Exclusive: Why WithSecure continues to expand and evolve

In an era where cybersecurity concerns are at an all-time high, WithSecure, a pioneering cybersecurity company, is making significant strides in cloud protection and cybersecurity solutions. Founded 35 years ago and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, WithSecure has established itself as a major player not only in Europe and North America but also in the Asia-Pacific region, with a growing presence in countries like Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia.

Jussi Wäre, Vice President of APAC and Japan for Cloud Protection at WithSecure, shared insights into the company's operations and its focus on evolving cybersecurity needs. With a team of a few hundred employees in the Asia-Pacific region, the company has witnessed substantial growth in recent years.

WithSecure stands out in the crowded cybersecurity market with its comprehensive approach, offering consulting, managed services, and products. "We've been always doing cybersecurity and cybersecurity only," Wäre stated, emphasizing the company's dedicated focus. This specialization has allowed them to develop a range of solutions catering to different market segments, from small and medium businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

One of WithSecure's most notable recent developments is its enhanced cloud protection for Salesforce, a move that aligns with the growing need for robust cloud security solutions. Wäre highlighted the company's expansion of data processing centers, including new facilities in Sydney and Singapore. This expansion is not just a growth strategy but also a response to the increasing challenges of data residency and sovereignty regulations.

The company's expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in its success. Wäre noted that WithSecure started using AI as early as 2005, albeit under a different name. This early adoption of AI has given them a significant edge in the market.

Speaking about the company's momentum, Jussi Wäre said, "We are growing really strongly in cloud protection, as well as cloud-based solutions. The transition is happening as we speak."

WithSecure's client base is notably strong in the financial sector, followed by government and health and insurance industries. These segments, according to Wäre, face two primary challenges: the escalating threat from cybercriminals and rapidly changing regulations. WithSecure's solutions are designed to address these challenges, providing both protection and compliance.

The global pandemic has further amplified these challenges. The shift to remote working and the resultant increase in 'bring your own device' policies have expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals. Wäre pointed out that cybercrime has surged due to these changes, with a 200% increase in malicious code detection observed from the beginning of the year until the end of September.

Wäre also discussed the company's approach to partnerships, noting their extensive network of resellers and distributors, including collaboration with Salesforce partners and local cybersecurity houses. This network not only extends WithSecure's reach but also ensures that their solutions are integrated effectively with their clients' existing systems.

Highlighting the uniqueness of WithSecure's offerings, Wäre remarked, "The completeness of the company portfolio, coming from consulting, managed services, and solutions, is a very strong combination of information sharing inside the company. And that sets us apart from the competition. In terms of cloud protection, we've been there pretty much since the beginning, and definitely the leaders in that space."

WithSecure's journey is a testament to the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the increasing importance of cloud protection. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, companies like WithSecure are not only keeping pace but also leading the charge in safeguarding digital assets and information in a rapidly changing world.