Latest news with #CyberResilienceAct
TECHx
01-08-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Startups Can't Afford to Ignore Cybersecurity: Interview
Home » Startups » Startups Can't Afford to Ignore Cybersecurity: Interview Fresh off an award win at GISEC North Star 2025, TECHx Media spoke with Vivek Chandran, CEO of RISKNOX Private Limited, for an interview featured in the recent June–July 2025 edition of CodeRED. In this conversation, he explains why cybersecurity has become a survival issue for startups. Size and speed no longer guarantee success. As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, even early-stage startups are in the crosshairs. Once dismissed as too small to target, they now face the same threats as global enterprises. To understand what's at stake and what emerging businesses should do, Vivek brings a grounded, tactical view of the evolving threat landscape and how startup leaders can survive and thrive in 2025 and beyond. What are the top cybersecurity threats that startups should be most concerned about in 2025 and the coming years? The cybersecurity threat landscape isn't what it was even five years ago, it's evolving constantly. That's the first thing startups need to understand: it's not a static problem. The tools and tactics used by cybercriminals change every few months, if not weeks. If I had to pick the top three threats right now, AI-enabled cyberattacks would top the list. We're seeing a rise in sophisticated attacks powered by artificial intelligence, from deepfake phishing to automated vulnerability scanning and exploitation. These are faster, more adaptive, and harder to detect than traditional threats. Second, and this may surprise some, is human negligence. It's not a 'threat' in the classic sense, but it's often the root cause of security breaches. You can spend millions on tech, but one employee clicking the wrong link can still bring the system down. Humans remain the weakest link. And third, phishing is still a huge problem. It's old-school, but highly effective. Startups are particularly vulnerable because they often lack the infrastructure to detect and respond to social engineering attacks quickly. Phishing doesn't need to be advanced to be dangerous, it just needs to be convincing. How has the cybersecurity landscape changed over the past five years? What trends should startups keep an eye on? The past five years have been transformational. The biggest disruptor has been AI and, again, it's a double-edged sword. AI is helping us build smarter, more efficient cybersecurity tools that automate detection and response. But on the flip side, attackers are using the same AI to supercharge their campaigns. Another major shift is that every new technology introduces new vulnerabilities. AI, blockchain, IoT they all come with their own security challenges. And often, organizations adopt these technologies faster than they can secure them. Finally, governmental and regulatory forces are playing a bigger role. From GDPR to CCPA and now the Cyber Resilience Act, we're seeing a global trend toward mandatory cybersecurity compliance. This is actually a good thing it forces businesses to maintain at least a minimum viable security posture. Should cybersecurity be a legal responsibility for startups, or is that too ambitious at an early stage? In an ideal world, yes, cybersecurity would be a legal responsibility for every business, regardless of size. But in the real world, especially for startups, it's complicated. Startups often don't have the budget or the team to build a full-fledged cybersecurity framework. As a founder myself, I know how tough it is, cybersecurity can feel like a luxury when you're trying to stay afloat. But that doesn't mean startups are off the hook. What I believe and advocate is a shared responsibility model. Cybersecurity shouldn't be one person's job. Everyone, from founders to interns, should be aware of the basic principles of digital safety. Startups may not be able to do everything, but they can start with the basics: secure passwords, multi-factor authentication, data access control, and regular backups. These don't cost much but can go a long way. How do global data regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and the Cyber Resilience Act shape the way startups operate? They're reshaping the mindset and that's crucial. A few years ago, cybersecurity was often viewed as a luxury. Many smaller companies thought, 'Why would anyone target us?' That thinking no longer holds. These regulations are forcing accountability. They're saying: If you're collecting user data, you're responsible for securing it. No exceptions. And that accountability builds trust not just with regulators, but with customers. What these regulations have done is establish a baseline culture of cybersecurity. Even if a company isn't directly under the purview of something like GDPR, they often adopt the practices anyway to future-proof their operations. This is especially important as startups scale globally. Do you believe governments should impose stricter cybersecurity regulations on startups, or offer more support instead? Support first, regulations later. Imposing strict rules too early can backfire. Startups, already stretched thin, might try to find workarounds just to stay in business. What governments should do instead is invest in capacity-building offer grants, training programs, and subsidized tools. Help small businesses adopt best practices without breaking their budgets. Once there's a baseline maturity in the ecosystem, then phase in stricter compliance rules. This layered or phased approach is more sustainable and more effective in the long run. There's talk of a cybersecurity talent shortage. Is it really that hard to find