CISO Tribune

Vendor comparison · 2 companies

Coalfire vs GuidePoint Security

Coalfire sells advisory, audit and assessment services. GuidePoint Security sells cybersecurity services that include security program reviews, vulnerability management and penetration testing, and Privileged Access Management as a Service. CISO Tribune files both under Security consulting and advisory and Penetration testing and red team services. This page sets the two records side by side: what each sells, where it is based, who owns and funds it, the customers it names and its recent news, each fact numbered to its source.

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  • Coalfire
  • GuidePoint Security
Coalfire vs GuidePoint Security: Products, Customers and Funding Compared
CoalfireCoalfire sells advisory, audit and assessment services.coalfire.comGuidePoint SecurityGuidePoint Security sells cybersecurity services that include security program reviews, vulnerability management and penetration testing, and Privileged Access Management as a Service.guidepointsecurity.com
What it sells
  • Compliance Essentials[3]A SaaS platform that enterprises use to manage complex compliance programs and audit cycles.
  • Hexeon[3]A platform combining high-frequency offensive pen testing with strategic defensive risk management.
  • DivisionHex[3]A team of offensive, defensive and managed cybersecurity experts.
  • Advisory, Audit, and Assessment services[3]Services that cover the professional services layer of Coalfire.
  • AI Security and Trust Engineering[4]Services that help companies design, build and operate AI systems that meet compliance targets.
  • Application Security as a Service[4][14]Application Security as a Service scales up or down based on a customer's requirements for application security.
  • Privileged Access Management as a Service[11]GuidePoint Security offers Privileged Access Management as a Service to enforce least privilege over user accounts, systems and endpoints.
  • Vulnerability Management (VM) and Penetration Testing (Pen Testing)GuidePoint Security services that help organizations identify, prioritize and remediate security gaps.
  • Security Program Review[10]A GuidePoint Security Program Review evaluates and measures an organization's security program maturity.
  • Zero Trust Workshops[16]GuidePoint Security offers consulting workshops to guide organizations on their journey to Zero Trust adoption.
  • OT Security Services[4]GuidePoint OT Security Services include assessments, program development and managed services for critical infrastructure.
  • Staff Augmentation Services[15]GuidePoint Security provides Staff Augmentation services across a wide range of disciplines and products.
Categories
Headquarters
Chicago, United States[2]Reston, United States[2]
Founded
Not stated on its pages2011[2][4]
Ownership and funding
Not stated on its pagesPrivately held[3][7]
Named customers
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Recent news
Not stated on its pages
  • September 15, 2026GuidePoint Security expanded its Identity and Access Management practice with three new service offerings.[6]
  • July 7, 2026GuidePoint Security appointed Scott Rachford as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, succeeding founder Michael Volk, who becomes Executive Chairman.[5]
G2 and Gartner Peer Insights
  • G2: listed, seen November 10, 2026[7]
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
  • G2: listed, seen November 10, 2026[7]
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
Who it fits
Coalfire states that it helps boards and C-level executives identify their critical assets, potential vulnerabilities and which risks to address. Coalfire offers responsible AI governance for healthcare and regulated organizations. Coalfire provides independent audit support for CMS-regulated entities. Coalfire's AI Security and Trust Engineering services are aimed at companies that design, build and operate AI systems.GuidePoint Security network infrastructure services cover both enterprise and government IT environments. GuidePoint Security supports cloud-based SaaS or IaaS, on-premise and hybrid architectures based on customer needs. GuidePoint Security staff augmentation is for organizations that want to increase staffing capabilities for a set amount of time.
Last verified
November 2, 2026September 27, 2026

Where they overlap

  • Security consulting and advisory is the primary category of both Coalfire and GuidePoint Security; both are also filed under Penetration testing and red team services.
  • Both are headquartered in the United States.

