OPSWAT - Experts & Thought Leaders

OPSWAT Founder and CEO Benny Czarny has released his first book “Cybersecurity Upside Down”, calling on organizations to rethink their cybersecurity strategies. The book offers a fresh perspective on long-standing assumptions about defending against cyber threats and educates readers on the importance of a prevention-first mindset.  Detecting threats after entering the system Drawing on more than two decades of experience building cybersecurity technologies, Czarny argues that many modern cyberattacks succeed because security strategies focus on detecting threats after they enter a system. AI is adding to the challenge as threats are evolving faster than traditional detection tools can keep pace. In Cybersecurity Upside Down, he outlines a new approach to cybersecurity based on the principle that organizations should treat every file entering their systems as untrusted until verified as safe. Deep CDR™ technology Challenging the status quo, Czarny explains why relying solely on antivirus and similar tools is insufficient. He argues that this approach creates a continuous “vicious cycle,” as detection can never be perfect. Instead, he advocates Deep Content Disarm and Reconstruction (Deep CDR™) technology as a prevention approach that assumes files may be malicious and automatically rebuilds safe versions before they enter systems. Czarny comments: “For years the cybersecurity industry tried to achieve prevention through detection which worked for a time. But that model is broken. Attackers can now generate new threats faster than we can detect them, and AI is accelerating the problem.” Simplifying complex security concepts. Combining personal insights, industry analysis, and practical guidance for business leaders, the book calls on governments and policymakers to rethink cybersecurity standards and national initiatives with a stronger focus on prevention-based controls. Czarny distils complex security concepts into accessible insights, and the book brings these concepts to life with striking visuals and graphic design, including illustrations by artist Serge Seidlitz. Cybersecurity Upside Down examines today’s threat landscape and the strategies needed to defend against it. In the book Czarny outlines:     How to break the cycle of “detect and respond” with a new model: prevention through file regeneration. How CDR works and how it compares to other cybersecurity solutions.   Why signature-based and AI-driven detection tools cannot keep pace with modern cyber threats. Reversing the detection-based models Throughout the book Czarny shares insights from his personal journey, transforming OPSWAT from a modest startup into a global pioneer, protecting critical infrastructure worldwide. Adds Czarny: “This book is my personal reflection on why there is an urgent need for a fundamental reset on tackling cyber threats. The message is simple: it is time to reverse the detection-based models we have relied on and think prevention first.”

OPSWAT, a pioneer in critical infrastructure protection (CIP) cybersecurity solutions, announces the appointment of Jan Miller as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). In this expanded role, Miller will lead the newly created Technology Center, align research, engineering, and product development, and drive the company’s strategy for advanced threat detection at scale at the perimeter of organizations. By closing gaps between sandbox analysis and threat intelligence at their outer boundaries, OPSWAT’s solutions will enable organizations to identify and stop evasive threats earlier in the file lifecycle, before they can reach users, systems, or critical networks. AI-driven threat prevention “Jan’s appointment reinforces OPSWAT’s commitment to leading the next generation of AI-driven threat prevention,” said Benny Czarny, Founder and CEO of OPSWAT. “He combines deep technical expertise with true engineering leadership and has been at the forefront of applying AI and advanced research to real-world malware detection. Jan has already helped shape how we use adaptive sandboxing, behavioral analysis, and threat intelligence together at scale. As we further invest in research and innovation, his leadership will be critical in turning cutting-edge ideas into protection that works at the perimeter, where seconds matter and mistakes are not an option.” Building malware analysis Miller brings more than a decade of experience building malware analysis and threat detection technologies used by security teams worldwide. He is widely recognized for his contributions to sandboxing, behavioral analysis, and evasive malware research, and as the founder of multiple cybersecurity companies acquired by CrowdStrike and OPSWAT. Since joining the company in late 2022, Miller has held roles of increasing responsibility at OPSWAT, with him being the CTO of Threat Analysis prior to this latest appointment. Counter modern malware “To counter modern malware, sandboxing must work hand in hand with threat intelligence at the perimeter, where files first enter the environment and decisions need to be made in seconds,” said Jan Miller, Chief Technology Officer at OPSWAT. “This approach will allow customers to reduce alert noise, accelerate response, and improve protection across critical environments. Our new Technology Center will focus on advancing the integration of sandboxing and threat intelligence.” Miller is also a board member of the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO), where he advocates for transparency and standardized evaluation of security technologies. As a lead author of AMTSO’s Sandbox Evaluation Framework, he has helped define how modern sandbox solutions should be tested and validated.

OPSWAT Academy, a premier provider of critical infrastructure protection (CIP) cybersecurity training, announced it was named a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Submitter Partner by ISC2. The collaboration enables cybersecurity professionals worldwide to grow their expertise while meeting maintenance requirements for their ISC2 certifications, including CISSP, CCSP, and additional globally recognized credentials. “Partnering with ISC2, the world’s leading member association for cybersecurity professionals, further validates the quality and impact of our training programs,” said Irfan Shakeel, VP of Training and Certification Services at OPSWAT. “It gives those professionals one more reason to continue their learning journey with us and stay ahead of emerging threats.” CPE Submitter Partner As a CPE Submitter Partner, OPSWAT Academy can now directly submit CPE credits for qualifying educational programs such as self-paced online courses, live webinars, and onsite technical bootcamps on behalf of the trainee to ISC2. Participants can earn up to 20 CPE credits, depending on the program completed. “This collaboration provides ISC2-certified members with the opportunity to earn valuable CPE credits while accessing exclusive cybersecurity education and resources only available through OPSWAT Academy,” said Glen Cox, Director of Strategic Partnerships at ISC2. “Together, ISC2 and OPSWAT Academy broaden the range of high-quality, up-to-date training available to professionals, helping them maintain their certifications with confidence.” By joining forces, OPSWAT Academy’s reinforces its dedication to closing the global cybersecurity skills gap and strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure through impactful education.