HOPZERO

HOPZERO is a network security company founded in 2017 and headquartered in Austin, TX. The company has developed a patented approach to data security called DataTravel™, which operates at the TCP/IP network layer by controlling how far data packets can travel across a network. The core mechanism behind DataTravel™ involves manipulating the hop count or TTL (Time to Live) values on packets originating from critical servers. By imposing a configurable travel distance limit — referred to as a "Sphere of Trust" — HOPZERO ensures that data packets are automatically discarded if they travel beyond a defined perimeter. This approach is designed to prevent data exfiltration even when other security controls have been bypassed or have failed. HOPZERO's product portfolio includes three primary capabilities: Data Exfiltration Protection, which prevents sensitive server data from leaving the data center; Visibility, which monitors network traffic and generates alerts when exfiltration attempts are detected; and Smart Packet Logging, which provides forensic logging with minimal storage overhead. The company targets both enterprise customers and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), offering solutions for in-house deployment or integration into client-facing managed services. HOPZERO positions its technology as complementary to existing security tools such as firewalls, IDS/IPS, antivirus, and IAM systems rather than as a replacement. The technology is described as industry- and technology-agnostic, meaning it is not tied to specific infrastructure or vendor ecosystems. HOPZERO has received recognition from publications including Enterprise Security Magazine (Top 10 Vulnerability Management Solution Providers, 2020) and CIO Applications (Top 25 Cybersecurity Companies, 2020).