Where they differ, field by field

  • Coalfire is also filed under Compliance automation and MDR and managed SOC. GuidePoint Security is also filed under Managed security service providers.
  • Coalfire lists Compliance Essentials, Hexeon, DivisionHex, Advisory, Audit, and Assessment services and AI Security and Trust Engineering. GuidePoint Security lists Application Security as a Service, Privileged Access Management as a Service, Vulnerability Management (VM) and Penetration Testing (Pen Testing), Security Program Review, Zero Trust Workshops and 2 more.
  • Coalfire is headquartered in Chicago, United States. GuidePoint Security is headquartered in Reston, United States.
  • GuidePoint Security was founded in 2011.
  • GuidePoint Security is privately held.

How they differ

CISO Tribune files Coalfire under Security consulting and advisory, Penetration testing and red team services, Compliance automation, and MDR and managed SOC, with Security consulting and advisory as its primary category. CISO Tribune files GuidePoint Security under Security consulting and advisory, Managed security service providers, and Penetration testing and red team services, also with Security consulting and advisory as its primary category. Coalfire is headquartered in Chicago, United States, while GuidePoint Security is headquartered in Reston, United States. GuidePoint Security was founded in 2011 and is privately held.

Coalfire sells Compliance Essentials, a SaaS platform for managing compliance programs and audit cycles, and Hexeon, which combines high-frequency offensive pen testing with defensive risk management. Coalfire also sells AI Security and Trust Engineering, which helps companies design, build and operate AI systems that meet compliance targets. Its advisory work covers GRC, healthcare risk and FedRAMP, and it provides independent audit support for CMS-regulated entities. GuidePoint Security sells services such as Application Security as a Service, Privileged Access Management as a Service, and Zero Trust Workshops. It also sells Security Program Review, which uses maturity definitions based on CMMI and Cobit, and OT Security Services for critical infrastructure. Both companies offer vCISO services and penetration testing.

GuidePoint Security says its customers span small and mid-sized businesses, global enterprises and government agencies. On September 15, 2026, GuidePoint Security expanded its Identity and Access Management practice with three new service offerings. On July 7, 2026, it appointed Scott Rachford as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding founder Michael Volk, who becomes Executive Chairman. Coalfire released a SOC2 Type 2 report covering the examination period of 3/1/2025 to 2/28/2026.

What it sells: Coalfire

What Compliance Essentials does[3]
Compliance Essentials supports coordinated assessments for over 75 frameworks using Coalfire's proprietary controls mapping. Data is provided to Compliance Essentials by the organization's assessment users. Compliance Essentials carries the certifications ISO 27001:2022, ISO 27701 and SOC 2 Type 2.
What Hexeon does[3]
The Hexeon platform combines high-frequency offensive pen testing with strategic defensive risk management. Hexeon uses data collected by Coalfire offensive security teams, such as penetration testing findings, vulnerability data and other data concerning technical risk.
What Advisory, Audit, and Assessment services does[3]
Coalfire's Advisory, Audit, and Assessment services cover the professional services layer of the company. Coalfire's Advisory expertise specializes in GRC, AI cloud engineering, healthcare risk and FedRAMP. Coalfire assesses, simplifies and provides guidance across PCI DSS, HITRUST, ISO, FedRAMP and 85+ frameworks.
What AI Security and Trust Engineering does[4]
Coalfire's AI Security and Trust Engineering services help companies design, build and operate AI systems that meet compliance targets. The services deploy AI agents to enhance security and compliance operations. Coalfire has a framework to secure AI systems end-to-end for compliance and risk mitigation.

