Interview With Uri Fleyder-Kotler - CEO of IOthreat

SafetyDetectives recently had the opportunity to sit down with Uri Fleyder-Kotler, CEO of IOthreat, a cybersecurity firm focused on making high-level security strategies accessible for startups and small businesses. With a background that spans both offensive and defensive security, Uri has dedicated his career to helping companies build resilient defenses while navigating the often-complex world of regulatory compliance. His expertise in vulnerability assessments and executive consulting has shaped his vision for IOthreat, which is to provide strategic, effective, and budget-friendly cybersecurity solutions for smaller businesses.

During our conversation, Uri shared insights into IOthreat’s core mission and approach, highlighting the company’s focus on services like Virtual CISO and attack surface mapping. These offerings, he explains, are designed to meet the unique security needs of resource-limited startups, enabling them to develop a solid security foundation from day one. Uri also discussed how IOthreat simplifies compliance with frameworks such as SOC 2 and ISO 27001, ensuring clients can focus on their growth while staying secure and compliant in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

Can you introduce yourself and talk about your journey that led you to becoming CEO at IOthreat?

Certainly. I’m Uri Fleyder-Kotler, the CEO of IOthreat. My career has been deeply rooted in cybersecurity, with extensive experience in both offensive and defensive security. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in diverse cybersecurity roles, from vulnerability assessments to executive-level consulting, which have given me a solid understanding of the industry’s evolving landscape. Driven by the desire to help companies build resilient defenses and navigate complex compliance requirements, I founded IOthreat to deliver strategic security services tailored to the needs of startups and small businesses. You can view my professional journey on LinkedIn.

What is the core mission of IOthreat, and how do you see the company evolving to meet the needs of startups and small businesses in cybersecurity?

IOthreat’s core mission is to make robust security accessible and achievable for startups and small businesses. Many of these companies often struggle to prioritize security amidst competing demands, leaving them vulnerable to risks and compliance challenges. Our goal is to provide them with strategic, effective security solutions without overwhelming their budgets or resources. As we grow, we aim to continually enhance our service offerings, integrating more automation and AI-driven insights to further streamline security management and compliance for our clients.

IOthreat provides services like Virtual CISO and attack surface mapping. How do these offerings specifically address the unique challenges startups face in cybersecurity?

Startups often lack the internal expertise and resources to manage a comprehensive security program, which is where our Virtual CISO (vCISO) services come in. We offer expert guidance to build and maintain a strong security posture, tailored to the company’s growth stage and specific risks. Attack surface mapping is another key offering, as it identifies all potential entry points an attacker might target. For startups with limited staff and budget, this allows us to pinpoint critical areas for immediate action, reducing risk exposure and establishing a solid security foundation from day one.

Regulatory compliance is a significant hurdle for many organizations. How does IOthreat simplify SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance for its clients?

Compliance can indeed be a daunting task, especially for smaller companies. IOthreat simplifies SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance by guiding clients through each step, from initial risk assessments to policy development and security implementation. Our team prepares the necessary documentation, conducts training, and implements best practices that align with these frameworks. By taking care of these complex processes, we allow companies to focus on their core business while ensuring they meet compliance requirements efficiently.

With new threats constantly emerging, what trends or challenges do you believe businesses need to prepare for, and how is IOthreat staying ahead?

Businesses today face a rapidly evolving threat landscape, with risks emerging in areas like supply chain vulnerabilities, ransomware, and remote work security. At IOthreat, we stay ahead by continuously monitoring industry developments, adopting advanced security technologies, and incorporating threat intelligence into our services. We also prioritize proactive strategies, such as zero-trust architecture and regular vulnerability assessments, to address potential risks before they impact our clients.

For businesses just starting to focus on cybersecurity, what key areas would you recommend prioritizing to build a solid security foundation?

For those just beginning, the key areas to prioritize are identity and access management, data protection, and security awareness. Implementing multi-factor authentication, managing access controls, and securing sensitive data are essential steps in reducing common vulnerabilities. Additionally, educating employees on cybersecurity best practices helps mitigate risks associated with human error. These foundational steps can establish a strong baseline and set the stage for more advanced security measures as the company grows.

‍