Cyber Security Synergies Realized: Appalachia Technologies Acquires Stronghold Cyber Security

Appalachia Technologies, a Managed IT and Cybersecurity Provider, announced their acquisition of Stronghold Cyber Security (SCS), a company specializing in NIST, CMMC, and DFARS compliance consulting services to defense contractors

Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Appalachia was founded in 2004 by Mike Romano and Brian Stone. As a services-only company, Appalachia maintains a vendor-neutral position, which allows the company to serve clients in an unbiased manner – recommending the solution(s) that are best suited for their needs and budget. Maintaining such a position enhances the breadth and depth of skill across various technology platforms and services.

The acquisition strengthens Appalachia’s position in the marketplace as a leading cybersecurity firm. With their combined expertise, Appalachia and Stronghold Cyber Security will provide the most comprehensive, end-to-end security compliance offering; starting with a readiness assessment, then moving on to assist with remediation and ongoing IT management and security monitoring (SIEM).

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A Closer Look at Appalachia’s Capabilities:

Appalachia’s cybersecurity practice capabilities currently include:

•     Security Assessments
•     Penetration Testing
•     Vulnerability Scanning
•     Managed Threat Detection and Response
•     Firewall, VPN and Perimeter Security

Additionally, Appalachia provides a variety of IT infrastructure and systems-based services, ranging from Microsoft 365 (including Office 365 & Office 365 GCC High, Teams, SharePoint, Intune, and OneDrive), Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), Cloud Migrations, Network Assessments and Implementations, Wireless Site Surveys and Installations.

Founder Jason McNew, CISSP, has over 20 years of experience in the field of Information Technology, including 12 years at the White House Communications Agency (WHCA) and Camp David, where he worked on some of the most secure systems in the world, for some of the most important customers in the world. While at WHCA, Jason held a Presidential access clearance – an elite clearance granted only to those of unquestionable character and integrity.
Jason, a United States Air Force veteran, holds a Master’s degree from Penn State in Information Sciences, Cyber Security and Information Assurance, in addition to a Bachelor of Science and two Associate of Science degrees. Penn State’s Cyber Security program has been reviewed and endorsed by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

CMMC stands for “Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification” and builds upon existing DFARS regulation. The goal is to implement an appropriate level of cybersecurity across the US Department of Defense supply chain – which includes more than 300,000 companies, and will be used as a requirement for contract award.

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Appalachia Acquires Stronghold Cyber Security: Executive Perspectives

In a prepared statement, Mike Williams, VP of Professional Services said:

“This acquisition is very exciting for us on a number of levels. Jason is a well-respected cybersecurity professional with a number of unique, yet complimentary skillsets, which continue to position Appalachia as a leader in this space. The acquisition also plays to our core values and overall company strategy as we’re always looking to improve and evolve as a company. We’ve checked all the boxes and we couldn’t be happier he’s part of our family.”

Added Terri Bendl, Director of Sales and Marketing:

“Continuing to invest in our security offerings has become increasingly important to help our clients protect their data and their business. Adding SCS’s expertise will expand Appalachia’s ability to assist businesses, specifically DoD Contractors, who work with the US Department of Defense in their journey to meet CMMC Compliance”

Appalachia Partners, Mike Romano and Brian Stone:

“SCS/McNew’s background and vision for using cutting edge technology to protect the defense industrial base from advanced persistent threats born in cyberspace is what led us to partner with them, and it is fulfilling to have seen that strategy realized. Our partnership with SCS has produced outstanding growth for Appalachia and we are equally as excited for the next chapter, where our combined capabilities will allow us to advance our solutions to the next level.”

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