Interview with Konnektable Technologies CEO Angelos Liapis

Roberto Popolizio
Published on: November 29, 2024

In this interview series by Safety Detectives, I speak with cybersecurity experts who share actionable tips, insider knowledge, and predictions for the future, helping you understand what’s really happening with your data and how you can protect your digital life more effectively—without losing your sanity.

Dr. Angelos Liapis is the CEO of Konnektable Technologies Ltd., a software company generating seven-figure ARR with a focus on Crisis Management, Water Management, Smart Manufacturing, and Cyber-Security.

Beyond leading Konnektable, Dr. Liapis boasts an academic portfolio with a PhD, MSc, and MRes. He previously served as Research and Development Manager at the Decision Support Systems Laboratory at the National Technical University of Athens. He’s also been a speaker at the International Conference on Quantum Physics and Nuclear Technology.

What is the most pressing security issue that you solve, and for whom? What makes this problem so crucial that you set out to build your solution?

Ensuring secure data exchange and interoperability between diverse systems and platforms in real-time is definitely a pressing issue. This is crucial for businesses because it not only affects operational efficiency but also has significant implications for data privacy and security.

For instance, Konnektable Technologies might provide solutions that secure the transfer and accessibility of sensitive data across different IT ecosystems, which is increasingly important as businesses rely on a broader set of cloud-based services and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Such integrations often pose risks like data breaches, unauthorized access, and loss of data integrity.

This crucial problem is mainly caused by the growing cyber threat landscape and stringent regulatory requirements for data protection (like GDPR). Ensuring robust security in integrations helps businesses avoid costly data breaches, maintain compliance with data protection laws, and preserve customer trust.

By building a solution that addresses these challenges, Konnektable Technologies would not only be enhancing their clients’ operational capabilities but also protecting them against emerging threats and compliance risks, which is fundamental for sustaining business continuity in today’s digital age.

What are the risks for companies and consumers, if this issue goes unchecked? Are there any industries or user groups that are especially vulnerable?

If the security issues related to data integration and interoperability go unchecked, both companies and consumers face substantial risks:

1. Data Breaches: Unsecured integrations can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, resulting in financial, personal, or intellectual property theft. This not only damages the company’s reputation but also has direct financial implications due to loss of business and potential fines.
2. Compliance Violations: Many industries are subject to strict regulations regarding data security and privacy. Failure to securely integrate systems can result in non-compliance with laws such as GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA, leading to significant legal penalties and loss of customer trust.
3. Operational Disruptions: Inadequate security measures can make systems more susceptible to cyber-attacks such as ransomware or denial of service (DoS), which can cripple critical business operations and lead to substantial economic losses.
4. Loss of Consumer Trust: When consumer data is compromised, it can lead to a loss of trust, which is often more difficult to recover than the direct financial losses. This can have long-term effects on brand loyalty and consumer relationships.

Certain industries and user groups are especially vulnerable:

• Healthcare: This industry handles sensitive personal health information, making it a prime target for cyber-attacks. The integration of systems like electronic health records (EHR) and IoT medical devices adds complexity and increases risk.
• Financial Services: Banks and financial institutions deal with highly sensitive financial data and are constant targets for cybercriminals. Integrations with fintech services increase the complexity and potential attack surfaces.
• Retail and eCommerce: These sectors manage large volumes of consumer data and financial transactions. Integrations across online platforms, payment systems, and third-party services must be secure to prevent breaches.
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Often with limited resources for robust cybersecurity measures, SMEs can be particularly vulnerable when integrating with larger systems or adopting cloud-based services.

For us, focusing on mitigating these risks through secure integration solutions is not only a strategic business decision but also a critical service offering that can protect vulnerable industries and enhance the overall security posture of their clients.

What are alternative solutions (DIY and competitors) people usually try, and why do you think they are flawed?

Here’s a breakdown of the alternatives and their potential flaws:

DIY Solutions

1. In-house Development:

• Pros: Custom-tailored to specific needs, potentially lower upfront costs, and full control over development and data.
• Cons: Requires significant time and resources, ongoing maintenance and updates, and may lack scalability. Companies often underestimate the complexity and resource requirements for effective security measures in integrations, leading to vulnerabilities.

2. Open Source Tools:

• Pros: Cost-effective, community-supported, and highly customizable.
• Cons: Requires expert knowledge to deploy securely, potential lack of support or irregular updates, and possible security flaws if not properly managed.