What it sells: GuidePoint Security

What Application Security as a Service does[4][14]
Application Security as a Service from GuidePoint Security scales up or down based on a customer's requirements for application security. AppSec as a Service supports a wide range of application security tools. GuidePoint Security can manage an application security tool environment end to end when it is on-prem or in the customer's own cloud environment.
What Privileged Access Management as a Service does[11]
GuidePoint Security offers Privileged Access Management as a Service to enforce least privilege over each user account, system and endpoint in an IT ecosystem. GuidePoint Security supports cloud-based SaaS or IaaS, on-premise and hybrid architectures based on customer needs.
What Vulnerability Management (VM) and Penetration Testing (Pen Testing) does
GuidePoint Vulnerability Management and Penetration Testing services help organizations identify, prioritize and remediate security gaps. GuidePoint Security provides the people, processes and technologies to fully or partially administer vulnerability management programs.
What Security Program Review does[10]
A GuidePoint Security Program Review evaluates and measures an organization's security program maturity. GuidePoint Security uses standards-based maturity definitions based on CMMI and Cobit. GuidePoint Security offers several levels of security program reviews, right-sized to an organization's requirements. The security program report from GuidePoint Security documents a set of recommendations and corresponding resource estimates.
What Zero Trust Workshops does[16]
GuidePoint Security consultants lead Zero Trust Workshops that develop and align use cases to a customer's environment and maturity. GuidePoint Security offers consulting workshops to guide organizations on their journey to Zero Trust adoption.
What OT Security Services does[4]
GuidePoint OT Security Services include assessments, program development and managed services for critical infrastructure. GuidePoint Security helps organizations bridge IT/OT convergence.
What Staff Augmentation Services does[15]
GuidePoint Security provides Staff Augmentation services across a wide range of disciplines and products. GuidePoint Security analysts can support a SOC or Cyber Fusion center with Cyber Hunt, threat intelligence, digital forensics, incident response and analysis of log data.

Questions about Coalfire and GuidePoint Security

What do Coalfire and GuidePoint Security sell?
Coalfire sells Compliance Essentials, Hexeon, DivisionHex, Advisory, Audit, and Assessment services and AI Security and Trust Engineering. GuidePoint Security sells Application Security as a Service, Privileged Access Management as a Service, Vulnerability Management (VM) and Penetration Testing (Pen Testing), Security Program Review, Zero Trust Workshops and 2 more.
Are Coalfire and GuidePoint Security in the same category?
Yes. Security consulting and advisory is the primary category of both on CISO Tribune.
Where are Coalfire and GuidePoint Security headquartered?
Coalfire is headquartered in Chicago, United States. GuidePoint Security is headquartered in Reston, United States.
When were Coalfire and GuidePoint Security founded?
GuidePoint Security was founded in 2011.
Who owns Coalfire and GuidePoint Security?
GuidePoint Security is privately held.
Who are Coalfire and GuidePoint Security sold to?
Coalfire states that it helps boards and C-level executives identify their critical assets, potential vulnerabilities and which risks to address. GuidePoint Security network infrastructure services cover both enterprise and government IT environments.
What have Coalfire and GuidePoint Security announced recently?
September 15, 2026: GuidePoint Security expanded its Identity and Access Management practice with three new service offerings.

About Coalfire

Coalfire sells advisory, audit and assessment services.[1][3]

Coalfire's Advisory, Audit, and Assessment services cover the professional services layer of the company. Coalfire's Advisory expertise specializes in GRC, AI cloud engineering, healthcare risk and FedRAMP. Coalfire assesses, simplifies and provides guidance across PCI DSS, HITRUST, ISO, FedRAMP and 85+ frameworks.[3]

Compliance Essentials supports coordinated assessments for over 75 frameworks using Coalfire's proprietary controls mapping. Data is provided to Compliance Essentials by the organization's assessment users. Compliance Essentials carries the certifications ISO 27001:2022, ISO 27701 and SOC 2 Type 2.[3]

The Hexeon platform combines high-frequency offensive pen testing with strategic defensive risk management. Hexeon uses data collected by Coalfire offensive security teams, such as penetration testing findings, vulnerability data and other data concerning technical risk.[3]

Coalfire's AI Security and Trust Engineering services help companies design, build and operate AI systems that meet compliance targets. Coalfire's AI Security and Trust Engineering services deploy AI agents to enhance security and compliance operations. Coalfire has a framework to secure AI systems end-to-end for compliance and risk mitigation. Coalfire's Secure Agent Construct maps to AWS services to implement proper isolation, permissions, and feedback loops.[1][4]

