Cyber attacks. They’re not just news stories anymore, are they? If you’re running a business, big or small, these digital threats are a daily worry. You might get a security check-up now and then – a penetration test, maybe? Smart move. But think about it. That’s just one moment in time.
What if there was a way to keep watch all the time? To have someone on your side, always looking for trouble? Turns out, there is.
Red Sentry, started by an ex-cop and a hacker duo, decided enough was enough. They built a system that acts like a non-stop shield. Intrigued? We were too. So we sat down with Aarya from Red Sentry to get the inside scoop.
What is Red Sentry?
Red Sentry is a cybersecurity platform that reimagines the traditional approach to penetration testing and vulnerability management. At the heart of this startup’s mission is a drive to protect businesses of all sizes from relentless digital threats.
Red Sentry delivers more than periodic penetration tests for business owners striving to safeguard their sensitive data. It offers a continuous 24/7 vulnerability scanning platform. This hybrid solution enables you to preemptively detect and address potential threats instead of merely reacting to attacks.
Red Sentry stands out by integrating hacker-level expertise with detective-like investigative skills, offering a proactive stance in a field accustomed to reactivity. Adopting an attacker’s mindset empowers you to anticipate security breaches. Through ongoing monitoring, Red Sentry aims to echo the presence of a protective shield, always ensuring your business remains a step ahead of potential cyber threats.
The continuous protection model employed by Red Sentry surpasses traditional frameworks. Unlike standard methods that offer a single snapshot of your security, this model provides ongoing vigilance, ensuring your defences are always fortified, keeping your peace of mind intact.
Red Sentry Founders
Meet Alex and Valentina, the masterminds behind Red Sentry. This isn’t just any founding duo. Alex cut his teeth as an ethical hacker. Picture him, day after day, testing the security of Fortune 500 companies. That’s like being allowed to break into the most secure vaults without getting arrested. Meanwhile, Valentina fought on a different front. Her early days were spent as a police detective. Yes, in charge of a federal task force dealing with everything from street crime to the depths of cybercriminal endeavours.
These distinct paths would naturally lead to frustration with many companies’ reactive strategies. Cue the birth of Red Sentry—a tool crafted by Alex to act before the damage is done. Valentina’s aim was empowerment, helping businesses guard against threats they hadn’t yet seen. It’s like gearing up for a storm before the clouds even gather.
Starting this venture wasn’t without its hurdles. Convincing businesses about the critical need for proactive cybersecurity was a challenge. Many viewed it as an afterthought until trouble struck—a notion Alex and Valentina were determined to change. They put in the work, proving the vital impact of staying one step ahead of cyber threats. Over time, their dedication built trust with clients eager for a safer digital ride, showcasing a better return for those taking early action.
All of this experience and expertise culminated in a unique, hybrid approach. Red Sentry becomes more than just a guard; it’s a watchful protector tirelessly safeguarding your digital assets. This dynamic duo injects their blend of hacking prowess and detective instincts into the core of the company, staying ahead of the game, setting new standards in the cybersecurity landscape.
Interview with Aarya Gonzalez of Red Sentry
We got the chance to sit down with Aarya Gonzalez to understand more. We wanted to know exactly what makes this startup tick. Here’s how our chat went.
Q: Aarya, for those just getting to know Red Sentry, can you explain in simple terms what it is you guys actually do?
A: We help businesses stay safe online. Think of it like this: you get your security checked sometimes, right? Maybe a penetration test. That’s good, but it’s just one check. Threats online are constant. We offer ongoing checks, 24/7. We find the weak spots before the bad guys do. It’s penetration testing and vulnerability management, always on. For any size business.
Q: So, who exactly needs Red Sentry? Who are you trying to help most?
A: Business owners, anyone responsible for keeping their company’s data safe. If you have customer details, financial information, anything sensitive, you need to protect it. We are for the businesses that worry about cyberattacks and want to be proactive, not just react after something happens.
Q: What problem are you really solving for these business owners?
A: The big problem is constant threats. A one-off security test is not enough anymore. Things change, systems change, and attackers never stop. We solve the problem of being vulnerable between those tests. We give businesses constant monitoring and protection. We find the holes, and we help them fix them. This way, they are always ahead of potential attacks. It’s about being continuously secure, not just secure sometimes.
Q: Tell us a bit about the people behind Red Sentry. Who started this and what’s their story?
