Ilias Tsapsidis, Sales Director for Middle East, Greece, Cyprus & Malta at ESET, reaffirmed the company’s mission to build a safer digital world through AI-driven innovation and global collaboration. ESET delivers privacy-first XDR, MDR, and behavioral analytics to counter advanced threats and empower secure, scalable enterprises.
As cybersecurity evolves rapidly, how does ESET stay ahead of emerging threats, such as AI-powered attacks and quantum computing vulnerabilities?
ESET tackles AI-driven attacks and zero-day vulnerabilities with a prevention-first approach, combining AI-powered threat detection, expert-led threat hunting, and real-time response.
A holistic approach to security by ESET includes a variety of protection tools incorporated into ESET PROTECT, our cloud platform, to make our XDR solution. Businesses with limited workforce in the Information Security Department (ISD) can utilize the ESET MDR (Managed Detection & Response) service, which outsources the maintenance, 24/7 monitoring and threat hunting. ESET MDR cybersecurity services combine AI and human expertise to achieve unmatched threat detection and rapid incident response, eliminating the need to maintain in-house security specialists. Additionally, our Threat Intelligence services are praised for their accuracy and distinct value, having proven to be effective during critical times.
What’s your perspective on balancing cybersecurity with user privacy, especially as data protection regulations become stricter worldwide?
I firmly believe that strong cybersecurity doesn’t have to come at the expense of user privacy. Our solutions are built with a privacy-first mindset, ensuring that while we deliver advanced threat detection and prevention, we also uphold strict standards for data protection. We don’t monetize user data, and our technologies are designed to operate transparently and ethically. ESET emphasizes user privacy in its practices and policies. They collect data for legitimate purposes like system administration, reporting aggregate information, and improving their services. They also collect personal information for direct communication, marketing, and fulfilling requests. ESET’s policies generally state that personal information will not be disclosed to third parties without consent, unless required by law or necessary for service provision.
ESET has built a strong reputation in cybersecurity—what do you think has been the key to maintaining trust and credibility over the years?
ESET has long been recognized as a global leader in cybersecurity, with over 30 years of experience, committed to protecting individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure from evolving digital threats. At its core, ESET’s mission is to provide cutting-edge security solutions that empower users to navigate the digital world safely while maintaining privacy and operational integrity.
Today, ESET continues to advance this mission by integrating AI-driven threat detection, proactive defence mechanisms, and a strong emphasis on education and awareness. The company is dedicated to fostering a safer digital environment through continuous innovation and collaboration with industry leaders, government agencies, and cybersecurity experts.
How does ESET approach innovation? Are there any breakthrough technologies or projects in the pipeline that you’re particularly excited about?
ESET’s technology solutions stand out due to their multilayered approach, combining machine learning and AI, global threat intelligence, and human expertise to provide comprehensive cybersecurity.
ESET leverages its global presence to prioritize and block emerging threats before they spread. ESET LiveGrid, a technology developed by ESET, utilizes data submitted from over 110 million ESET users worldwide and sends it to the ESET Research Lab. ESET operates 13 Research & Development centers globally, where hundreds of experts are dedicated to cybersecurity research, threat analysis, and product development. They play a crucial role in anticipating new threats, developing and improving security products, and ensuring proactive protection for ESET’s global user base.
ESET has earned global recognition as a multi-award-winning cybersecurity vendor, consistently receiving accolades for its cutting-edge security solutions and industry-leading threat detection.
What are the biggest cybersecurity challenges businesses and individuals will face in the next five years, and how should they prepare?
Over the next five years, businesses and individuals will face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, especially from AI-driven attacks and zero-day vulnerabilities. The growing use of cloud services and hybrid work models also expands the attack surface, while the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals makes it harder to respond effectively. At ESET, we emphasize a prevention-first approach, combining advanced AI-powered threat detection with expert-led services like our MDR (Managed & Detection Response) offering. This allows organizations to stay protected, even without large in-house teams. The key is adopting multi-layered security and staying proactive, not reactive.
How can AI-driven security solutions help detect and mitigate insider threats, and what role does behavioral analytics play in this process?
I believe AI-driven security solutions play a critical role in detecting and mitigating insider threats by continuously monitoring and analyzing user behavior to spot anomalies that indicate potential risks. Behavioral analytics enables our systems to identify unusual activities, such as irregular access patterns or unauthorized data transfers that traditional security tools might overlook. ESET’s AI-powered platform adapts over time, providing real-time insights and automated responses to proactively address insider threats before they cause harm. This approach not only strengthens organizational security but also enhances operational efficiency by reducing false positives and enabling faster threat resolution.
As AI becomes more integrated into cybersecurity, how do you ensure that insider threats—such as employees manipulating AI tools or bypassing security—don’t become an even greater risk?
As AI becomes more integrated into cybersecurity, ensuring insider threats don’t escalate requires a layered approach. At ESET, we combine advanced AI-driven monitoring with strict access controls and continuous behavioral analysis to detect any attempts to manipulate AI tools or bypass security protocols. Our solutions provide transparency and audit trails, making it harder for insiders to act unnoticed. Additionally, ongoing user education and policy enforcement are key to minimizing risks. By integrating AI with human oversight, ESET helps organizations maintain a strong defense against insider threats while leveraging AI’s full potential safely and effectively.
Can you share your thoughts on the role of cybersecurity in geopolitics? How does ESET navigate the complexities of international cybersecurity threats?
Cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in geopolitics, as cyber threats often transcend borders and impact national security, critical infrastructure, and global stability. ESET recognizes the complexity of these challenges and approaches international threats with a global mindset. Our solutions are designed to adapt to diverse regulatory environments while providing robust protection against sophisticated attacks originating worldwide. We collaborate closely with governments, industry partners, and international organizations to share intelligence and respond swiftly to emerging threats. This proactive, cooperative approach enables ESET to help clients navigate geopolitical risks while maintaining high standards of security and compliance.
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a career in cybersecurity today? What skills and mindsets are most valuable?
For anyone looking to build a career in cybersecurity today, my advice is to focus on both technical skills and a strong analytical mindset. Understanding fundamentals like networking, threat detection, and risk management is essential, but equally important is curiosity and a willingness to continuously learn, as cyber threats evolve rapidly. Soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork are also critical, as cybersecurity often involves collaboration across departments. I also value professionals who are adaptable, proactive, and ethical, because these qualities help build trust and resilience in the face of evolving challenges. Embracing a lifelong learning attitude is key to long-term success in this dynamic field.
Looking ahead, what is ESET’s long-term vision for the company?
Looking ahead, I see ESET continuing to lead in innovative, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions that protect users globally across all digital environments. The long-term vision is to empower individuals and organizations with proactive, adaptive security that stays ahead of evolving threats. We aim to expand our presence in emerging markets and strengthen partnerships to deliver seamless, integrated protection. At ESET, we are committed to advancing privacy, trust, and transparency while driving innovation that balances cutting-edge technology with user-friendly experiences. Ultimately, our goal is to create a safer digital world where businesses and individuals can thrive without fear of cyber threats.