Guardey: The Cybersecurity Solution for SMEs – Interview with Joeri van de Watering, CEO & co-founder

Joeri van de Watering, CEO & co-founder of Guardey, was a guest on BNR Nieuwsradio’s program “Zakendoen.” During the interview, he explains why Guardey is the cybersecurity solution for SMEs.

62% of all cybercrime targets SMEs, yet only 8% of SMEs claim to have their cybersecurity in good order.

At Guardey, the plug-and-play cybersecurity solution for SMEs, we believe that SMEs deserve the same level of cybersecurity as the big players, but in a comprehensible, accessible, and affordable way.

95% of data breaches occur due to human error. With Guardey, you can make your employees cyber secure in no time, both at the office and at home, through our unique formula, focusing on secure connections, monitoring and detection, and cybersecurity awareness training through gamification.

The average cost of a cyberattack for an SME is €270,000. Guardey costs only €10 per employee per month. Are you still spending more money on coffee than on cybersecurity? Then it’s time to take action!

How does the implementation of Guardey’s cybersecurity solution differ for SMEs compared to cybersecurity implementation in large companies?
That’s where Guardey truly makes a difference! We are a plug-and-play cybersecurity solution for SMEs. Within minutes, you can have it implemented in your company.

Do employees of SMEs not need to be trained?
Absolutely, they do. We train employees through gamification. It’s a different approach, but what’s important is that we speak the language of entrepreneurs. They often don’t understand the available solutions. Existing solutions are geared towards large organizations, are complex, and require significant time and financial investment. We have changed that! We speak the language of the entrepreneur.

Don’t many SMEs pretend to have their cybersecurity in order?
That is the most challenging aspect we face. Many entrepreneurs believe that they are well-protected with just a firewall or antivirus. We work with a channel model. The IT partners connected to Guardey also play an important role in increasing awareness.

Does it matter which systems, platforms, or devices SMEs use?
Guardey’s cybersecurity solution for SMEs is currently available for Windows and OS X, specifically for laptops. By the end of this year, we will also be available for all mobile devices. By simply installing the software, you have a secure connection through VPN technology. We scan and analyze the data that passes through to identify risks.

You mentioned that the average entrepreneur spends more money on coffee than on cybersecurity. Is that true or just a gut feeling?
That is truly the truth. Research has shown that entrepreneurs often spend more money on coffee than on cybersecurity.

Essentially, you are saying that if something goes wrong, you’re in trouble. That is a disaster for your business. How long will it take for entrepreneurs to realize that cybersecurity is not an area to cut corners on?
It’s a matter of time. The likelihood of falling victim to a cyberattack is much higher than that of a fire. Every entrepreneur has fire insurance but often lacks proper cybersecurity. However, it’s really just a matter of time before entrepreneurs get hacked. That’s why they must take action.

Aren’t there enough companies, like Guardey, offering cybersecurity solutions for SMEs?
Many cybersecurity solutions originally target large organizations and are now expanding to include SMEs. However, they don’t speak the language of SMEs. Before we started Guardey, we had various conversations with potential end customers, distributors, and IT partners to understand their needs and how to approach them. And that’s why we created Guardey.

Guardey operates on a channel model. Do those channels see you as complementary or as a threat?
Our IT partners definitely see us as complementary. We are truly embraced by IT partners and distributors because there is finally a solution for the lower end of the market.

Ready to secure your company with Guardey? Don’t let cybercrime go unnoticed. With our plug-and-play cybersecurity solution, you can protect your business comprehensibly, affordably, and effortlessly. Don’t risk becoming a victim – get started with Guardey today!