A: The founders are Alex and Valentina. Their backgrounds are quite different but they came together with a shared frustration. Alex was an ethical hacker, breaking into big companies to test their security. Valentina was a police detective, working cybercrimes. She saw people after they had already been victims. They both realised cybersecurity was too reactive. Too much waiting for something bad to happen. They wanted to change that. Alex built the Red Sentry platform to be proactive. Valentina’s experience gave them the drive to make it happen. They combined their skills to create a new approach to penetration testing. One that’s faster, more effective, and always on.
Q: What pushed you personally to get involved in this specific industry?
A: For Valentina, it was her police work. Seeing the impact of cybercrime on victims was tough. She felt she was always helping after the damage was done. That reactive nature bothered her. She wanted to prevent the damage in the first place. That’s her real motivation. To be on the front foot, protecting businesses before they become victims. It’s about making the digital world safer for everyone.
Q: What were some of the early hurdles you faced when starting Red Sentry?
A: Education was a big one. Convincing businesses that cybersecurity isn’t just an occasional thing. Many saw it as something to think about later, only after an attack. We had to show them the real cost of cybercrime, not just the immediate financial hit but the damage to reputation, the long-term effects. We focused on clear communication, showing real-world examples and the return on investment in proactive security. Slowly, as businesses understood the risks, they started to see the value in what we offer. Building trust took time, but it was essential.
Q: What makes Red Sentry different from other cybersecurity companies out there?
A: It’s our approach. We blend real hacker skills with a detective mindset. Valentina’s background as a cybercrime detective gives us a unique edge. We think like attackers. We don’t just do a test and leave it there. We offer continuous protection. Most services are just a snapshot in time. We’re always watching, always scanning. This constant vigilance is what sets us apart. We believe offense is the best defence in cybersecurity.
Q: Has Red Sentry received any funding?
A: Yes, we have.
Q: Can you tell us about your valuation today?
A: We have achieved a gross profit of over $4.45 million since 2020.
Q: How did your recent funding round come about? What did you learn from it?
A: The funding round was a big step for us. It was exciting but also challenging. We learned a lot about finding the right investors. Investors who get our vision, who understand the value of proactive cybersecurity. It’s not just about the money. It’s about finding partners who believe in what you are doing. This process has helped us refine our plans for growth and scaling the company.
Q: What are Red Sentry’s plans for the future?
A: Growth is key. We want to expand our team, bring in more experts to strengthen our skills. We are looking to build more partnerships with leading companies and broaden the cybersecurity services we offer. We also have a Red Teaming service launching soon, which we are excited about.
Q: Can you give us a sense of your revenue and customer numbers?
A: Revenue and customer numbers vary month to month. Our year-on-year growth is about 20 to 35%, again, it fluctuates.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about Red Sentry?
A: We are changing how businesses think about security. It shouldn’t be reactive. It should be ongoing. We provide cost-effective, proactive solutions to keep businesses secure every day. By combining penetration testing with 24/7 scanning, we find weaknesses before they are exploited. We want businesses to feel confident in their security. To have peace of mind in a risky digital world. Security shouldn’t wait for an attack. It needs to start now.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to start their own business?
A: Just go for it. Really. Find mentors. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, who can guide you. It’s a journey, and having the right people around you makes all the difference.
Q: Are there any statistics about the cybersecurity industry that highlight the importance of what Red Sentry does?
A: Yes, it’s quite stark. Globally, around 30,000 websites are attacked every single day. That shows the scale of the threat and why constant vigilance is so vital.
Feedough’s Take on Red Sentry
Cybersecurity is no longer optional; it’s a core business need. Red Sentry steps into this space with a fresh approach. Their continuous monitoring model is interesting. Most companies still rely on point-in-time security checks. This leaves gaps. Red Sentry aims to close these gaps, offering always-on protection. This is where the disruption lies.
The founders’ backgrounds are a strong point. The blend of hacking and detective work gives them a unique perspective. They understand attacker behaviour and defensive strategies. This expertise is valuable in a market often filled with generic solutions. The challenge for Red Sentry will be market education. Businesses need to understand the value of constant vigilance over periodic checks.
Looking ahead, expect Red Sentry to push for wider adoption of proactive security. As cyber threats grow more complex, their always-on approach should resonate with businesses seeking robust defence. They are well-positioned to become a significant player in the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
A startup consultant, digital marketer, traveller, and philomath. Aashish has worked with over 20 startups and successfully helped them ideate, raise money, and succeed. When not working, he can be found hiking, camping, and stargazing.