From Botnets to AI Health: Michael Tiffany’s Mission to Empower Personal Data Sovereignty

In 2000 the internet was expanding at an astronomical rate. Consumers were logging in via dial-up modems by the hundreds of millions and businesses were racing to maximize their footprint in the digital world. A hacker named Onel de Guzman living in the Philippines had been playing with a script called “I Love You”. Distributed via email, it could assume secret control of an individual's computer from a centralized control. The “I Love You” virus spread to over 50 million computers, creating the world's largest botnet. Michael Tiffany and his co-founders were aware of these types of cyber attacks and wanted to ensure the Internet worked for businesses wanting to connect with consumers. They founded Human Security, one of the first companies to combat botnet activity for major brands and today a very powerful cybersecurity company for major corporations.

In this episode of Secure Talk, host Justin Beals interviews Michael Tiffany, co-founder of Human Security and the current leader of Fulcra Dynamics. Michael shares his early experiences with computers and his journey into cybersecurity, discussing topics the founding of Human Security as a solution for botnets, ad fraud, and early “Know Your Customer” challenges. He explains his current company, Fulcra's mission to empower individuals by unifying their personal data and promoting privacy and control in the age of AI. Listen as Michael reflects on the ethical responsibilities in technology and shares his vision for a future where individuals have sovereignty over their data.

00:00 Introduction to SecureTalk

00:32 Host's Journey into Computer Science

01:39 Introducing Michael Tiffany

03:12 Michael Tiffany's Early Experiences

15:26 The Birth of Human Security

20:56 Challenges and Innovations in Cybersecurity

27:11 Fulcra Dynamics: Empowering Personal Data

37:22 Vision for the Future of AI and Data Sovereignty

43:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts