In the 18th century, mathematician Leonhard Euler tackled the perplexing problem of the Seven Bridges of Königsberg, laying the foundation for graph theory. Today, SpecterOps applies similar principles to cybersecurity, mapping complex identity relationships within enterprise networks to identify and mitigate attack paths.
Founded eight years ago, SpecterOps began as a red team consultancy, simulating adversary behaviors to uncover vulnerabilities in organizational defenses. Recognizing the intricate web of identity relationships in modern networks, the company shifted focus to blue teaming, aiming to proactively secure these identity pathways. Their flagship platform, BloodHound Enterprise (BHE), visualizes identity relationships and permissions, much like Euler’s graph of Königsberg’s bridges, enabling organizations to identify and prioritize remediation of risky connections.
Addressing the Complexity of Identity Attack Paths
Modern enterprises often have sprawling identity infrastructures, with numerous users, service accounts, and permissions. This complexity creates potential attack paths that adversaries can exploit. SpecterOps’ BHE helps organizations: identify critical attack paths, prioritize remediation efforts, and visualize identity relationships through intuitive graphs.
SpecterOps BloodHound Enterprise – Dashboard
Series B Funding Fuels Expansion
In March 2025, SpecterOps announced a $75 million Series B funding round led by Insight Partners, with participation from Ansa Capital, M12, Ballistic Ventures, Decibel, and Cisco Investments. This investment aims to accelerate the development and adoption of BHE, enabling more organizations to proactively manage identity-based risks. CEO David McGuire emphasized the importance of this proactive and dynamic approach to handling identity-based threats.
Strengthening Active Directory Security: New Capabilities and Certifications
In 2024 and early 2025, SpecterOps introduced major advancements in their BloodHound Enterprise (BHE) platform that reflect their commitment to proactive identity security—particularly within Active Directory (AD) environments. One of the most significant milestones was achieving FedRAMP® High Authorization, allowing U.S. federal agencies to adopt BHE. This certification, supported by Palantir FedStart, verifies that the platform meets stringent federal security standards. It also signals SpecterOps’ intent to provide trusted solutions not only to commercial clients but also to highly regulated public sector entities.
Another critical update came in January 2024 when SpecterOps announced the integration of new attack path analysis focused on Active Directory Certificate Services (ADCS). This lesser-known but widely used component of enterprise identity infrastructure is a high-value target for attackers. ADCS can be misconfigured in subtle ways that open indirect routes to privilege escalation or domain dominance—exactly the kinds of ‘bridges’ that BHE is designed to visualize and remediate. By identifying and mapping these hidden ADCS attack paths, BHE gives defenders new tools to neutralize risks before they’re exploited.
SpecterOps’ methodology underscores a shift in cybersecurity strategy—from reactive measures to proactive identification and mitigation of potential attack vectors. By treating identity infrastructures as dynamic graphs, organizations can better understand and secure their networks. This approach not only enhances security posture but also aligns with compliance requirements and risk management strategies, making it a valuable asset for modern enterprises.
Just as Euler’s analysis of Königsberg’s bridges provided clarity to a complex problem, SpecterOps offers a structured approach to navigating the intricate landscape of identity security. Through visualization and prioritization, organizations can effectively manage and mitigate identity-based risks, fortifying their defenses against evolving cyber threats.
For more information on SpecterOps and their innovative approach to identity security, visit their official press release: https://specterops.io/news/specterops-raises-75m-series-b-to-strengthen-identity-security-in-round-led-by-insight-partners/
About the Author
Pete Green is the CISO / CTO of Anvil Works, a ProCloud SaaS company. With over 25 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity, Pete is a seasoned and accomplished security practitioner.
Throughout his career, he has held a wide range of technical and leadership roles, including LAN/WLAN Engineer, Threat Analyst, Security Project Manager, Security Architect, Cloud Security Architect, Principal Security Consultant, Director of IT, CTO, CEO, Virtual CISO, and CISO.
Pete has supported clients across numerous industries, including federal, state, and local government, as well as financial services, healthcare, food services, manufacturing, technology, transportation, and hospitality.
He holds a Master of Computer Information Systems in Information Security from Boston University, which is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance / Cyber Defense (CAE IA/CD) by the NSA and DHS. He also holds a Master of Business Administration in Informatics.