Competitors

1. Established IT and Security Vendors:

• Pros: Comprehensive solutions with support and updates, established trust and reliability.
• Cons: Can be expensive, less flexible, and might not address all niche requirements or specific use cases unique to a business.

2. Cloud Service Providers:

• Pros: Offer built-in security and integration features, scalability, and lower physical infrastructure costs.
• Cons: Potential for vendor lock-in, hidden costs, less control over data security, and concerns about data sovereignty.

3. Niche Security Solutions:

• Pros: Specialized focus on security, potentially innovative approaches.
• Cons: Might not integrate well with existing systems, could be costly, and may not offer comprehensive solutions beyond security.

Flaws in These Approaches

• Scalability and Adaptability: Many DIY and smaller vendor solutions struggle to scale with the business, especially in rapidly evolving industries. They might lack the flexibility needed to adapt to new technologies or regulatory changes.
• Security Expertise: Security is a highly specialized field, and maintaining an up-to-date understanding of emerging threats is challenging. Many businesses, especially SMEs, lack the in-house expertise necessary to ensure their integrations are secure against the latest threats.
• Resource Intensity: Effective security requires continuous investment in terms of updates, monitoring, and response strategies. DIY and some competitor solutions might not fully account for this, leading to increased vulnerability over time.
• Integration Complexity: As ecosystems become more heterogeneous, integrating multiple platforms and ensuring they all meet stringent security standards becomes more complex. Solutions that are not specifically designed to handle complex integrations may introduce risks.

Given these potential flaws, Konnektable Technologies can differentiate itself by offering a scalable, secure, and expertly managed integration solution that addresses these specific vulnerabilities, providing peace of mind and freeing up customer resources to focus on core business activities.

What features or capabilities enable you to solve these issues in a better way, and what are their tangible benefits? Can you share metrics and examples of the impact you’re making?

We tackle the issues of data integration and security through a blend of advanced technologies and strategic approaches. Here’s how we position ourselves to solve these challenges effectively:

1. Advanced Security Protocols:

• Utilizes the latest encryption standards and secure data transmission protocols to protect data integrity and confidentiality during transit and at rest.
• Benefits: Reduces the risk of data breaches and ensures compliance with international data protection regulations, providing clients with trust and legal assurance.

2. Automated Integration Tools:

• Offers tools that simplify the integration of disparate systems, automating tasks that would typically require manual coding.
• Benefits: Decreases deployment time, reduces the potential for human error, and lowers overall integration costs.

3. Scalable Architecture:

• Provides a flexible and scalable platform that can easily adapt to increasing data volumes and integration complexity without performance degradation.
• Benefits: Supports business growth without the need for constant system upgrades, allowing seamless expansion in capabilities as the client’s business evolves.

4. Real-Time Data Processing:

• Enables real-time data analysis and reporting capabilities, crucial for businesses that rely on timely data to make informed decisions.
• Benefits: Enhances operational efficiency and allows businesses to respond swiftly to market changes or operational anomalies.

5. Cloud-Based Solutions:

• Offers cloud-based integration solutions that reduce the need for extensive on-premise infrastructure.
• Benefits: Lowers capital expenditures and maintenance costs while providing high availability, disaster recovery, and easy scalability.

Some examples of our impact for clients:

• Average reduction of integration project timelines by up to 40% thanks to our automated tools and pre-built templates
• IT operational costs reduced by an average of 30%, by leveraging cloud integrations allowing clients to shift from a capital expenditure model to an operational expense one.
• Reduction of over 50% in data breaches or unauthorized access incidents after adopting Konnektable’s secure integration solutions.
• Our clients have achieved a 100% compliance rate with data protection standards such as GDPR and HIPAA, due to the robust security protocols and data governance capabilities we provided.

These features and metrics exemplify how Konnektable Technologies not only solves complex integration challenges but does so in a way that is secure, efficient, and scalable, making a tangible difference in the operational capabilities of its clients.

Based on your experience, what are some commonly overlooked steps and tools that everyday consumers and small business owners should take advantage of, and why?

For Consumers, one critical area often neglected is the regular updating of software. These updates frequently contain critical security patches that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. People often postpone these updates due to concerns about time or changes in functionality, but the security benefits are invaluable.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) can also significantly enhance security by adding a layer of protection beyond the traditional password. Despite its effectiveness in preventing unauthorized access, many still don’t utilize 2FA due to perceived inconvenience or lack of awareness about setup processes.

