ThreatLocker® CEO Danny Jenkins Shares Insights on Cybersecurity Evolution and Zero Trust Strategy

Danny Jenkins, CEO and Co-Founder of ThreatLocker®, a cybersecurity firm specializing in Zero Trust endpoint protection, recently shared his insights on the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the strategic direction of his company. With over two decades of experience in cybersecurity, Jenkins highlights the critical need for proactive measures in an era where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

During a recent trip to the Middle East, Jenkins engaged with around 30 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and industry leaders in Dubai and Qatar to understand their cybersecurity needs better. This engagement comes at a time when geopolitical tensions are heightening the risk of cyber attacks, making the discussion particularly relevant.

ThreatLocker® has seen significant growth, nearly doubling its revenue and customer base in the past year. The company's success is attributed to its proactive approach to preventing malware, which has resonated strongly with sectors such as finance, manufacturing, and aviation.

Jenkins pointed out a shift in ransomware tactics, where attackers now prioritize data exfiltration over encryption, using blackmail as a leverage tool. He also emphasized the risks associated with software originating from adversarial countries and the importance of rigorous vetting to prevent insider threats.

Reflecting on his background as an ethical hacker, Jenkins shared how his experiences have shaped ThreatLocker®'s approach to cybersecurity. He criticized the common CEO focus on high-profile threats, arguing that more frequent risks like unpatched systems and excessive permissions often go overlooked.

To combat these risks, Jenkins proposed four simple rules for business cyber hygiene: closing unused ports, regular patching, blocking untrusted software, and enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA). He also advocated for the removal of admin rights and adherence to established frameworks like CIS or NIST.

The role of AI in cybersecurity was another topic of discussion. While AI can augment decision-making, Jenkins cautioned against over-reliance, noting that attackers are using AI to create malware that evades traditional detection methods. ThreatLocker®'s strategy in this AI era is a 'default-deny' approach, where only explicitly approved software is allowed to run, with tightly scoped permissions.

For consumers, Jenkins recommended caution with personal data, avoiding unnecessary downloads, locking credit files, and using MFA to mitigate damage from potential breaches.

With over 20 years in the industry, Jenkins' final takeaway is clear: the best defense against cyber threats is to treat everything as potentially harmful, apply strict access controls, and adopt a security-first mindset in all environments.

ThreatLocker® continues to lead in the cybersecurity space, offering enterprise-level Zero Trust tools to protect servers and endpoints globally. For more information, visit https://www.threatlocker.com/.