark Services President Marshall Bailey added, “Leveraging Optiv’s comprehensive suite of cybersecurity solutions and services, we can continue to expand our already dominate delivery capabilities and operate at scale while also providing employees with new career opportunities.”

The acquisition brings together two leading cybersecurity companies to create a powerhouse partnership that will better serve current and new clients by providing:

  • An expanded federal presence with more direct connections to the public sector.
  • An even broader federal team that builds on the exceptional Optiv service and expertise clients and partners have come to depend on.
  • A vast and comprehensive portfolio of cybersecurity services and solutions, technical capabilities and federal resources.
  • Exceptional relationships with the industry’s leading security technology companies and product manufacturers.

 The terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. Holland & Hart LLP provided counsel to Optiv during the transaction. IzenbergLaw PLLC, Fontana Law Group and PilieroMazza PLLC provided counsel to ClearShark.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.