As the digital age continues to evolve, so does the sophistication of cyberattacks, leaving organizations grappling with the need for robust security strategies. Recognizing this escalating threat, John Stigerwalt founded White Knight Labs (WKL) in 2016 with a singular mission: to proactively secure businesses by leveraging offensive cybersecurity. Over the years, White Knight Labs has grown into a pioneering consultancy, championing innovation, continuous learning, and collaboration to fortify enterprises against cyber adversaries.
“My dedication, combined with a passion for protecting businesses, led me to establish White Knight Labs and drive its success,” says John Stigerwalt, Co-Founder and CEO of White Knight Labs.
Mission with a Vision
For John, cybersecurity is more than a profession—it is a personal mission. White Knight Labs was born from his deep-rooted passion for countering digital threats and his determination to establish new benchmarks in offensive security. Founding the company allowed him to transform that passion into a mission-driven enterprise, bringing together a team of experts dedicated to safeguarding businesses and strengthening digital security.
White Knight Labs focuses on delivering state-of-the-art offensive security services that empower organizations to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. From penetration testing to advanced attack simulations, the company’s comprehensive service offerings reflect its commitment to excellence and innovation.
The Faces Behind White Knight Labs
At the helm of White Knight Labs is John Stigerwalt, a cybersecurity veteran with more than a decade of hands-on experience. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of roles, including Blue Team Lead, Senior Penetration Tester, Developer, and Red Team Lead. His professional journey includes leading red team engagements for Fortune 500 organizations and collaborating with Microsoft to strengthen Windows 10 kernel security.
Certified in OSCP, OSCE, and CRTE, John has also made significant contributions to the cybersecurity community through training sessions at renowned conferences such as Black Hat and DerbyCon. These experiences inspired him to establish White Knight Labs as a platform for delivering advanced cybersecurity solutions while fostering knowledge sharing across the industry.
Supporting John’s vision is Greg Hatcher, Co-Founder of White Knight Labs. With a background in Army Special Operations and experience teaching at the NSA, Greg brings extensive expertise in full-scope offensive cyber operations. Having led more than 200 penetration tests across diverse technologies and environments, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening WKL’s reputation as a trusted cybersecurity partner.
White Knight Labs at a Glance
White Knight Labs is a cybersecurity consultancy specializing in offensive security engagements. Built on the belief that a strategic offense creates a stronger defense, the company helps organizations strengthen their resilience against sophisticated cyber threats. At the heart of its operations is a commitment to delivering tailored security solutions that address the unique requirements of every client.
“We offer tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring comprehensive coverage and protection,” says John.
The company’s expertise in adversary emulation, coupled with its team of highly experienced engineers, positions it as a leader in an increasingly competitive cybersecurity landscape. By focusing on realistic attack scenarios and proactive security strategies, WKL enables organizations to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
Combating Industry Challenges
As the cybersecurity industry continues to evolve, companies face numerous challenges, from maintaining service quality during periods of growth to staying ahead of rapidly changing threat landscapes. White Knight Labs has consistently embraced these challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement.
“Educating clients on the importance of cybersecurity, adapting to the fast-paced changes in the field, and managing internal growth have all been hurdles, but each has taught valuable lessons that have helped strengthen White Knight Labs,” John reflects.
Through continuous adaptation and a commitment to excellence, WKL has refined its ability to deliver proactive and customized solutions that address both current and emerging security concerns.
The Service Platter
White Knight Labs offers a broad spectrum of offensive security services, with penetration testing serving as the foundation of its practice. The company conducts extensive manual assessments across networks, cloud environments, mobile applications, APIs, and web applications to provide comprehensive visibility into an organization’s security posture.
Its capabilities extend beyond penetration testing to include sophisticated attack simulations such as social engineering assessments, ransomware exercises, and insider threat evaluations. The company also supports organizations through phishing engagements, incident response planning, security advisory services, and industry-specific assessments tailored to unique regulatory and operational requirements.
In addition to consulting services, White Knight Labs is deeply invested in education and professional development. Through specialized programs such as Advanced Red Team Operations and Offensive Azure Operations & Tactics, the company equips security professionals with practical skills needed to navigate modern threat environments.
“We adhere to a 20/80 testing standard, where 20% of the process is automated, and 80% is manual, guaranteeing comprehensive coverage. Our engineers also utilize a bespoke internal playbook, crafted from years of hands-on testing experience,” explains John.
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
In a highly competitive cybersecurity marketplace, White Knight Labs distinguishes itself through its unwavering focus on expertise and quality. The company exclusively hires Senior and Principal Engineers with proven industry experience, ensuring that every engagement is led by professionals who possess deep technical knowledge and real-world insight.
John’s strategic approach to red teaming, centered on replicating realistic attack scenarios, provides clients with actionable intelligence that helps strengthen their defenses and improve overall security readiness.
“The exclusive hiring of senior and principal engineers, who have proven themselves in the field, ensures that clients receive top-tier testing services. This specialization and focus on excellence set White Knight Labs apart from the competition,” John highlights.
Sailing Through Change
The shift toward remote work during the pandemic introduced a host of new security challenges for organizations worldwide. White Knight Labs responded by adapting its methodologies and service offerings to address these emerging risks without disrupting client operations.
Whether helping healthcare organizations safeguard sensitive patient information under HIPAA requirements or assisting financial institutions in maintaining PCI-DSS compliance, WKL continues to tailor its approach to meet the unique demands of each sector.
“At White Knight Labs, we embrace this dynamic environment. We constantly develop new strategies to address the ever-changing challenges faced by our clients,” John emphasizes.
Marketing Expertise
To strengthen its presence within the cybersecurity industry, White Knight Labs adopts a strategic, content-driven marketing approach. Through technical blogs, LinkedIn thought leadership, and educational content, the company consistently demonstrates its expertise while providing valuable insights to organizations seeking to enhance their security posture.
This approach not only builds trust among prospective clients but also reinforces WKL’s standing as a respected authority in offensive cybersecurity and professional training.
Fostering Innovation
Innovation remains at the core of White Knight Labs’ culture and operations. By continuously exploring emerging technologies, methodologies, and attack techniques, the company remains ahead of evolving cyber threats. Engineers are encouraged to expand their expertise through cross-functional learning opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous growth and collaboration.
The company’s proprietary testing methodologies and emphasis on adversarial emulation ensure that clients receive solutions designed not only to address present-day challenges but also to anticipate future risks.
Unlocking a Prosperous Future
Looking ahead, White Knight Labs remains focused on expanding its capabilities and creating new opportunities for both clients and cybersecurity professionals. The company is actively developing enhanced red teaming and covert operations services that will provide deeper insights into organizational security postures. At the same time, WKL is creating certification programs aimed at helping aspiring penetration testers build successful careers in offensive security.
“We are excited about expanding our service offerings to include red teaming and covert operations, which will provide deeper insights into our clients’ security posture. These initiatives, along with our ongoing commitment to excellence, position White Knight Labs to remain at the forefront of the cybersecurity industry,” concludes John.
Pull Quote
“We adhere to a 20/80 testing standard, where 20% of the process is automated, and 80% is manual, guaranteeing comprehensive coverage.”
About White Knight Labs
White Knight Labs (WKL) is a leading cybersecurity consultancy specializing in offensive security engagements. Founded in 2016 by John Stigerwalt and Greg Hatcher, the company combines innovation, experience, and strategic thinking to deliver advanced cybersecurity solutions. With a focus on penetration testing, red teaming, adversary emulation, and professional training, White Knight Labs empowers organizations to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and secure their most valuable digital assets.