DNSFilter’s New CRO Signals a Strategic Shift in the Cyber Arms Race

WASHINGTON, DC – December 02, 2025 – In the world of cybersecurity, executive appointments are rarely just about a new name on the letterhead. They are signals—strategic moves on a global chessboard. DNSFilter’s announcement that it has hired Rich Scott as its new Chief Revenue Officer is precisely such a move, a deliberate play that speaks volumes about the company’s ambitions and the shifting dynamics of digital defense.

On the surface, the news is straightforward: a growing cybersecurity firm, buoyed by a year of significant momentum, brings in a seasoned executive with over 19 years of experience to scale its revenue engine. But looking beyond the press release reveals a deeper narrative. This isn't just about selling more software; it's about arming organizations for a new kind of war, one increasingly waged with artificial intelligence, and positioning DNSFilter to lead the charge.

The New Front Line: DNS as a Bulwark Against AI Threats

The context for this strategic hire is a threat landscape that is evolving at an alarming pace. Cyberattacks are no longer just the domain of human hackers. AI is now a force multiplier for malicious actors, enabling them to generate sophisticated, hyper-personalized phishing campaigns and adaptive malware at an unprecedented scale. Research indicates that AI is already implicated in over 80% of phishing attempts, and global AI-driven cyberattacks are projected to surge by over 70% in the coming year.

This is where the significance of DNSFilter’s technology comes into sharp focus. The Domain Name System (DNS) is the internet’s phonebook, translating human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. Because nearly every internet connection begins with a DNS query, it represents a critical, early chokepoint. Protective DNS services like DNSFilter’s operate on this front line, inspecting requests before a connection to a potentially malicious site is ever established.

By leveraging its own AI models, the company claims to identify and block threats—including zero-day attacks—an average of seven days earlier than competitors. In a world where AI can generate new malicious domains in seconds, this predictive, real-time blocking capability is not just a feature; it is a fundamental necessity. It’s a proactive defense in a field that has long been reactive. The company's platform is already processing over 130 billion queries daily, a 53% increase since last year, demonstrating the sheer scale of this digital battlefield.

Capitalizing on Momentum: A Calculated Play for Scale

DNSFilter’s decision to bring in a CRO of Scott’s caliber is a clear signal that the company is shifting from a phase of rapid growth to one of strategic global scaling. The firm’s recent performance provides a powerful foundation for this move. In the past year alone, DNSFilter has increased its revenue by over 40%, grown its Managed Service Provider (MSP) business by 10%, and expanded its customer base to over 43,000 organizations worldwide. This momentum, backed by a $15 million Series A extension in 2023, has created a critical window of opportunity.

As CEO Ken Carnesi stated, “What Rich brings to DNSFilter is what we need right now: a customer-focused mindset, strong operational discipline, and a proven ability to build and scale revenue engines.” Scott’s track record, with CRO roles at cybersecurity firms like Critical Start and Xcitium, is rooted in building high-performing revenue organizations and expanding channel ecosystems—precisely the skills needed to convert market demand into market share.

His mandate is clear: lead all revenue-generating functions—sales, channel, and marketing—to accelerate global expansion. This is particularly vital in the protective DNS market, which is projected to more than double in value to over $2.5 billion by 2034. Scott’s expertise in fostering partner-led growth will be instrumental in capturing a significant piece of that expanding pie, especially given that DNSFilter’s channel-driven recurring revenue already grew by 40% in the last year.

Navigating a Crowded and Competitive Battlefield

DNSFilter does not operate in a vacuum. The protective DNS space is a competitive arena, dominated by giants like Cisco Umbrella, which holds a significant portion of the infrastructure security market, and Palo Alto Networks, which leverages its own formidable AI-powered security platform. These incumbents have deep market penetration and extensive resources.

This is where Scott’s appointment becomes a crucial competitive differentiator. While DNSFilter has built its reputation on technological prowess and AI-driven threat intelligence, the next stage of its evolution hinges on execution and market reach. By strengthening its channel strategy, the company can effectively deputize thousands of MSPs and resellers globally, extending its reach far beyond what a direct sales force could achieve alone.

Rich Scott's arrival is an explicit acknowledgment that technological superiority must be paired with a world-class go-to-market engine. His focus on partner engagement and global expansion is designed to outmaneuver larger, perhaps less agile, competitors by building a distributed and deeply embedded sales ecosystem. It’s a strategy that aims to make DNSFilter’s advanced protection accessible and easy to deploy for organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.

Ultimately, this hire is about more than just revenue. It’s a declaration of intent. As Scott himself noted, he was drawn to a place where “meaningful cybersecurity innovation is happening.” By bringing him on board, DNSFilter is making a calculated bet that his strategic leadership can translate that innovation into market leadership, solidifying its role not just as a technology provider, but as a fundamental pillar in the architecture of modern web security.