Episode 36: A Hacker’s Guide to Building a Cybersecurity Empire

How External Threat Intelligence Is Redefining Modern Cybersecurity “A hacker is a guy who prefers to break into things.” – Setu Parimi That simple definition sets the tone for this episode of our Startup Podcast. In this conversation, host Chris Januszewski sits down with Setu Parimi, CEO of RiskProfiler, to unpack how curiosity, experimentation, and ethical hacking can turn into a serious cybersecurity business. Although external threat intelligence often feels intimidating, this episode explains it in plain language. More importantly, it focuses on the real risks businesses face today. These risks live outside the firewall, not just inside it. From Hacking Curiosity to Cybersecurity Leadership Setu’s journey into cybersecurity started early. Like many hackers, he began by exploring systems out of curiosity. Over time, that curiosity became a career. However, instead of exploiting vulnerabilities, Setu chose to protect organizations. He explains how bug bounty programs helped legitimize ethical hacking. As a result, hackers could use their skills responsibly and get paid to do so. That mindset eventually led to the creation of RiskProfiler. Why External Threats Matter More Than Ever Many companies focus only on internal security. However, Setu argues that external threats are often overlooked. RiskProfiler helps organizations understand what attackers see from the outside. This includes exposed assets, misconfigurations, and forgotten entry points. In other words, it shows businesses their real attack surface. Additionally, Setu explains how cloud outages expose hidden risks. Even major platforms fail sometimes. Therefore, resilience and visibility are just as important as prevention for external threat intelligence. Building a Distributed Team Without Burning Out Beyond cybersecurity, the episode explores leadership and life. Setu shares what it takes to run a distributed team across time zones. Clear communication matters. So does trust. As a result, structure becomes essential. At the same time, Setu talks openly about family life. Timeboxing, prioritization, and support systems help him stay present at home while building a company. This balance is not perfect. Still, it is intentional. Why This Episode Matters This episode is for founders, operators, and curious listeners alike. You do not need a technical background to follow along. Instead, you will walk away with a clearer understanding of: What hacking really means Why external threat intelligence matters How cybersecurity founders think about risk How to balance ambition with family life RiskProfiler links: riskprofiler.io LinkedIn