For healthcare and federal programs, Coalfire offers end-to-end advisory for entities within the CMS environment, including readiness assessments and System Security and Privacy Plan development. Coalfire provides independent audit support for CMS-regulated entities, helping organizations demonstrate compliance with ARC-AMPE-AE and related federal security and privacy requirements. Coalfire conducts Privacy Impact Analyses for CMS entities and their contractors. Coalfire delivers automated and manual accessibility testing that meets federal standards. Coalfire provides HITRUST support across the full lifecycle, including gap assessments, policy development, remediation guidance, interim assessments and recertification. Coalfire delivers a workshop-based vendor risk program design built on three pillars: vendor criticality categorization, policy and procedure enhancement, and an SCRM tabletop exercise.[5]

Coalfire offers a unified approach to AI compliance across HITRUST and ISO 42001. The unified AI compliance offering combines readiness assessments, documentation development, remediation support, coordinated assessments, and continuous AI compliance monitoring. Coalfire provides responsible AI governance for healthcare and regulated organizations. Coalfire vCISO services provide program oversight, roadmap development, executive and board reporting, risk leadership, and incident readiness support. Coalfire advisors lead executive tabletop exercises, conduct business impact analysis, and build downtime continuity plans. Coalfire training offerings include incident response training, compliance and privacy training, and executive and board tabletop exercises.[5]

Coalfire helps boards and C-level executives identify their critical assets, potential vulnerabilities, and what risks to address based on business objectives. Dr. Adrian Mayers, Global CISO at Premera, is a Coalfire client. Coalfire released a SOC2 Type 2 report covering the examination period of 3/1/2025 to 2/28/2026. The Coalfire Cybersecurity team and DivHex are finalizing certification to the CyberEssentials Plus standards.[1][3][5][6]

Coalfire on the record

Sources

Coalfire full record

  1. [1]coalfire.comCoalfire · coalfire.com · undated page, accessed November 2, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Coalfires managed and transformation services will deliver security at scaleCoalfire · coalfire.com · published August 4, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]Coalfire Trust Center | Powered by ConveyorCoalfire · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]Coalfire AI Security and Trust Engineering™ | CoalfireCoalfire · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]Healthcare Advisory Services | CoalfireCoalfire · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]Cybersecurity and Compliance Services | CoalfireCoalfire · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]Coalfire Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & FeaturesG2 · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier C

GuidePoint Security full record

  1. [1]guidepointsecurity.comGuidePoint Security · guidepointsecurity.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Guidepoint security opens new global headquarters amid continued growthGuidePoint Security · guidepointsecurity.com · published June 3, 2025 · Tier A
  3. [3]Guidepoint security attracts new round of growth capitalGuidePoint Security · guidepointsecurity.com · published October 10, 2023 · Tier A
  4. [4]Cybersecurity Consulting Services | GuidePoint SecurityGuidePoint Security · undated page, accessed October 25, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]GuidePoint Security Appoints Scott Rachford as Chief Executive OfficerBusiness Wire · published July 7, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]GuidePoint Security Expands Identity and Access Management Practice With Three New Service OfferingsBusiness Wire · published September 15, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]GuidePoint Security LLC Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2G2 · undated page, accessed October 25, 2026 · Tier C
  8. [8]Cloud Security Assessments | GuidePoint SecurityGuidePoint Security · undated page, accessed November 3, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]Cybersecurity Services | GuidePoint SecurityGuidePoint Security · undated page, accessed November 3, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]Security Program Review and Strategy | GuidePoint SecurityGuidePoint Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]Privileged Access Management (PAM) as a Service | GuidePoint SecurityGuidePoint Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]5 Phases of AWS Cloud Security | GuidePoint SecurityGuidePoint Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Enterprise Cybersecurity MSSP Provider | GuidePoint SecurityGuidePoint Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  14. [14]Application Security as a Service | GuidePoint SecurityGuidePoint Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  15. [15]Cybersecurity Staff Augmentation | GuidePoint SecurityGuidePoint Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  16. [16]Zero Trust Workshops & Consulting Services (IAM) | GuidePoint SecurityGuidePoint Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  17. [17]Advanced Network Security Technologies | GuidePoint SecurityGuidePoint Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A

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