N2K
N2K Networks is a privately held cybersecurity media and workforce intelligence company that pairs the CyberWire podcast network (reaching 1.8M annual listeners) with N2K Certify (practice tests for 100+ certifications used by 1.5M+ learners) and Talent Insights, monetizing through enterprise sponsorships, training subscriptions, and channel partnerships.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2022
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingSoftware
What N2K does
N2K Networks, Inc. is a privately held cybersecurity media and workforce intelligence company formed in October 2022 through the merger of CyberWire (a B2B cybersecurity podcast network founded in the late 1990s and operating as a NASDAQ-listed entity as NTKI before the merger) and CyberVista (a cybersecurity training company founded in 2016, itself built on the 25-year-old Transcender practice-test library acquired in 2018). Headquartered in Fulton, Maryland, N2K operates the CyberWire media network — 20+ original podcasts including CyberWire Daily, Hacking Humans, Caveat, CSO Perspectives, and the space-cyber program T-Minus, plus daily and weekly newsletters — reaching an annual audience of 1.8 million cybersecurity professionals and influencers. The company pairs this media reach with N2K Certify, a cloud-based, mobile-friendly practice-test platform covering 100+ cybersecurity and IT certifications used by more than 1.5 million learners, and with N2K Talent Insights, an enterprise workforce planning offering built around the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework.
N2K monetizes through three principal streams: (1) podcast and newsletter advertising and sponsorship — including Knowledge Partner programs with Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, Rubrik, and SpecterOps and branded shows such as Threat Vector, Afternoon Cyber Tea, and Data Security Decoded; (2) Certify enterprise licensing and individual certification-exam-prep subscriptions, distributed both directly and through channel partners Skillsoft, Pluralsight, CBT Nuggets, and the Technology Advancement Center (TAC); and (3) the N2K Pro premium subscription, bundling CISO Perspectives, industry briefings, and Pro Academy practice tests for individual professionals. The company raised a single $5.4 million Series A in October 2022 led by Graham Holdings Company with DataTribe participation; no subsequent dilution is disclosed. Headcount sits in the 11–50 range and named enterprise customers include Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, the US Army, TRIMEDX, KnowBe4, Devo, ThreatLocker, SpyCloud, and Rubrik. Peter Kilpe serves as CEO and Breanne Winter as COO, with Simone Petrella (formerly CEO of CyberVista) in a Strategic Advisor role.
The operating model is best characterized as a two-sided platform: a content/media engine that aggregates a large, hard-to-replicate professional audience, paired with a certification data asset that is increasingly being repurposed as a validated training corpus for third-party AI systems (notably Frenos' SAIRA OT security platform in August 2025). Distribution spans direct enterprise sales, channel partnerships with major training platforms, and self-serve subscriptions, with a clear global reach claim and explicit operations in the United States and Canada. Recent strategic activity — including product launches into space-cyber (T-Minus, 2023→2026) and data security (Data Security Decoded, November 2025), plus partnerships with WiCyS (January 2024), TAC (July 2025), and Frenos (August 2025) — signals continued expansion of product surface and addressable market.
N2K firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- N2K
- Legal name
- N2K Networks, Inc.
- Website
- https://n2k.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2022
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- N2K Networks is a privately held cybersecurity media and workforce intelligence company that pairs the CyberWire podcast network (reaching 1.8M annual listeners) with N2K Certify (practice tests for 100+ certifications used by 1.5M+ learners) and Talent Insights, monetizing through enterprise sponsorships, training subscriptions, and channel partnerships.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
N2K industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cybersecurity Training and Media
- NAICS
- Computer Training (61142), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114), Educational Support Services (61171)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Cybersecurity (General) (EDAOAIAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cybersecurity Learning Platforms (EDAFANAF), Information Technology (IT) & Cybersecurity Certifications (EDAAANAA), IT, Software & Cybersecurity Training (EDAGANAF)
Keywords
Where N2K is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
N2K business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel
Revenue model
- Media Network Advertising & Sponsorships: N2K CyberWire generates revenue through sponsored podcast content, branded podcast episodes, and newsletter sponsorships. Organizations such as Palo Alto Networks, Microsoft, Rubrik, TrendAI, and ThreatLocker sponsor shows to reach N2K's 1.8M professional audience. 'Industry Voices' sponsored conversations provide another media revenue stream.
- Certification Training & Exam Prep Subscriptions: N2K Certify provides performance-driven study solutions for 100+ cybersecurity certifications to enterprises and individuals. Revenue is derived from enterprise licensing of the practice test library and individual subscription/access to exam prep materials. Palo Alto Networks is cited as a customer reference for enterprise training engagements.
