Crashtest Security:  In short words, we automate the hacking of web applications

Please introduce yourself and your startup Crashtest Security to our readers!
I am Janosch, one of the Co-Founders of Crashtest Security. In short words, we automate the hacking of web applications. And we do this so that our customers can solve the vulnerabilities which we found and prevent real hacking attacks.

How did you get the idea to Crashtest Security?
Two of my Co-Founders and I, had a lecture “secure coding” together at university. In this lecture, we – as a team – developed an online banking application and then hacked the banks of the other teams. We produced a report of around one hundred pages within three weeks – Twice in one semester. We were looking for things to automate and saw a great business opportunity there.

How difficult was the start and what challenges you had to overcome?
We had incredible people who supported us right from the start. Without the constant feedback, we would not have taken the step to found a company. One of the biggest problems was the time we had, while we were still studying. Now that we are working full-time for our start-up things are a lot easier to manage.

Who is your target audience?
We target web development agencies, SaaS companies and companies that are currently digitalizing themselves. They all rely on web applications which have a high chance to get attacked by a hacker.

What is the USP of your startup?
Our Crashtest Security Suite is an automated security scanner. The solution is unique in its way, as it integrates seamlessly into agile development workflows and allows for real-time detection of vulnerabilities. It can for example start an automated security scan on our customers’ applications after every deployment. In addition, we provide a knowledge base that guides our customers through solving the vulnerabilities. The Crashtest Security Suite allows companies to continuously create secure software and protect valuable customer and business data.
In order to support all companies in increasing their security, we offer a free security scan on our website: https://crashtest-security.com/product

Can you describe a typical workday of you?
There is no such thing as a typical day in a start-up. On some days, I develop our security scanners. On some days, I have calls and meetings all day to gather feedback or try to sell our product. And then there is the bureaucracy and administrative work such as doing the accounting. Most of the days are a mixture of all these tasks.

Where do you see yourself and your startup Crashtest Security in five years?
In five years, we will have a security scanner working that uses machine learning algorithms to understand the business logic of a web application. The scanner will use the information and try to circumvent mandatory steps in the business process. Therefore, we will be able to tell our customers when it is possible to use their software in an unintended way such as shopping online without paying for the item. Our goal is, that all software is secure at every point in time – And we do a great part of making this happen.

What 3 tips would you give other Start-up founders on the way?
– Always surround yourself with people smarter then you. That is the only way to learn.
– Listen carefully! Especially when talking to your customers.
– Treat security as an important core value of your start-up. If you have one security problem, your customers will lose their trust in you. To help our fellow start-ups, we have also created a guide with security best practices that everybody can easily follow (and that do not cost anything): https://blog.crashtest-security.com/security-best-practices-for-start-ups-1d41b8e1014

More information you will find here

Thank you Janosch Maier for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.