Challenge
Navigating Security, Compliance & Client Expectations
As MGID expanded into regulated industries like banking and automotive, and engaged with enterprise clients with strict security expectations, it faced several key challenges:
Increasing Regulatory Compliance Burden
Although MGID followed security best practices, the company lacked a structured and unified cybersecurity framework that could streamline risk management, compliance, and proactive threat detection.
High Client Security Expectations
Although MGID followed security best practices, the company lacked a structured and unified cybersecurity framework that could streamline risk management, compliance, and proactive threat detection.
Growing Cybersecurity Threats
Although MGID followed security best practices, the company lacked a structured and unified cybersecurity framework that could streamline risk management, compliance, and proactive threat detection.
Unstructured Security Framework
Although MGID followed security best practices, the company lacked a structured and unified cybersecurity framework that could streamline risk management, compliance, and proactive threat detection.
MGID needed a comprehensive security approach that could address these challenges, secure client trust, and strengthen its defenses against potential attacks.
About the client
As a global leader in native advertising, MGID operates on a massive scale, reaching 900 million unique users monthly and delivering 200 billion ad impressions across 25,000 trusted publishers. Handling vast amounts of user data, MGID must maintain the highest security standards to protect sensitive information, ensure compliance, and meet growing regulatory and client security expectations.
In the fast-evolving AdTech industry, MGID recognized the importance of strengthening its security framework to mitigate risks, enhance trust with enterprise clients, and ensure compliance with key regulatory requirements. The company embarked on a structured cybersecurity journey, partnering with Sekurno to achieve three critical security milestones:
ISO 27001 Certification
Establishing a structured and risk-based approach to information security management.
GDPR Compliance
Aligning data privacy practices with European regulations and ensuring transparency in handling user data.
Comprehensive Penetration Testing (Pentesting)
Proactively identifying vulnerabilities and reinforcing the platform’s defenses against cyber threats.
Through these initiatives, MGID has reinforced its reputation as a privacy-first, security-conscious platform, ensuring the safety of its users, advertisers, and publishers.
Our Solution
A Holistic cybersecurity strategy with sekurno
01
Achieving ISO 27001 certification: security beyond compliance
To establish a formalized security posture, MGID worked with Sekurno to achieve ISO 27001 certification—an internationally recognized standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).
Key steps taken
Gap Analysis & Risk Assessment
dentified existing security weaknesses and mapped out risks based on MGID’s operational landscape
Policy & Process Development
Created and implemented key security policies, including access control, encryption, vulnerability management, and incident response
Technical Controls Integration
Implemented SIEM solutions, malware protection, and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) systems to enhance security monitoring
Employee Training
Conducted company-wide security awareness programs to ensure adherence to ISO 27001 standards
Internal & External Audits
Performed rigorous security assessments leading up to a successful certification audit, validating MGID’s commitment to security best practices
Results
Enhanced Business Trust & Growth
Enterprise clients gained confidence in MGID’s security standards, leading to new business opportunities
Regulatory Alignment
Achieved compliance with GDPR’s Article 32 on data security and risk mitigation
Operational Efficiency
Standardized security processes, reducing the burden of completing security questionnaires for prospective clients
02
Achieving GDPR compliance:
building a strong data protection framework
With increasing user privacy concerns and strict data protection laws, MGID needed a GDPR-compliant approach to data governance. Sekurno guided MGID through a structured data protection transformation, ensuring compliance with European regulations
Key steps taken
Data Flow
Mapping
Analyzed MGID’s data processing activities to identify risks and ensure lawful processing under GDPR principles
Policy & Process Development
Revised privacy notices and implemented user-friendly consent management systems to provide transparency
Vendor & Third-Party Assessments
Established GDPR-compliant Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) with external partners to ensure accountability
Data Breach Response Plan
Developed a 72-hour breach notification framework, ensuring MGID could respond swiftly to potential incidents
Employee Awareness Training
Trained teams on data subject rights, compliance obligations, and best practices for handling user data securely
Results
Zero Non-Conformities in Big4 GDPR Audit
An external audit confirmed MGID’s full GDPR compliance, validating its data protection efforts
Strengthened Client Trust
Compliance with GDPR allowed MGID to seamlessly engage with enterprise clients who prioritize privacy
Operational Efficiency
Streamlined EU-US data transfers and reduced the administrative burden of vendor assessments
03
Strengthening security with penetration testing:
a proactive approach
MGID partnered with Sekurno to conduct rigorous penetration testing to identify and eliminate critical security vulnerabilities before they could be exploited.
Key steps taken
Threat Modeling & Risk Analysis
Identified high-risk attack vectors specific to MGID’s infrastructure
White-Box Penetration Testing
Conducted manual and automated security tests using industry-standard frameworks like OWASP and PTES
Comprehensive Reporting & Fixes
Delivered detailed vulnerability reports, along with targeted remediation strategies for MGID’s development teams
Security Attestation for Clients
Provided an Attestation Letter verifying MGID’s robust security posture, helping ease client concerns
Results
Zero Critical Vulnerabilities in Production
Ensured no high-risk security issues were present after remediation efforts
Improved Security Reputation
Enhanced MGID’s position as a secure, privacy-first platform, strengthening its standing with advertisers and publishers
Ongoing Bug Bounty Program
Established a continuous vulnerability detection strategy to proactively monitor security risks
Conclusion
A Future-Proof Security Strategy for MGID
Through its partnership with Sekurno, MGID has established itself as a trusted leader in secure, privacy-focused digital advertising, ensuring long-term success in an ever-evolving security landscape.
By integrating ISO 27001 compliance, GDPR alignment, and rigorous penetration testing, MGID has successfully built a resilient cybersecurity foundation that enables it to:
Secure new business opportunities by demonstrating compliance and security excellence
Mitigate cybersecurity risks through proactive penetration testing and continuous monitoring
Strengthen regulatory alignment with GDPR and other industry frameworks
Enhance operational efficiency by streamlining security processes and reducing compliance burdens