Cure53
Security assessments for software that matters.
IvaraX Analysis
Cure53 is a well-established German cybersecurity firm with nearly two decades of experience conducting security assessments for privacy-critical software. Their extensive public report portfolio and work with major VPN providers, password managers, and cryptocurrency projects demonstrates deep expertise in application security and cryptography auditing.
Key Strengths
- +Extensive verifiable track record with hundreds of publicly available penetration test reports
- +Specialized expertise in security-critical domains including VPNs, password managers, and cryptocurrency
- +Strong cryptography assessment capabilities covering protocols, libraries, and implementations
- +Academic credentials and research contributions from team members enhance technical depth
- +Early-stage architectural security advice helps clients build secure systems from the ground up
Ideal For
- →VPN providers and privacy-focused software companies requiring independent security validation
- →Cryptocurrency and blockchain projects needing cryptographic implementation audits
- →Password managers and identity platforms seeking comprehensive security assessments
- →Open-source projects and organizations requiring transparent, publishable security reports
Things to Consider
- !Based in Germany with pricing likely reflecting European market rates for specialized security services
- !Focus on manual testing may result in longer engagement timelines compared to automated scanning services
- !Primary expertise appears concentrated in web, mobile, and cryptographic security rather than broader enterprise IT infrastructure
About Cure53
Cure53 is a Berlin-based cybersecurity firm founded in 2007, specializing in comprehensive security assessments for software applications, infrastructure, and cryptographic systems. Led by Dr.-Ing. Mario Heiderich and a team of highly credentialed security researchers holding advanced degrees, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for organizations requiring rigorous penetration testing and security audits across web applications, mobile apps, VPN services, password managers, and cryptocurrency platforms. The firm distinguishes itself through its commitment to manual, thorough testing methodologies rather than automated scanning approaches. Cure53 offers black-box penetration tests, white-box assessments, and detailed code audits across numerous programming languages including PHP, JavaScript, Java, Python, Ruby, and even less common backends written in C++ and Delphi. Their approach emphasizes close collaboration with development teams, ensuring that critical vulnerabilities are often remediated before the final report is delivered. Cure53 maintains a strong commitment to transparency, publicly releasing hundreds of penetration test reports with client permission. Their client portfolio includes notable names in the security-conscious technology sector such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Mullvad, 1Password, Passbolt, Threema, and MetaMask, demonstrating their expertise in evaluating privacy-critical applications and cryptographic implementations.
Why Choose Cure53
- Proven track record with hundreds of published security audits for major VPN providers, password managers, and cryptocurrency platforms
- Deep expertise in cryptography audits, including evaluation of encryption protocols, key management systems, and cryptographic libraries
- Highly credentialed team featuring multiple PhDs and Masters-level security researchers with academic publications
- Emphasis on manual, thorough testing with direct communication to development teams for rapid vulnerability remediation
- Transparent approach with extensive portfolio of publicly available penetration test reports demonstrating methodology and quality
Services
Security analysis and architectural advicePenetration testingInfrastructure auditsPlatform auditsCryptography auditsCode auditsWeb application security testingMobile application security testing
Technologies
PHPJavaScriptActionScriptJavaRubyPythonPerlC++DelphiTypeScriptRust
Tech Stack(detected from website)
Static HTML websiteNo cookies or trackers (privacy-focused)PGP encryption for communicationsS/MIME support
Notable Clients
ExpressVPNNordVPNMullvad VPN1PasswordPassboltThreemaCoinbaseMetaMaskMozillaProton PassKeePassiumObsidianTunnelbearIVPN
Categories
Company Info
- Headquarters
- Berlin, DE
- Founded
- 2007
- Employees
- 11-50