Small businesses, much like the clients served by Konnektable Technologies, can benefit immensely from regular security audits and professional IT support. While it may seem cost-effective to handle IT issues internally or skip regular check-ups, this can leave a business vulnerable to attacks that exploit unaddressed weaknesses. Implementing regular audits helps identify and mitigate these risks before they can be exploited. Moreover, professional IT support, though sometimes viewed as an unnecessary expense, can optimize system security and functionality, preventing costly downtimes and breaches.

Both groups should consider the benefits of cloud services, which offer not only enhanced collaboration and data accessibility but also superior security measures compared to what small businesses or individuals might afford on their own. Cloud storage providers typically offer advanced encryption and regular backups automatically, securing data against loss or theft.

Being focused on secure and efficient data integration, we know the importance of adopting advanced security measures and modern technologies to protect and enhance business operations. This approach is equally applicable in the personal use case, where security and efficiency also play critical roles in protecting digital and personal assets.

On the flip side, are there any popular cybersecurity ‘hacks’ or common beliefs you advise against? What does reality look like?

We indeed often encounter a few common beliefs and “hacks” that we advise against, based on our experience in providing secure integration solutions. Here’s a look at some of these and the reality behind them:

Overreliance on Antivirus Software
“As long as I have antivirus software installed, my system is secure.”

While antivirus software is a crucial part of a cybersecurity defense strategy, relying solely on it is insufficient. Cyber threats have evolved to bypass traditional antivirus solutions through methods like zero-day exploits, polymorphic malware, and social engineering attacks. Effective security requires a layered approach, including network security, endpoint protection, regular patching, and user education.

Frequent Password Changes
“Changing passwords frequently increases security.”

This practice can actually lead to weaker security if it encourages users to create simpler passwords or repeat them across accounts due to password fatigue. A better approach is to use strong, unique passwords combined with two-factor authentication. Instead of frequent changes, passwords should only be changed when there is evidence of a security breach or as required by a specific security policy that includes monitoring and detection capabilities.

Security through obscurity
“Security through obscurity, such as hiding network ports or not broadcasting Wi-Fi SSIDs, is effective.”

While obscurity can add an additional layer, it should not be the foundation of a security strategy. Obscurity does not address underlying vulnerabilities; instead, it merely hides them temporarily. Real security measures involve hardening systems against attacks, not just concealing them. For instance, securing a network involves using strong encryption for data, implementing robust access controls, and continuously monitoring for suspicious activity.

Overemphasis on High-Tech Solutions
“Investing in the latest cybersecurity technologies is the best way to stay secure.”

While modern technologies like AI-driven security tools can enhance an organization’s security posture, they are not a panacea. Many breaches are due to basic oversights such as unpatched systems, poor configuration, or human error. It’s essential to maintain a balance between investing in technology and focusing on fundamental security practices, such as securing physical devices, educating employees, and maintaining good cyber hygiene.

DIY Cybersecurity
“Small businesses can manage their cybersecurity needs using DIY methods”

While some aspects of cybersecurity can be managed internally, many areas require professional oversight. This includes compliance with legal regulations, incident response, and the management of sophisticated security tools. Small businesses often lack the resources to effectively manage these areas, making them vulnerable to cyber threats. Professional services, like those offered by Konnektable Technologies, provide the expertise and tools necessary to comprehensively protect businesses.

At Konnektable Technologies, we stress the importance of realistic and holistic security practices that go beyond simple fixes or trendy hacks. Understanding the complexities of cyber threats and implementing a strategic, layered defense approach is critical not only in protecting an organization’s digital assets but also to support the overall resilience of their operational infrastructure.

Looking ahead, what are the most important trends in cybersecurity and privacy that you believe aren’t getting enough attention? What makes them critical?

We keep a close eye on all security trends, but here are a few that stand out:

1. Supply Chain Attacks

Under-Attention: While high-profile incidents have made headlines, the broader implications for all businesses in the supply chain, especially smaller vendors, are often overlooked.

Criticality: Supply chain attacks exploit vulnerabilities in less secure elements of a supply chain to compromise larger, more secure targets. This trend underscores the need for comprehensive security measures that extend beyond individual enterprises to their partners and suppliers, emphasizing the importance of vetting and securing all nodes in the supply chain.

2. Privacy-Enhancing Computation Techniques

Under-Attention: Techniques like federated learning, differential privacy, and homomorphic encryption are pivotal for privacy but are still on the fringe in many sectors due to their complexity and implementation challenges.

