Risky Bulletin Srsly Risky Biz: Russian cyber security picked a side
Aug 21, 2025
Explore how Russian cybersecurity firms have thrived since the Ukraine invasion by aligning closely with national interests. Discover Russia's push for its own messenger app, effectively sidelining foreign services and raising concerns over privacy and surveillance. Delve into the diplomatic friction between the UK and US regarding iCloud encryption access and the complex battle over user data protection. The episode offers sharp insights into the intertwining of tech, politics, and individual rights amidst evolving geopolitical landscapes.
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Picking A Side Paid Off
- Russian cybersecurity firms have prospered financially after aligning with the state despite Western sanctions and market losses.
- Picking a side created a new market: being 'not the US' became a selling point for distrustful customers.
Reframing As A Geopolitical Diversifier
- Kaspersky and peers reframed their pitch to non-Western customers by offering geographic and political diversity.
- They advertised as an alternative to US/Israeli/Chinese vendors to reduce customers' geopolitical risk.
Cybersecurity Firms Drift Toward States
- Geopolitical competition naturally draws cybersecurity firms closer to their host governments for financial and cultural reasons.
- The industry is shifting from 'global' vendors to national cyber firms tied to state interests.