Expert Insights FAQs

Last updated on Apr 3, 2025

Who are Expert Insights?

Expert Insights analyzes cybersecurity solutions to deliver clear, actionable shortlists. We specialize in cybersecurity. So, our focus is sharper, our knowledge is deeper, and our insights are better. Our advice is completely impartial.

Expert Insights was founded in 2018 by Craig MacAlpine. Prior to Expert Insights, Craig founded EPA Cloud, which was acquired by J2 Global, NASDAQ: JCOM in 2013.

How does Expert Insights make money?

Our revenue comes from advertising partnerships with cybersecurity vendors. We allow select, qualifying vendors to sponsor shortlists in order to connect with customers.

Expert Insights is a privately owned company led by founder and CEO Craig MacAlpine. Our analyst team and business unit are run independently in order to ensure integrity.

Important note: We maintain a robust onboarding process for all new advertisers to ensure they offer effective, secure and credible solutions. We will never allow a low-quality solution to be advertised on our site.

What are Expert Insights Awards?

Our award scheme recognizes leading cybersecurity software vendors across several categories. Awards are chosen based on internal criteria chosen by the Expert Insights team.

At this moment we do not accept nominations for awards, all winners are chosen solely by the Expert Insights team. Our awards scheme is independent and not pay-for-play.

What are Expert Insights Shortlists?

Shortlists are listicles that highlight at least 5 leading vendor solutions in a software category. They are written, edited and published by our internal research and editorial teams.

How does a product/vendor get included in a Shortlist?

Solutions are included in a Shortlist if they meet a set of inclusion criteria created by the Expert Insights team. This criteria covers:

  • Product Quality: Vendors must have a comprehensive feature set that meets the criteria set by a software category’s sub-editor
  • Market Perception: Vendors must be credible, and recognized in the wider market
  • Market Share: Vendors should have a high customer usage, reflected in market share or case studies
  • Product Heritage: Leaders should have a clear product history, challengers must have compelling business use case

Vendors or customers who wish to submit their product for our teams to consider should submit a briefing request here.

How are products ranked in a Shortlist?

We do not rank the products featured in a Shortlist against one another. We do not rank the vendors, as we believe that it is difficult to make a one-size-fits-all judgements in several of the categories we cover. Instead, our team attempts to make the strengths of each solution clear within the listing content.

How often are Shortlists reviewed?

We review Shortlists quarterly. Our most popular Shortlists are updated much more regularly. The date of last update is clearly marked on each Shortlist article.

Do you offer paid reviews?

Yes, we do allow vendors to commission reviews. However, our sales and editorial/research teams are fully independent. Our review scores are completely objective and paid reviews do not influence our editorial outputs.

How can I learn more about advertising with Expert Insights?

If you’d like to advertise with Expert Insights contact our team directly.