Evolver and eVigilant, two Virginia-based security companies, are merging through the private investments of Hillcrest Holdings Inc. and Akoya Capital LLC. Named Converged Security Solutions (CSS), the new organization will offer a managed services security solution spanning cyber and physical security to address the growing complexities in protecting critical infrastructure. Hillcrest and Akoya, as the first institutional investors for both Evolver and eVigilant, are providing growth capital to CSS to support the go-to-market strategies and the new managed services lines of business.

With the combined strengths of Evolver and eVigilant, CSS will continue to offer the former companies’ cyber and physical security services as well as a remote monitoring delivery model for integrated security. Remote monitoring will yield a more efficient and cost-effective security approach rather than on-premise labor-based offerings, according to the company.

Evolver, an IT consulting and technology firm that is ISO 27001 (security) certified, provides cybersecurity, cloud, infrastructure, application development, end-user support and legal technology solutions across the federal and commercial markets.

eVigilant provides cost-effective IT and security solutions to its clients. Founded in 1999, eVigilant has helped hundreds of organizations secure their critical infrastructure by designing, engineering, implementing, operating and monitoring electronic security systems. The company has been recognized as one of the fastest growing “Inc. 500” list of companies in America and has experienced 200% growth over the last 3 years.

CSS’ cross-disciplinary approach to the cybersecurity of operational systems and IoT devices such as medical devices, transportation systems and industrial controls for both commercial and public institutions helps limit undue exposure. By integrating network-enabled physical security systems, such as access control, ID management, video surveillance, motion detection, with cybersecurity such as network protection, intrusion detection, malware prevention, information assurance, CSS clients will gain increased infrastructure protection and risk mitigation across multiple types of threats.

“As the security threats to both physical systems and IT networks increases due to IoT, a converged security approach that integrates both disciplines is required,” said Bob Friedenberg, CEO of CSS. “Building on our solid technical solutions and experience delivering ROI and compliance-driven business value, CSS will deliver a highly innovative managed services model to help the C-Suite understand and quantify their risks.”

Led by Dr. Bob Friedenberg as newly appointed CEO, the CSS executive team ­– including Evolver CEO Bill Sabo as the new president and COO and eVigilant CEO Gunvir Baveja as the new executive vice president of strategic sales – brings an extensive background and depth of expertise in cyber and physical security for public and commercial sectors alike. The company’s board of directors will include John J. Regazzi, former CEO of Elvesier Inc. as executive chairman of the board, and Mike O’Kane, founder and chairman of Evolver serving as vice chairman.

“We have been committed to converged security as the right solution for our customers for several years. There is tremendous synergy between the two organizations, and we have already been teaming to offer our combined services. Now that Evolver and eVigilant have come together, we will be a transformative force in the market,” said Gunvir Baveja, executive vice president of strategic sales at CSS.