- N2K Pro Subscription: N2K Pro is a premium membership offering unlimited access to CISO Perspectives podcast, exclusive industry briefings on business news and tech policy, and unlimited access to Pro Academy premium certification practice tests. This direct-to-professional subscription generates recurring revenue.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
N2K product offering
Product offeringCore offering
N2K Networks operates an integrated cybersecurity media and training platform: N2K CyberWire is a B2B cybersecurity podcast network reaching 1.8M professionals annually through 20+ daily and weekly podcasts and newsletters; N2K Certify is a cloud-based certification exam preparation platform offering practice tests for 100+ cybersecurity and IT credentials used by over 1.5M learners. Supporting offerings include N2K Talent Insights (data-driven enterprise workforce intelligence), N2K Pro (premium individual subscription), the NICE Workforce Diagnostic assessment, the T-Minus space-cyber podcast, and the News2Knowledge and Signals and Space newsletters.
Product overview
N2K is the world's first 'news to knowledge' network, formed from the merger of CyberWire and CyberVista in October 2022. The company delivers critical industry insights, strategic intelligence, and performance-driven learning products for cybersecurity professionals. The product portfolio consists of two core brands: N2K CyberWire (the B2B cybersecurity media network reaching 1.8M annual audience members) and N2K Certify (the cyber certification practice test provider trusted by over 1.5M professionals). These are supported by N2K Pro (a premium subscription tier), N2K Talent Insights (enterprise workforce intelligence), the News2Knowledge Newsletter, the T-Minus space-focused podcast, and the Signals and Space companion newsletter. The company also offers role-based cybersecurity training, customizable quiz settings, and cloud-based mobile-friendly learning platforms.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CyberWire: The leading B2B cybersecurity podcast network providing daily intelligence for cyber professionals
- N2K Certify
- T-Minus
- News2Knowledge
Products and services
- N2K CyberWire The leading B2B cybersecurity podcast network providing daily intelligence for cyber professionals, reaching an annual audience of 1.8M cybersecurity professionals and influencers through 20+ daily and weekly podcasts and briefings. Provides visibility, authority, and connectivity for partners and sponsors seeking to engage cybersecurity decision-makers.
- N2K Certify Performance-driven cloud-based, mobile-friendly certification exam preparation platform offering practice tests for 100+ cybersecurity and IT certifications, with customizable quiz settings, offline options, and cohort reporting. Trusted by over 1.5M cybersecurity and IT professionals for skills building and certification readiness.
- N2K Pro
Quantifiable outcome
- 1.8M annual audience reach of cybersecurity professionals and influencers
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use N2K
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
N2K technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature3 records
N2K partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and key.
- FrenoscoreN2K partnered with Frenos, the pioneer in AI-native OT security posture management, to power Frenos' SAIRA (Simulated Adversarial Intelligence Reasoning Agent) with N2K's comprehensive professional certification dataset. This is described as the first OT security platform powered by industry-validated professional intelligence rather than generic AI models. N2K's certification knowledge base spanning 100+ credentials is used to train and benchmark AI systems.
- Technology Advancement Center (TAC)coreTAC, a nonprofit cybersecurity innovation hub serving the public and private sectors including the U.S. armed forces and intelligence community, integrates N2K's library of 100+ certification practice tests and adaptive study aids into its training catalog. Together, N2K and TAC leverage their expertise to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce and help close the industry's talent gaps.
- Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS)coreN2K partnered with WiCyS to conduct a comprehensive Cyber Talent Study leveraging skills data from WiCyS professional members. N2K provides complimentary access to its NICE Workforce Diagnostic assessment to WiCyS members while gaining strategic insights into the cybersecurity talent landscape, particularly regarding women's skills and competencies in the industry.
- BlackGirlsHack (BGH Foundation)keyCyberVista (an N2K Networks brand) partnered with BlackGirlsHack to provide free access to foundational cybersecurity training courses including Cybersecurity Matters and Security Essentials for IT. The partnership aims to increase representation of black girls and women in the cybersecurity industry by providing training resources to BGH's members.
- MicrosoftcoreMicrosoft is a Knowledge Partner of N2K, contributing content and expertise to the CyberWire media network. Microsoft Security harnesses the power of Microsoft's cloud to deliver built-in experiences for secure productivity. Microsoft's security solutions team participates in co-created podcast content including 'Afternoon Cyber Tea' and the 'Microsoft Threat Intelligence' podcast on the N2K CyberWire network.
- Palo Alto NetworkscorePalo Alto Networks is a Knowledge Partner of N2K, serving as both a content contributor and a training customer. The company co-creates the 'Threat Vector' podcast with Palo Alto's Unit 42 on the N2K CyberWire network, and uses N2K Certify for enterprise training. Palo Alto Networks is described as the global AI and cybersecurity leader, trusted by more than 70,000 organizations worldwide.
- RubrikcoreRubrik is a Knowledge Partner of N2K and sponsor of the 'Data Security Decoded' podcast on the N2K CyberWire network. Rubrik is described as a Security and AI company helping organizations protect data, strengthen cyber resilience, and accelerate enterprise AI adoption. The partnership was formalized in November 2025.