Criticality: As data privacy regulations tighten globally, these technologies enable businesses to utilize data while respecting user privacy, offering a way to derive insights from data without exposing it directly. This is crucial for industries like healthcare and finance, where data sensitivity is paramount.

3. Quantum Computing Impact on Encryption

Under-Attention: The potential for quantum computing to break current encryption standards is acknowledged but often considered a distant future issue.

Criticality: Quantum computing presents a real threat to the cryptographic foundations protecting global digital infrastructure. The development of quantum-resistant algorithms needs urgent acceleration to prepare for a post-quantum scenario, ensuring long-term data protection.

4. AI and Machine Learning in Cyber Threat Detection

Under-Attention: While AI and ML are celebrated for their efficiency improvements, their role in cybersecurity is typically seen in a supportive capacity rather than as a transformational approach.

Criticality: AI and ML can dramatically enhance the ability to detect anomalies and predict threats by learning from vast quantities of data. However, they also need rigorous frameworks to prevent adversarial attacks designed to fool these systems. As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, leveraging AI responsibly and effectively will be key to next-generation cybersecurity solutions.

5. IoT Device Security

Under-Attention: The proliferation of IoT devices has surged, but the security of these devices often lags, partly due to lack of standardization and consumer awareness.

Criticality: IoT devices often serve as entry points into broader networks, making their security essential. With billions of devices connecting to the internet, ensuring these devices are secure by design is critical to preventing widespread vulnerabilities.

6. Digital Identity and Authentication Advances

Under-Attention: Innovations like decentralized identities and biometric authentication are advancing, but their broader implications for privacy and security are not fully explored in many sectors.

Criticality: As digital interactions increase, establishing trust digitally becomes more important. Advances in this area can revolutionize access control and user verification, reducing reliance on potentially insecure methods like passwords.

These trends highlight areas in cybersecurity and privacy that require proactive engagement and strategic planning. At Konnektable Technologies, understanding and integrating responses to these trends into our solutions allows us to provide forward-thinking and robust security measures, ensuring our clients are well-prepared for future challenges.

And how about you? What developments are you working on, and what makes you feel they will have a major impact?

As the CEO of Konnektable Technologies, my current focus is on developing and enhancing solutions that address the critical needs of our clients in terms of both cybersecurity and operational efficiency. Here are a few areas where we are actively innovating:

1. Enhanced Data Integration Platforms
We are working on refining our data integration platforms to handle increasingly complex data ecosystems more efficiently. This involves using advanced AI algorithms to automate data flows and ensure that data integrity is maintained across different systems and platforms.

By improving these integrations, we aim to reduce the operational burden on our clients, enabling them to focus more on strategic activities. This is especially crucial as businesses expand their digital footprints and require more robust systems that can handle large-scale data operations seamlessly.

2. Next-Generation Security Measures
We are investing in next-generation security measures that incorporate real-time threat detection and response capabilities. This includes deploying machine learning models that can predict and mitigate potential security threats before they affect the business.

With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, these proactive security solutions are critical for protecting sensitive business data and maintaining trust with customers. Ensuring that our clients’ systems are impervious to the latest threats is a top priority.

3. Blockchain for Secure Transactions
Exploring the use of blockchain technology to enhance the security and transparency of transactions within our clients’ ecosystems. This involves creating decentralized networks that can provide tamper-proof audit trails.

Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses handle data by offering enhanced security, reducing fraud, and improving transaction speeds. This is particularly relevant for industries such as finance and supply chain management.

4. Regulatory Compliance Automation
Developing tools that help businesses automate their compliance with various data protection regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and others. This includes implementing compliance monitoring systems that can automatically detect and correct compliance issues.

As regulations become more stringent, automating compliance can significantly reduce the risk of costly legal penalties and reputational damage. It also helps businesses streamline their operations by reducing the manual effort required in monitoring and maintaining compliance.

Each of these developments at Konnektable Technologies is designed to address specific challenges our clients face in an increasingly digital world. By focusing on these areas, I believe we can make a substantial impact on how businesses operate and secure their digital assets, ultimately leading to greater innovation and efficiency across industries.

How can our readers connect with you?

Website: www.konnektable.com.

Here, you can find more information about our services, read case studies, and use the contact form to get in touch directly.

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/konnektable-technologies-ltd.

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Konnektable

You can email us directly at info@konnektable.com for more detailed inquiries or opportunities for collaboration.