In a recent episode of Sunny’s Silver Linings, Sunny Kaila, CEO of IT By Design, sat down with Danny Jenkins, CEO & Co-Founder of ThreatLocker, to discuss the intersection of community building and cybersecurity. The conversation highlighted the importance of education, the role of managed service providers (MSPs) in ThreatLocker’s success, and what attendees can expect from Jenkins’ upcoming session at Build IT LIVE 2024.
The Role of Community in Cybersecurity
Danny Jenkins emphasized the critical role that community initiatives, such as IT By Design’s Build IT LIVE, play in the fight against cyberthreats. According to Danny, the only way to change the trajectory of cyberattacks is through education. While tools and software can help, they are only effective if people understand how to use them to secure their systems.
Danny’s commitment to the MSP community stems from a deep sense of gratitude. He acknowledged that ThreatLocker owes much of its success to the support of MSPs. When the company first launched, it was the MSP community that embraced their services, allowing ThreatLocker to grow from a startup to a global cybersecurity leader serving over 50,000 companies, including government agencies and major corporations like JetBlue.
Memorable Moments at Build IT LIVE
Sunny asked Danny about his most memorable experiences from previous Build IT LIVE events. Jenkins fondly recalled a visit to the Statue of Liberty, despite the chilly weather. However, the real highlight for him was the camaraderie and connections made during the informal gatherings, such as the bar after the Statue of Liberty tour. These moments, Jenkins noted, are where meaningful relationships are forged and valuable industry insights are shared.
Understanding ThreatLocker’s Unique Approach
ThreatLocker is an endpoint detection platform, but as Danny explained, its core principle goes beyond merely identifying threats. Recognizing that it’s impossible to detect every potential cyberthreat, ThreatLocker takes a proactive approach by blocking all untrusted software. This includes not just obvious threats like ransomware but also seemingly benign software that could pose risks, such as remote access tools or coupon clippers.
The platform uses techniques such as allow listing, ring fencing and endpoint privilege management (EPM) to minimize the permissions on a device, reducing the risk of cyberattacks. While ThreatLocker does offer an endpoint detection and response (EDR) and managed detection and response (MDR) service, Danny emphasized that these are secondary to their primary focus on preventing unnecessary permissions.
What to Expect at Build IT LIVE 2024
As a Platinum Sponsor of Build IT LIVE 2024, ThreatLocker will be hosting a breakout session that promises to be both educational and eye-opening. Danny revealed that this year’s session would focus on “How to Create Successful Malware.” While the title might sound alarming, the purpose is to demonstrate just how easy it is for cybercriminals to develop malware that can evade detection, particularly with the advent of AI.
Danny will share his insights as a former ethical hacker, providing tips and tricks to help MSPs better protect their clients from these evolving threats. This session is a must-attend for anyone serious about cybersecurity and eager to learn from one of the industry’s top experts.
Conclusion
The conversation between Sunny Kaila and Danny Jenkins highlighted the importance of community, education and proactive cybersecurity measures. As ThreatLocker continues to innovate and support the MSP community, events like Build IT LIVE provide an invaluable opportunity for learning, networking and collaboration. Be sure to catch Danny Jenkins’ session at Build IT LIVE 2024 in Orlando to gain crucial insights into the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity.
