In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and innovators working on our next generation of new business startups, social enterprises and small businesses.
At a glance
Founder: Craig Rowland
Business: Sandfly Security
Founded: April 2018
HQ: Canterbury
Can you tell us a bit about your business?
Sandfly Security develops agentless intrusion detection and incident response for the Linux operating system.
Linux runs the Internet and up to 95% of all cloud servers are Linux based. Sandfly is able to automatically hunt for hackers and malicious activity across Linux hosts without loading disruptive software agents on endpoints. This results in lower risk to critical enterprise assets, fast deployment, and rapid response to incidents that can impact mission critical operations.
What’s the backstory for your business idea?
The name Sandfly was given to the product because we use swarms of investigation modules that go onto a host to hunt and attack hackers. The name came to me when I was sitting in Fiordland being attacked by sandflies. It was a perfect metaphor to how our product works. It is also a nod to our New Zealand origins.
What programmes, learning or mentoring have been of assistance so far?
- We have had a lot of help from organisations such as Vodafone NZ Xone startup accelerator, XStart and our NZ based investors providing advice and guidance.
- My most important piece of advice to founders is that you need to develop a thick skin and be resilient and flexible in dealing with the problems all startups face.
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