IOthreat: Empowering Startups with AI-Driven Cybersecurity Solutions

In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, cybersecurity is no longer optional—especially for startups looking to scale securely. In the latest edition of Website Planet interviews, Uri Fleyder-Kotler, CEO of IOthreat, shares how his company provides AI-driven security solutions, fractional CISO services, and compliance automation to help startups navigate cyber risks without slowing down their growth.

Can you share a few details about IOthreat as a company and its backstory?

IOthreat was founded to bridge the gap between cybersecurity and business efficiency for startups. With over 16 years of experience in cybersecurity, I saw firsthand how early-stage companies struggle to balance security and compliance while trying to scale. Many lack the in-house expertise or budget for a full-time security team, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats and compliance risks.

IOthreat was built to change that. We provide fractional CISO services, penetration testing, compliance automation, and risk management solutions designed specifically for startups. Our approach is different, we don’t just check boxes; we embed security into the DNA of a company, ensuring that security and compliance become growth enablers rather than obstacles.

One of our biggest strengths is our AI-powered security automation, which streamlines SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other compliance processes. Instead of spending months collecting evidence and answering security questionnaires, our clients can leverage AI-driven workflows to get there faster and more efficiently.

Over the years, IOthreat has helped dozens of startups secure funding, land enterprise deals, and pass compliance audits with confidence. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we remain committed to simplifying security, reducing risk, and giving startups the peace of mind they need to focus on growth.

What is the scope of cybersecurity services that you offer?

At IOthreat, we provide end-to-end cybersecurity services tailored for startups, helping them secure their operations, meet compliance requirements, and build trust with customers. Our services fall into four key categories:

1. Fractional CISO & Compliance Advisory
   Startups often lack a full-time security team, so we step in as their virtual CISO, guiding them through SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 42001, and GDPR compliance. We help with risk assessments, policy creation, security architecture reviews, and audit preparation, ensuring companies achieve compliance efficiently.
2. Penetration Testing & Vulnerability Management
   We conduct attack surface mapping, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing for web applications, networks, and cloud environments. Our ethical hacking services identify security gaps before attackers do, providing actionable remediation steps.
3. AI-Powered Security Automation
   We leverage AI-driven workflows to simplify compliance, security monitoring, and risk management. Our upcoming SaaS platform will automate security questionnaire responses, vendor risk assessments, and continuous compliance tracking, making security a seamless part of business operations.
4. Managed Cybersecurity & Cloud Security
   We provide ongoing security monitoring, Zero Trust architecture implementation, and cloud security best practices for AWS, GCP, and Microsoft Azure. We also offer WAF setup, endpoint protection, and IAM hardening to minimize attack surfaces.

At IOthreat, we don’t just help startups check compliance boxes, we help them build security as a competitive advantage while scaling confidently.

What makes working with startups different from working with other clients?

Working with startups is vastly different from working with larger enterprises because startups operate in a fast-paced, resource-constrained, and innovation-driven environment. They need security solutions that don’t slow them down but instead enable growth and scalability.

At IOthreat, we understand that startups often lack dedicated security teams, so we act as an extension of their business, providing fractional CISO services, compliance automation, and hands-on security expertise. Unlike traditional security firms that focus on rigid policies and enterprise-level bureaucracy, we take a lean, agile approach, helping startups integrate security without disrupting their development velocity.

Another key difference is the urgency startups face. Whether they’re raising funding, closing enterprise deals, or preparing for an audit, they need fast, effective solutions, not months-long security projects. That’s why we leverage AI-powered automation to streamline compliance (SOC 2, ISO 27001) and help founders focus on product and growth while we handle security.

Startups are also high-value targets for cyber threats due to limited security resources. We help them harden their defenses early, preventing costly breaches that could damage their reputation or kill a funding round.

Ultimately, working with startups isn’t just about checking compliance boxes, it’s about building security as a business enabler, allowing them to move fast without breaking trust.

How do you ensure that you stay ahead of the curve in the constantly evolving field with new threats and risks constantly arising?

At IOthreat, staying ahead in cybersecurity means continuously evolving, learning, and adapting to new threats. We do this through a combination of research, automation, and real-world experience.

1. Threat Intelligence & Continuous Monitoring
   We actively track emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques through cybersecurity communities, dark web monitoring, and real-time threat feeds. This allows us to proactively defend against risks before they impact our clients.
2. AI-Powered Security Automation
   Instead of relying solely on traditional security assessments, we integrate AI-driven automation to detect risks faster, streamline compliance processes, and improve security efficiency. This helps startups stay secure without slowing down their operations.
3. Hands-on Experience from Penetration Testing & Incident Response
   We do not just follow industry reports. We actively test security controls, perform real-world attacks, and uncover vulnerabilities in startup environments. This hands-on approach gives us firsthand knowledge of how attackers operate.
4. Compliance & Regulatory Updates
   With cybersecurity regulations evolving (SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 42001, GDPR, AI Act), we stay ahead by tracking policy changes and working with auditors to ensure our clients are always compliant.
5. Cybersecurity Community Engagement
   We participate in global security conferences, industry groups, and ethical hacking communities to stay informed about the latest innovations and attack trends.

By combining automation, intelligence, and hands-on expertise, IOthreat ensures that startups are always protected against the next big cyber threat before it becomes a crisis.

What sets you apart from other cybersecurity companies?

IOthreat stands out from traditional cybersecurity firms because we are built for startups. We combine deep security expertise with AI-powered automation, ensuring that security and compliance are not just requirements but growth enablers for fast-moving companies. Here’s what makes us different:

1. Startup-Focused Approach
   Unlike large security firms that cater to enterprises, we specialize in early-stage and growth-stage startups, offering fractional CISO services, compliance automation, and penetration testing tailored to their needs.
2. AI-Driven Security Automation
   We use AI-powered workflows to streamline SOC 2, ISO 27001, and vendor security assessments, reducing manual effort and helping companies achieve compliance faster and with fewer resources.
3. Business-First Security
   Many cybersecurity firms focus solely on risk and technical controls. We take a business-centric approach, ensuring security supports fundraising, enterprise sales, and regulatory compliance instead of slowing them down.
4. End-to-End Security & Compliance
   From attack surface mapping to cloud security, Zero Trust, and compliance automation, we provide a one-stop shop for security. Startups do not need multiple vendors when working with us.
5. Hands-On Expertise
   We do not just advise; we test, implement, and automate security processes. Our real-world experience in penetration testing, security engineering, and compliance management gives us a unique edge.
6. Agility & Speed
   Startups need security that keeps up with their pace. We deliver rapid assessments, clear action plans, and automated solutions so they can stay secure without sacrificing speed.

At IOthreat, we do not just check compliance boxes. We help startups scale securely, close deals faster, and protect their reputation, without the headaches of traditional security approaches.

To learn more about IOthreat, you can visit www.iothreat.com

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