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Open Source Startup Podcast

E167: Taking on Network Security with a Zero Trust Approach with NetBird

Feb 24, 2025
Misha Bragin, Founder & CEO of NetBird, shares his journey in creating a zero trust networking platform that simplifies secure access for remote users. He discusses the shift from hardware to software, driven by the surge in remote work. Misha explains why traditional VPNs are outdated and highlights the advantages of the WireGuard protocol. He also delves into the unique features of NetBird compared to Tailscale, and the importance of hiring a technical marketer early for technical founders. Insightful and engaging!
34:50

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • NetBird's pivot from hardware to a software-based approach addresses growing remote access needs through a zero trust networking model.
  • Their commitment to open source enhances security, flexibility, and user control while fostering community engagement and trust in enterprise environments.

Deep dives

Origin and Evolution of Netbird

Netbird began as an idea for a user-friendly hardware solution to address privacy concerns associated with data storage alternatives like Dropbox or Google Drive. The founder initially envisioned a plug-and-play device that allowed users to store data at home and access it securely from anywhere. However, with the onset of the pandemic and subsequent hardware production challenges, the focus shifted from hardware to software development. This pivot led to the discovery that their peer-to-peer networking technology could effectively solve remote access issues, ultimately positioning Netbird as an open source zero trust network security solution.

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