SSWEpisode33
Contents
Episode Audio
Interview: Ira Winkler, Secure Mentem
Ira Winkler is the Author and President of Secure Mentem, a company that focuses on the human aspects of security. Ira began at the National Security Agency, where he performed in a wide variety of positions for US and foreign intelligence agencies. He then moved on to the private sector. Ira served as Director of Technology at the National Computer Security Association, overseeing their industry leading Anti-Virus product certification program, and establishing their Firewall certification program. He continued to perform consulting services. Ira formed the Internet Security Advisors Group, which became a leading boutique security firm, primarily serving the Fortune 50. The company was essentially acquired by Hewlett-Packard in 2001, and Ira served as Chief Security Strategist in HP Consulting. Ira also taught graduate and undergraduate courses at The Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland.
- What is unique about running a security startup?
- How about moving from a services/consulting company to a product company?
- What are some unique things investors are interested in when talking to security startups?
- Where are the best opportunities in the market for security startups?
- What advice do you have for those who may have an idea and want to create a security startup?
- What are some of the most exciting security startups in the industry right now and why?
- What advice do you have for enterprises looking at solution and considering (or not) a solution for a security startup?
Startup Stories
- How I’ve Learned To Hire Remote Employees (And Not Regret It Later) ==>
- When your processes fail: The hard truth behind the fluff. ==> This overlooks the impact of process friction (second only to individual friction); it brings people into the equation, too. But it’s worth exploring.
- Why This CEO Appointed An Employee To Change Dumb Company Rules ==> this builds in to the last story; the question comes back to friction - are you increasing or decreasing?
- No Business Is Bulletproof. Get Over It. ==> take note of the tension between investors and customers; that same tension exists internally, too
- How we reversed a $300K/mo burn and hit profitability without laying off a single employee ==> focus on making money and go from there
Startup & Security Notes of Interest
The Periodic Table of Cybersecurity Startups
- https://www.cbinsights.com/blog/periodic-table-cybersecurity-startups/
- Who do you want to see as a guest on our program?
- Who do you want to work with?
Akamai acquired SOASTA (undisclosed)
- ‘’SOASTA provides digital performance management solutions for businesses to measure, optimize and test mobile, websites and web applications.’’
- https://www.owler.com/iaApp/103942/soasta-company-profile
- They’ve taken over $120M in funding since 2006; the revenue estimate is low and the undisclosed nature suggests this could be a less-than-optimal exit
- https://www.owler.com/iaApp/102240/akamai-company-profile
The Startup Journey: Updates
Michael's Journey:
- Straight Talk on your Value Prop (not just for startups)
- Things continue to come together
