The startups keeping your data safe

Once upon a time, keeping data secure meant locked cabinets, code words, and paper shredders; the number of ways which you could access something was limited by how many physical copies there were and this made it easier to control.

The birth of the internet opened up a wealth of opportunity for knowledge sharing and collaboration, but this has also meant that what used to be secured under lock and key is now on a platform accessible by anybody, anywhere.

With 81 percent of businesses already using some sort of cloud strategy, the global market for cyber security products is tipped to reach over $300 billion by 2022 – and it’s businesses and startups leading the charge in this area, bringing together talent and knowledge and developing solutions to help keep our businesses safe.

Innovation in this space is crucial; as the number of threats and their sophistication grows, a strong combination of software, hardware and cloud-based security solutions is the best way to make sure your business’s data is safe.

Chip manufacturer Intel is leading the charge, with its Threat Detection Technology scanning for threats using the integrated graphics processor rather than the CPU, enabling more frequent scanning with less impact on performance and power.

Biometrics like fingerprint scans, facial recognition and voice detection can be used as part of a multifactor authentication process on the latest Intel-based devices , which means added protection embedded in the hardware of a device.

While it might seem like something out of Get Smart, this level of protection is crucial, with the last couple of years alone seeing a spate of attacks on businesses and governments, prompting special focus on cyber security.

On a federal level, Australia has been investing in innovative cyber security solutions, with $230 million already devoted to a special strategy, task force and collaboration hub. TAFEs around the country have this year begun rolling out the first set of vocational qualifications in the field – an attempt to address the estimated shortage of some 11,000 workers by 2026.

Australian startups are also innovating in this space to provide businesses with protection. One such startup is Sydney-based Ditno, which offers a comprehensive firewall solution for both physical and cloud servers. Ditno’s technology enables businesses to manage their entire security set-up with just one portal, and to scale up infinitely without any impact on performance or speed. The startup was one of 10 from the cybersecurity and fintech sectors to be selected by the NSW government to participate in a bootcamp in Tel Aviv last year.

Canberra startup Penten, meanwhile, was awarded a $1.3 million innovation contract earlier this year to develop a cryptography solution for the Australian Army. The technology developed will allow mobile access to government networks, enabling better communication and decision making in tactical environments among other things.

While a cryptography solution might be a touch beyond the scope of the average business, getting the right hardware with built-in security is key.

Find out more on how you can enhance your company’s cyber security with Intel’s hardware-based solutions.