- SpecterOpskeySpecterOps is a Knowledge Partner of N2K, contributing expertise on identity risk management and adversary tradecraft. The company participates in Industry Voices sponsored conversations on the N2K CyberWire network. SpecterOps helps global organizations uncover and eliminate critical attack paths before adversaries can exploit them.
- SkillsoftkeySkillsoft is a Knowledge Partner of N2K, described as enabling organizations to close critical skill gaps by unifying learning, real-time skills intelligence, and workforce insights. Skillsoft helps enterprises build their Skillforce — humans and AI working together to drive measurable business outcomes.
- PluralsightkeyPluralsight is a Knowledge Partner of N2K, helping organizations, teams, and individuals build better products through online courses, data-driven insights, and hands-on learning experiences that help individuals skill-up faster. Pluralsight distributes N2K content and co-markets to its subscriber base.
- CBT NuggetskeyCBT Nuggets is a Knowledge Partner of N2K, providing online, on-demand IT and cybersecurity training for individuals and teams. CBT Nuggets distributes N2K certification preparation content through its video-based courses and hands-on labs to help learners prepare for industry certifications.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
N2K competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- OffSec (Offensive Security): OffSec produces the OSCP, OSWE, and other offensive-security certifications, many of which are supported by N2K Certify practice tests. It is a comparable premium cybersecurity certification authority competing for the same high-end practitioner mindshare.
- TryHackMe: TryHackMe offers gamified, hands-on cybersecurity learning paths and prep for popular certs, targeting the same individual practitioner and corporate cohort as N2K Certify. It represents the next-generation learning experience N2K must continue to evolve toward.
- CBT Nuggets: CBT Nuggets delivers on-demand IT and cybersecurity certification training with hands-on labs, overlapping directly with N2K Certify's certification practice test library. It also distributes N2K content, making it both a peer and channel partner.
- SANS Institute: SANS is the gold standard for cybersecurity training, certifications (GIAC), and ongoing threat intelligence content (SANS Internet Storm Center, webcasts, newsletters). It is the most directly comparable peer to N2K's combination of cybersecurity training and authoritative media for practitioners.
- Cybrary: Cybrary provides affordable and free cybersecurity certification prep, hands-on labs, and skill assessments targeting the same practitioner audience as N2K Certify. Its freemium model and team-focused pricing compete directly for enterprise training dollars.
- Dark Reading: Dark Reading is a leading B2B cybersecurity news and analysis outlet serving a similar practitioner audience as N2K CyberWire. It competes for the same advertising and sponsored-content dollars from cybersecurity technology vendors.
- Infosec Institute: Infosec Institute offers cybersecurity certification boot camps and enterprise training programs competing for the same CISOs and security teams targeted by N2K Certify and Talent Insights.
Broad incumbents
- Skillsoft: Skillsoft is a large enterprise learning and skills intelligence platform with a strong cybersecurity catalog and a distribution relationship with N2K Certify. It competes with N2K on enterprise cyber training while amplifying reach as a Knowledge Partner.
- Pluralsight: Pluralsight is a broad enterprise technology skills platform that distributes N2K Certify content and competes in the same IT/cybersecurity learning budgets. As both a channel partner and an indirect competitor, it shapes how enterprises buy skills development at scale.
Emerging players
- Hack The Box: Hack The Box combines hands-on cyber ranges, learning paths, and enterprise team training, overlapping with both N2K Certify and N2K Talent Insights. It is an emerging global challenger in cybersecurity upskilling.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
N2K social profiles
Digital presenceN2K financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
N2K leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
N2K subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries5 records
N2K funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
N2K M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about N2K
What does N2K do?
N2K Networks operates an integrated cybersecurity media and training platform: N2K CyberWire is a B2B cybersecurity podcast network reaching 1.8M professionals annually through 20+ daily and weekly podcasts and newsletters; N2K Certify is a cloud-based certification exam preparation platform offering practice tests for 100+ cybersecurity and IT credentials used by over 1.5M learners. Supporting offerings include N2K Talent Insights (data-driven enterprise workforce intelligence), N2K Pro (premium individual subscription), the NICE Workforce Diagnostic assessment, the T-Minus space-cyber podcast, and the News2Knowledge and Signals and Space newsletters.
Is N2K a public or private company?
N2K is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was N2K founded?
N2K was founded in 2022. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is N2K based?
N2K is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does N2K make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Media Network Advertising & Sponsorships are the primary driver. The others are certification Training & Exam Prep Subscriptions and N2K Pro Subscription.
Who are N2K's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are OffSec (Offensive Security), TryHackMe, CBT Nuggets, SANS Institute, Cybrary, Dark Reading and Infosec Institute. Broad incumbents are Skillsoft and Pluralsight. Hack The Box is listed as an emerging player.
Does N2K have an API?
No public API is recorded for N2K.
What industry is N2K in?
N2K's product category is Cybersecurity Training and Media. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAOAIAB, Cybersecurity (General), with a secondary code of EDAFANAF, Cybersecurity Learning Platforms. Its NAICS code is 61142 and its SIC code is 7370.