Ex-NSA hacker and ex-Apple researcher launch startup to protect Apple devices

In the realm of cybersecurity, particularly targeting Apple's macOS and iOS systems, a new player has emerged with a distinct approach. Named DoubleYou, co-founded by former U.S. National Security Agency operative Patrick Wardle and Mikhail Sosonkin, this startup is embarking on a mission to enhance the landscape of Apple device security. Their strategy? To innovate the defensive side of cybersecurity products by extracting successful tactics from offensive cybersecurity methodologies.

Wardle and Sosonkin have identified a gap in the market for macOS and iOS security solutions, noting the increasing popularity of Macs in corporate environments and the consequent rise in targeted cyber threats. DoubleYou's philosophy pivots on leveraging the modularity seen in offensive cyber tactics—usually employed for exploitative purposes—and repurposing it for defense. The essence is the creation of individual defensive tools that other companies can integrate into their security suites.

The envisioned product suite promises to tackle prevalent cyber threats by focusing on process verification, DNS traffic monitoring to identify malware, and innovative ways to detect persistence attempts, crypto miners, ransomware, and unauthorized use of webcams and microphones. Described by Sosonkin as an "off-the-shelf catalog approach," it aims to provide customizable security components akin to car parts supplied for the final automobile assembly.

Daring to go a step further, DoubleYou plans to operate without outside investment for the time being. This independence is a strategic choice to avoid the pressure of scaling too quickly and losing focus on their innovative technology. It's this blend of innovative strategy, commitment to independence, and aim to transform the cybersecurity landscape for macOS and iOS devices that highlights the potential of DoubleYou to be a game-changer in the field.

For those in the cybersecurity community, DoubleYou presents an intriguing development worth watching.