skilled professionals? There's no shortage of interest but there is a gap between certifications and real-world skills. Many candidates have credentials but lack hands-on experience. Startups, in particular, need practical problem-solvers, not just textbook experts. What we need more of are experiential learning platforms, internships, cyber ranges, environments where people can learn by doing. For founders, my advice is to hire based on potential and adaptability. You might not be able to compete with tech giants on salary, but you can offer learning, autonomy, and purpose, which many securities professionals' values just as much. If you could give one piece of cybersecurity advice to every new founder, what would it be? Don't let lack of budget stop you from doing something. There are tons of free and low-cost resources out there from SANS to OWASP to NIST guidelines. You can absolutely build a minimal, but meaningful, cybersecurity foundation even if you're bootstrapping. Treat cybersecurity like any other critical function, your dev team, your HR, your marketing. It's not optional anymore. Even a basic security hygiene culture can drastically reduce your risk. Do you think cybersecurity will eventually be seen as a fundamental utility, as essential as electricity or water? Without a doubt. We already rely on digital infrastructure for everything, finance, healthcare, transportation, energy. If any of these go down due to a cyberattack, the consequences are devastating. Cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting data. It's about protecting lives and national security. We're also seeing how cyber warfare is becoming a central strategy in geopolitical conflicts. So yes, cybersecurity will and should, become a default layer of modern society. It's the new electricity. Invisible, but absolutely essential. Vivek Chandran's message to founders is clear: cybersecurity is a necessity, not a luxury. Startups may face budgetary and staffing constraints, but that's no excuse for ignoring the risks. From AI-driven threats to phishing scams and regulatory pressures, the cyber battlefield is real, and unforgiving. Fortunately, knowledge is power. And as Vivek points out, the tools to get started are already out there, many of them free. For founders in 2025, the goal isn't perfection, it's proactive protection
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exein secures €70m funding to boost global IoT security
Exein, an Internet of Things (IoT) cybersecurity company based in Rome, has raised €70m ($81.15m) in Series C funding to expand its global footprint and advance its security technologies. The funding round was led by Balderton, with additional participation from Supernova, Lakestar, and existing investors 33N, United Ventures, and Partech. This capital injection will support Exein's expansion into crucial markets such as the US, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. Exein specialises in device-level security by integrating advanced security protocols directly into the software of connected devices. This method leverages edge artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time threat detection and response to ensure the protection of millions of devices daily across sectors including industrial, automotive, and aerospace. The Italian company's approach is said to address the growing need to counter cyberattacks that threaten critical infrastructures and industries. Balderton principal Elena Moneta said: 'We're living in an era where everything — from rail networks to industrial machinery — is connected, and therefore exposed. Exein tackles this threat where it begins: on the device itself, embedding real-time security on the edge — continuously monitoring, learning, and responding. There is no better team to take on this challenge.' Exein stated that its solutions are tailored to ensure compliance with evolving global cybersecurity regulations, such as the upcoming Cyber Resilience Act and the US Cyber Trust Mark. Its platform is utilised by chipset manufacturers like MediaTek and Supermicro to safeguard over one billion devices during operation. Previously, the company raised €15m in Series B funding round in July 2024. The latest Series C funding is expected to accelerate the development of next-generation technologies focused on runtime security for AI infrastructure and large language models. Exein indicated its plans to make strategic acquisitions to bolster its influence within the cybersecurity ecosystem. Exein founder and CEO Gianni Cuozzo said: 'Embedded security at the device level is fundamental, and we are proud to support manufacturers in providing the highest levels of security, offering them confidence in knowing they are compliant with the latest security legislation.' Earlier in 2025, Exein partnered with Supermicro to incorporate its AI-driven cybersecurity solutions into the latter's hardware offerings. This collaboration aims to deploy a zero-trust security framework from the outset, enhancing enterprise defences against emerging threats. Exein's foundational investment came during a Series A round in September 2021, which raised €6m. This round was co-led by eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS and Future Industry Ventures. "Exein secures €70m funding to boost global IoT security" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Malaysian Reserve
23-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Secomea Launches Synergy Partner Program to Unite the OT Cybersecurity Ecosystem
