Today’s guest is Elena Donea, CEO at WhatsExposed. With AI changing cybersecurity faster than ever before, Elena joins us on today’s podcast to explore how organisations can stay ahead of an evolving threat landscape. From why getting the cybersecurity basics right still matters, to how AI is reshaping offensive and defensive security, Elena shares practical insights drawn from years of experience helping businesses identify and reduce cyber risk.

AI has the dual capacity to safeguard and endanger, transforming the cybersecurity landscape. Elena emphasises that while AI is advancing attackers’ capabilities, it can equally empower companies to detect threats sooner and enhance defensive measures. “AI can help with picking out the signal from all the noise that’s happening,” Elena explains. She underscores the importance of integrating AI into organisational processes, turning it into a tool that not only addresses but pre-empts risks.

Elena also highlights the critical importance of mastering the basics. She cautions against being distracted by the allure of advanced technologies while neglecting foundational protocols, asserting, “You need to do the basics really, really well.” Simple actions like ensuring secure configurations, timely patching, and proactive vulnerability management remain central to a robust security posture.

Elena also tells us that her journey began in the structured environment of one of the Big Four, laying the groundwork for a career in forensic security testing and management. Recognising a market gap in offensive security approaches, she founded WhatsExposed. The company focuses on providing top-tier security expertise to organisations, helping them navigate an increasingly perilous digital environment.

Securing initial funding posed a challenge, but Elena recounts a heartening tale of organic growth and support from family and friends in the initial years. Now, the company is engaging with angel investors to accelerate its growth trajectory, seeking to raise capital to expand their reach and capabilities.

Elena champions a shift in mindset towards continuous, recurring testing beyond traditional annual assessments. This approach is crucial as cyber threats become more persistent and sophisticated. By partnering with SpecterOps, WhatsExposed employs tools like BloodHound to unmask vulnerabilities, providing clients with tangible insights into their security status and actionable remediation plans.

In conclusion, Elena’s insights chart a course through the intricate and often perilous waters of modern cybersecurity. By adhering to robust foundational practices while embracing advanced AI solutions, organisations can fortify their defences against an ever-looming threat landscape.