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A Gloucestershire business co-founded by a former MoD cyber security boss has formed a new partnership with an Israeli software firm.

Cyber Security Associates (CSA), which is based at Waterwells Business Park in Quedgeley, has a team that includes former government and military specialists who consult companies on how to manage IT threats.

The business has announced an agreement with tech ‘unicorn’ Pentera, to deliver its automated security validation platform to its customers.

CSA said its clients would now benefit from the software, which it said could provide a “complete, accurate and automated” account of their security from the latest potential cyber breaches.

The firm added the tech could reduce organisations’ expenses and reliance on third parties by automatically testing and validating security as often as needed, at a fixed cost.

CSA co-founder and managing director David Woodfine - a former commanding officer of the MoD's Cyber Defence Unit - said the collaboration would “enhance” its stack of cyber solutions.

Mr Woodfine said: “We all know the cyber threat landscape is rapidly changing as malicious actors become bolder, more knowledgeable and better equipped to carry out attacks. Our job, as cyber security solutions providers, is to make sure we spot any vulnerabilities before cyber criminals do, and Pentera will help us continue to deliver on that promise.”

Formerly known as Pcysys, Pentera was co-founded by former head of Israel Defense Forces’ cyber warfare group Arik Liberzon. Earlier this year the company announced the completion of a $150m Series C at a $1bn valuation.