New global initiative sets the foundation for a collaborative, standards-aligned approach to industrial cybersecurity. COPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ — Secomea, a leader in secure remote access for Operational Technology (OT), today announced the launch of the Secomea Synergy Program — a global partner program aimed at building the world's most trusted OT security ecosystem. Designed for distributors, VARs, consultants, and technology partners, the Synergy Program empowers participants to deliver industrial-grade cybersecurity solutions that scale across factories, fleets, and facilities. 'We believe securing the OT environment requires ecosystem thinking,' said Kim Cramer Sonn, VP of Global Partners & Alliances at Secomea. 'That's what the Synergy Program is about — building a community where trust, visibility, and compliance are shared goals. No single company can solve this alone.' With a footprint spanning 100,000+ users, 8,000 customers, and deployments in over 100 countries, Secomea has become the remote access solution of record for thousands of manufacturers and machine builders. The Synergy Program brings new structure to that network, offering partners everything from joint marketing and lead-sharing to training, technical support, and margin protection. Built for Collaboration in a Fragmented Landscape Today's industrial organizations face increasing cyber threats, tightening compliance frameworks like IEC 62443, NIST, NIS2 and the Cyber Resilience Act, and an expanding web of vendors and service providers. That complexity demands more than product — it requires coordination. The Synergy Program formalizes this coordination, offering partners four entry points: Distribution Partners – Deliver secure remote access solutions pre-configured for OEMs and machine builders Value-Added Resellers (VARs) – Standardize and scale security across factories, vendor fleets, critical infrastructure and other production environments Consulting Partners – Lead compliance programs and large-scale OT security projects Technology & Alliance Partners – Integrate complementary capabilities to solve vertical-specific challenges What Partners Gain Participants in the Synergy Program gain access to: Exclusive commercial benefits: deal registration, lead sharing, protected margins Co-marketing and enablement: training, certifications, content kits, joint campaigns Product leadership: integrations built for OT (not retrofitted IT tools), including legacy support, Zero Trust architecture, and native compliance alignment A growing customer base of 8,000+ companies across manufacturing, energy, logistics, pharma, and more Industry leading technical community: collaborate with top talent from across the industry to share best practices, troubleshoot challenges, and drive innovation in OT security Quote from the CEO 'Cybersecurity in industrial environments isn't just a product challenge — it's a trust challenge,' said Michael Ferdinandsen, CEO of Secomea. 'Secomea Synergy reflects our belief that security must be built into relationships, not just software. We're proud to launch this as an effort to help global partners meet the OT moment together.' Want to Partner? Secomea is actively recruiting qualified partners across Europe, North America, and Asia. Interested companies can learn more and apply here. About Secomea Founded in 2008, Secomea is a global leader in secure remote access for OT environments. Purpose-built for industrial use, the Secomea platform helps manufacturers and machine builders manage remote access, defend critical infrastructure, and stay ahead of compliance demands. With deployments across 100+ countries and support for thousands of OT protocols and devices, Secomea helps secure the future of industrial connectivity. Logo:
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Secomea Launches Synergy Partner Program to Unite the OT Cybersecurity Ecosystem
New global initiative sets the foundation for a collaborative, standards-aligned approach to industrial cybersecurity. COPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ -- Secomea, a leader in secure remote access for Operational Technology (OT), today announced the launch of the Secomea Synergy Program — a global partner program aimed at building the world's most trusted OT security ecosystem. Designed for distributors, VARs, consultants, and technology partners, the Synergy Program empowers participants to deliver industrial-grade cybersecurity solutions that scale across factories, fleets, and facilities. "We believe securing the OT environment requires ecosystem thinking," said Kim Cramer Sonn, VP of Global Partners & Alliances at Secomea. "That's what the Synergy Program is about — building a community where trust, visibility, and compliance are shared goals. No single company can solve this alone." With a footprint spanning 100,000+ users, 8,000 customers, and deployments in over 100 countries, Secomea has become the remote access solution of record for thousands of manufacturers and machine builders. The Synergy Program brings new structure to that network, offering partners everything from joint marketing and lead-sharing to training, technical support, and margin protection. Built for Collaboration in a Fragmented Landscape Today's industrial organizations face increasing cyber threats, tightening compliance frameworks like IEC 62443, NIST, NIS2 and the Cyber Resilience Act, and an expanding web of vendors and service providers. That complexity demands more than product — it requires coordination. The Synergy Program formalizes this coordination, offering partners four entry points: Distribution Partners – Deliver secure remote access solutions pre-configured for OEMs and machine builders Value-Added Resellers (VARs) – Standardize and scale security across factories, vendor fleets, critical infrastructure and other production environments Consulting Partners – Lead compliance programs and large-scale OT security projects Technology & Alliance