Episode 264: Cybersecurity Entrepreneurship: We Talk to the Founders of ONUM

This episode of Cyber Afterwork from July 8, 2024, focuses on cybersecurity in Spain, featuring guests Pedro Castillo and Lucas Varela, founders of the cybersecurity company ONUM. The episode begins with a discussion of recent cyberattacks, including a data breach affecting ChatGPT users on Macs, an attack on Total Energies compromising customer data, and a ransomware attack on Targa Visasat España. The hosts and experts discuss the implications of these attacks and how companies can better prepare for and respond to such threats. **Key Takeaways from the Cybersecurity News Segment** * **The Need for Proactive Security:** Companies need to be proactive about cybersecurity, testing their systems regularly and learning from the experiences of others in their sector. * **The Importance of Board-Level Engagement:** Cybersecurity needs to be a priority for company boards, not just the IT department. * **The Legal Implications of Cyberattacks:** A recent Supreme Court ruling in Spain confirmed that a cyberattack can be considered “force majeure,” justifying temporary layoffs. The conversation then turns to the role of parents in protecting children from harmful online content, especially during summer vacation. The experts suggest ongoing conversations with children, strong passwords, and the use of VPNs as potential safety measures. However, they acknowledge that parental controls are not foolproof and children are often adept at finding ways to bypass them. **The Interview with ONUM Founders** The episode's second half features an interview with Pedro Castillo and Lucas Varela, the founders of ONUM, a Spanish cybersecurity company gaining attention for its innovative approach to real-time data analysis. **The Origins of ONUM:** Castillo explains how his experience at Devo, a data analytics platform he co-founded, led to the creation of ONUM. He saw a need to help companies better manage and secure data “in transit,” leading him to partner with Varela, whose company Neyer was already working in this space. They emphasize that ONUM is a “technology company,” not just a cybersecurity company, focused on adding value to data in transit, with cybersecurity as a key application. **Challenges and Opportunities for Spanish Cybersecurity Startups:** The discussion then explores the challenges and opportunities facing cybersecurity startups in Spain. Both Castillo and Varela agree that Spain has “plenty of talent and creativity” but lacks sufficient investment and a supportive ecosystem. They point to several key issues: * **Limited Venture Capital:** Spain lacks large venture capital funds that can support the growth of cybersecurity startups, forcing them to seek funding abroad. * **Lack of Exits:** There are few large tech companies in Europe that acquire startups, limiting the financial rewards for entrepreneurs and investors. * **Bureaucracy and Government Support:** Castillo and Varela argue that government support programs are often bureaucratic and ineffective. They suggest the government should focus on investing in startups like a professional investor, not just providing subsidies. * **Risk Aversion:** A lack of risk-taking culture and a preference for buying cheap solutions over innovative ones hinder the growth of Spanish tech companies. **Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:** When asked what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, Castillo emphasizes “passion” and “sacrifice”. He suggests focusing on solving problems you deeply understand, as they did with ONUM based on their experiences at Devo and Neyer. **Key Themes of the Episode:** * **The importance of data security in today’s threat landscape.** * **The challenges and opportunities facing Spanish cybersecurity entrepreneurs.** * **The need for greater investment and support for the Spanish tech ecosystem.** * **The power of passion and perseverance in building a successful startup.**