Every business today runs on technology—but with that convenience comes silent, growing risk. A single leaked password, an overlooked software update, or a misstep in system configuration can quietly open the door to a cyberattack that steals data, halts operations, and shatters customer trust. Without strong cybersecurity in place, these threats don’t just cause disruption—they can cause lasting damage.
That’s where computer and network security professionals step in. They think like hackers to beat hackers, running real-world attack simulations to find weak spots before the bad guys do. They go beyond tools and automation, using deep expertise to protect what matters most. From securing complex systems to training teams and strengthening everyday operations, they’re the quiet force keeping businesses safe, stable, and one step ahead in a world where threats are always evolving.
Leading by example in this space is John Stigerwalt, Founder of White Knight Labs, who has played a key role in shaping how organizations defend themselves against modern cyber threats. With a strong background in offensive security, John has built a team of top-tier experts who specialize in simulating real-world attacks to identify and fix vulnerabilities before they become serious problems. His leadership is centered around a hands-on, manual testing approach that goes beyond automated scans, uncovering deeper flaws that are often missed. Through this method, the company delivers highly targeted, client-focused solutions that strengthen defenses and build long-term resilience.
Under his guidance, White Knight Labs has developed advanced training programs for senior professionals, addressed challenges like AI and CI/CD pipeline security, and gained industry recognition as one of the 10 Best Cybersecurity Companies of 2025 by The CEO Views. By encouraging a culture of trust, integrity, and collaboration, John Stigerwalt has positioned the company as a leader in proactive cybersecurity—helping businesses stay secure in an ever-changing digital world.
The Early Days of White Knight Labs
White Knight Labs was first founded in 2016 by John Stigerwalt, an experienced penetration tester who had a strong passion for cybersecurity. While he had the technical skills, he realized he needed more experience on the business side before fully building the company. During that time, he met Greg, and together they discovered a shared frustration with the industry—too many companies were relying on automated tools and overlooking real-world threats. They saw a gap that needed to be filled and decided to team up. In 2021, they officially launched White Knight Labs with a clear goal: to create the kind of cybersecurity company they had always wanted to work for but couldn’t find.
Instead of growing fast, they focused on building a small, expert team made up of top offensive security professionals from around the world. Their mission was simple—to think like real attackers, find the weak spots in a company’s systems, and help fix them before real harm could be done. By simulating advanced cyber threats and going beyond basic testing, they built a company that puts deep, hands-on security at the center of everything. Today, White Knight Labs stands out as a trusted name in the field, built on real experience, teamwork, and a commitment to protecting businesses in a constantly evolving digital world.
A Specialized Team with a Sharp Focus
White Knight Labs follows a team structure inspired by the U.S. Army Special Operations, where each individual focuses on a specific area of expertise rather than trying to cover all aspects of offensive security. Every team member is a highly skilled Senior or Principal-level engineer with a strong passion for the field. Many of them have conducted training, created useful tools, or discovered new vulnerabilities. The company also looks for professionals who actively contribute to the broader cybersecurity community and demonstrate a strong sense of integrity in their work.
Identifying Complex Vulnerabilities Missed by Tools
While many firms rely heavily on automated scans, White Knight Labs takes a different approach—one rooted in manual precision. Their methodology is designed to catch the vulnerabilities that automated tools miss.
Here’s how their hands-on strategy delivers deeper, more effective security outcomes:
- 80% manual testing, allowing for deeper exploration of potential weaknesses
- 20% automation, used strategically to complement hands-on testing
- Simulated real-world attacks tailored to each client’s critical business systems
- Realistic ransomware testing to evaluate how existing defenses perform under pressure
The Hidden Dangers of CI/CD in Modern Cybersecurity
John Stigerwalt shares that one of the most overlooked threats in cybersecurity today is the challenge of deployment at scale. Continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, while essential for fast development, are often easy to misconfigure. Just one leaked credential or a poorly tested update can give attackers a way into the system. White Knight Labs addresses this risk with a focused approach. Their team carefully examines CI/CD configurations during client engagements to identify and fix potential vulnerabilities. They also offer a specialized training course—Attacking & Securing CI/CD Pipelines Certification—to help professionals better understand how to protect these environments.
Preparing for the Rise of AI in Cyber Threats
John Stigerwalt sees Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning as double-edged swords in the cybersecurity world. While powerful for innovation, they also increase the risk of new attack strategies.
To stay ahead, White Knight Labs is:
- Monitoring the latest advancements in LLMs and AI systems
- Building a specialized AI penetration testing team
- Identifying weaknesses and misuse scenarios in AI-powered tools
- Helping clients adopt these technologies safely and securely
Focused Learning for Cybersecurity Experts
White Knight Labs has a highly experienced development team made up of engineers with advanced skillsets. The team is encouraged to continuously create new tools and discover new exploits to stay ahead in the cybersecurity space. They regularly share their knowledge through blogs that highlight useful tools, techniques, and insights. In addition, the company’s engineers often speak at major cybersecurity conferences, contributing to the wider professional community. Their training programs are designed specifically for advanced cybersecurity professionals—an area that is often overlooked. While many courses focus on beginners, White Knight Labs offers specialized training like Advanced Red Team Operations and Offensive Development Practitioner courses to fill that gap.
Discover, Dive Deep, and Dominate
John Stigerwalt advises anyone starting in cybersecurity, it’s important to discover which areas truly spark their interest and focus on building deep expertise in those specializations. While having general skills is helpful, standing out in the industry often comes from becoming highly knowledgeable in a specific area that you genuinely enjoy. Putting time, effort, and passion into that niche can make a real difference and open up more opportunities for growth and success.
The Foundation of Sustainable Growth
A key lesson John has learned over the years is the importance of surrounding yourself with people who share your integrity, commitment, and drive. That, he says, is one of the best investments in long-term success.
This philosophy is reflected in the core values and everyday practices that guide White Knight Labs:
- Builds a culture of trust and reliability where every team member is valued for their expertise and integrity
- Welcomes feedback and input from clients to continuously improve tools, strategies, and outcomes
- Stays committed to making the digital world safer for businesses of all sizes through proactive, ethical cybersecurity
Media Recognition and Industry PraiseÂ
White Knight Labs has been recognized for its expertise and contributions to the cybersecurity field through various media features. The company has shared insights on top industry podcasts and has been highlighted in leading publications for its advanced offensive security services.
Featured on Leading Cybersecurity Podcasts:
White Knight Labs has shared expert insights on popular industry platforms such as:
- The Phillip Wylie Show – Watch here
- Hacker Valley – Watch here
Recognized in Industry Media:
The company was featured in The CEO Views for its top-tier offensive security services and commitment to exceeding industry standards.
John Stigerwalt’s 5 Impactful Business Lessons
- Create What’s Missing: Build the solution you once looked for.
- Quality Over Scale: A focused, expert team delivers stronger results.
- Manual Beats Mechanical: Real insight comes from human-driven work.
- Stay Future-Ready: Anticipate risks before they become threats.
- Lead with Integrity: Trust and shared values fuel lasting growth.
