Collective Defence has officially launched following the strategic combination of ITC Secure, a UK-based cybersecurity services firm, and IronNet, a leader in network detection and collective defence technology. The newly formed company aims to strengthen protection for governments and enterprises against escalating hybrid warfare threats targeting critical infrastructure worldwide.
Headquartered in Luxembourg, Collective Defence operates globally with offices in the United States, United Kingdom, and Singapore. The company brings together advanced cybersecurity capabilities, artificial intelligence (AI), and threat intelligence to defend critical sectors such as energy, telecommunications, healthcare, financial services, and satellite infrastructure.
Addressing the Rising Threat of Hybrid Warfare
Hybrid warfare—combining cyberattacks, espionage, disinformation, and infrastructure disruption—has emerged as one of the most significant global security challenges. Nation-states and their proxies are increasingly targeting essential infrastructure systems to disrupt economies, weaken national security, and create geopolitical instability.
Collective Defence was created to address these challenges by combining ITC Secure’s managed security services and operational expertise with IronNet’s innovative collective defence technology. This unified approach enables organizations and governments to detect threats faster, share intelligence securely, and coordinate defensive responses in real time.
The company’s model allows anonymized threat data to be shared across trusted networks, helping participants identify and stop attacks before they spread. This collaborative approach significantly enhances resilience across sectors and national boundaries.
AI-Powered Cybersecurity and Microsoft Partnership
In partnership with Microsoft, Collective Defence is leveraging advanced AI technologies to transform cybersecurity operations. The company has integrated Microsoft Security Copilot into its Security Operations Centres (SOCs), enabling faster threat detection, automated analysis, and accelerated incident response.
AI-driven analytics help security teams identify sophisticated attack patterns, reduce response times, and improve overall protection against increasingly complex cyber threats. This integration enhances operational efficiency while strengthening defence capabilities for critical infrastructure operators.
Comprehensive Cyber Defence Capabilities
Collective Defence provides a full range of cybersecurity services, including:
- Collective defence and real-time threat intelligence sharing
- Managed detection and response through 24/7 security operations centres
- Cybersecurity advisory and consulting services
- Protection against state-sponsored cyber threats
- AI-driven threat analysis and incident response
The company’s platform enables governments, infrastructure operators, and enterprises to collaborate securely while maintaining data sovereignty and regulatory compliance.
Strategic Headquarters and Global Reach
Luxembourg was selected as the company’s global headquarters due to its strategic position within NATO and the European Union, as well as its strong regulatory framework and growing investment in cybersecurity. The location provides a secure foundation for delivering sovereign cyber defence services across allied nations.
With operations spanning key global regions, Collective Defence maintains close partnerships with government and defence organisations across NATO, the Five Eyes alliance, and Indo-Pacific nations.
Leadership Vision and Industry Impact
Andre Pienaar, Chairman of Collective Defence, said:
“Hybrid warfare poses a serious threat to the systems our societies depend on. Collective Defence brings together the technology, expertise, and partnerships needed to defend nations and enterprises collectively, creating a stronger and more resilient global security framework.”
Arno Robbertse, Chief Executive Officer, added:
“By combining sovereign cybersecurity services with shared global intelligence, we are creating a network effect that strengthens protection for every participant and enhances overall resilience.”
Edward Newberry, Chairman of the Advisory Council, emphasized:
“Collective Defence represents a fundamentally new approach, applying proven defence alliance principles to cybersecurity to counter increasingly sophisticated state-sponsored threats.”
Strengthening Global Cybersecurity for the Future
The formation of Collective Defence represents a major advancement in protecting critical infrastructure against evolving cyber and hybrid threats. By combining AI-driven technology, collective intelligence sharing, and global cybersecurity expertise, the company aims to help governments and organizations proactively defend against emerging threats.
As cyber warfare continues to evolve, Collective Defence’s collaborative approach is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding essential infrastructure and strengthening global security.