Partners – Integrate complementary capabilities to solve vertical-specific challenges What Partners Gain Participants in the Synergy Program gain access to: Exclusive commercial benefits: deal registration, lead sharing, protected margins Co-marketing and enablement: training, certifications, content kits, joint campaigns Product leadership: integrations built for OT (not retrofitted IT tools), including legacy support, Zero Trust architecture, and native compliance alignment A growing customer base of 8,000+ companies across manufacturing, energy, logistics, pharma, and more Industry leading technical community: collaborate with top talent from across the industry to share best practices, troubleshoot challenges, and drive innovation in OT security Quote from the CEO "Cybersecurity in industrial environments isn't just a product challenge — it's a trust challenge," said Michael Ferdinandsen, CEO of Secomea. "Secomea Synergy reflects our belief that security must be built into relationships, not just software. We're proud to launch this as an effort to help global partners meet the OT moment together." Want to Partner? Secomea is actively recruiting qualified partners across Europe, North America, and Asia. Interested companies can learn more and apply here. About Secomea Founded in 2008, Secomea is a global leader in secure remote access for OT environments. Purpose-built for industrial use, the Secomea platform helps manufacturers and machine builders manage remote access, defend critical infrastructure, and stay ahead of compliance demands. With deployments across 100+ countries and support for thousands of OT protocols and devices, Secomea helps secure the future of industrial connectivity. Logo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Secomea A/S View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
Cision Canada
23-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Secomea Launches Synergy Partner Program to Unite the OT Cybersecurity Ecosystem
New global initiative sets the foundation for a collaborative, standards-aligned approach to industrial cybersecurity. COPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ -- Secomea, a leader in secure remote access for Operational Technology (OT), today announced the launch of the Secomea Synergy Program — a global partner program aimed at building the world's most trusted OT security ecosystem. Designed for distributors, VARs, consultants, and technology partners, the Synergy Program empowers participants to deliver industrial-grade cybersecurity solutions that scale across factories, fleets, and facilities. "We believe securing the OT environment requires ecosystem thinking," said Kim Cramer Sonn, VP of Global Partners & Alliances at Secomea. "That's what the Synergy Program is about — building a community where trust, visibility, and compliance are shared goals. No single company can solve this alone." With a footprint spanning 100,000+ users, 8,000 customers, and deployments in over 100 countries, Secomea has become the remote access solution of record for thousands of manufacturers and machine builders. The Synergy Program brings new structure to that network, offering partners everything from joint marketing and lead-sharing to training, technical support, and margin protection. Built for Collaboration in a Fragmented Landscape Today's industrial organizations face increasing cyber threats, tightening compliance frameworks like IEC 62443, NIST, NIS2 and the Cyber Resilience Act, and an expanding web of vendors and service providers. That complexity demands more than product — it requires coordination. The Synergy Program formalizes this coordination, offering partners four entry points: Distribution Partners – Deliver secure remote access solutions pre-configured for OEMs and machine builders Value-Added Resellers (VARs) – Standardize and scale security across factories, vendor fleets, critical infrastructure and other production environments Consulting Partners – Lead compliance programs and large-scale OT security projects Technology & Alliance Partners – Integrate complementary capabilities to solve vertical-specific challenges What Partners Gain Participants in the Synergy Program gain access to: Exclusive commercial benefits: deal registration, lead sharing, protected margins Co-marketing and enablement: training, certifications, content kits, joint campaigns Product leadership: integrations built for OT (not retrofitted IT tools), including legacy support, Zero Trust architecture, and native compliance alignment A growing customer base of 8,000+ companies across manufacturing, energy, logistics, pharma, and more Industry leading technical community: collaborate with top talent from across the industry to share best practices, troubleshoot challenges, and drive innovation in OT security Quote from the CEO "Cybersecurity in industrial environments isn't just a product challenge — it's a trust challenge," said Michael Ferdinandsen, CEO of Secomea. "Secomea Synergy reflects our belief that security must be built into relationships, not just software. We're proud to launch this as an effort to help global partners meet the OT moment together." Want to Partner? Secomea is actively recruiting qualified partners across Europe, North America, and Asia. Interested companies can learn more and apply here. Founded in 2008, Secomea is a global leader in secure remote access for OT environments. Purpose-built for industrial use, the Secomea platform helps manufacturers and machine builders manage remote access, defend critical infrastructure, and stay ahead of compliance demands. With deployments across 100+ countries and support for thousands of OT protocols and devices, Secomea helps secure the future of industrial connectivity.
