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Zygon Protects Startups from Data Breaches Caused by Insecure SaaS Providers

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Cloud Computing Company Shadow Confirms Data Breach Involving 530,000 Customers

Last week, cloud computing company Shadow confirmed a data breach involving customers’ personal information. The hacker claims to have access to the data of more than 530,000 customers. According to an email from Shadow CEO Eric Sèle, the hacker managed to download this data from a software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider’s API.

The Ongoing Issue of Data Breaches

This is just a recent example in a long list of data breaches that have affected companies of all sizes. And if you’re a tech CEO, you probably don’t want to be in that position. In the current regulatory landscape, you often have to notify privacy watchdogs and navigate regulatory obligations. More importantly, you risk losing the trust of your clients when you notify them of the breach.

Meet Zygon: A Startup That Helps Manage SaaS Applications

That’s the reason Zygon caught my attention. This new French startup reviews all the SaaS applications used by your team — and it doesn’t just focus on official services, as it can identify shadow SaaS services that some teams have been quietly using without telling the IT department.

From Cost-Saving to Security

At first, I thought Zygon could be particularly useful as a cost-saving service. As many VC firms are still passing on deals that would have made sense a few years ago, some startups are actively reviewing their SaaS contracts to see if they can cancel a few subscriptions and extend their runway.

But the startup wants to go beyond this initial usage and build a security startup for your SaaS services. Zygon recently raised a $3 million seed round with Axeleo Capital leading the round, and Kima Ventures and several business angels also participating.

Visibility on Shadow IT

After the initial inventory process, Zygon customers get a dashboard with all the SaaS applications with the number of users per application. ‘We are using the metadata of employee emails, we go through the entire email history and detect those that mention the use of non-approved services,’ says Aurélien Dubois, co-founder of Zygon.

Why Shadow IT is a Problem

Shadow IT refers to software or services used within an organization without the approval or knowledge of the IT department. This can lead to security risks, as these applications may not be properly secured and can expose sensitive data.

How Zygon Helps

Zygon’s platform identifies and categorizes all SaaS applications used by an organization, including shadow IT apps. It then provides a dashboard that allows users to track usage, identify trends, and make informed decisions about which applications to keep or cancel.

The Benefits of Using Zygon

By using Zygon, organizations can:

  • Identify and eliminate shadow IT apps
  • Reduce security risks associated with unapproved services
  • Save costs by optimizing SaaS subscriptions
  • Improve visibility into software usage and trends

Meet the Team Behind Zygon

Aurélien Dubois and his co-founder, Clément Pailles, met while working at a French startup accelerator. They saw an opportunity to create a platform that would help organizations manage their SaaS applications more effectively.

Dubois has a background in IT and security, while Pailles has experience in software development. Together, they have built a team of experts who are passionate about helping organizations improve their cybersecurity posture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, data breaches are an ongoing issue for companies, and it’s essential to take proactive measures to protect sensitive information. Zygon is a startup that offers a solution to this problem by providing visibility into SaaS applications and helping organizations manage shadow IT.

By using Zygon, companies can reduce security risks, save costs, and improve their overall cybersecurity posture. As the founder of TechCrunch, I’m excited to see startups like Zygon emerge and make a positive impact on the industry.


About Romain Dillet

Romain Dillet is a journalist based in Paris who covers technology for TechCrunch. He has been following the startup scene for years and has written extensively about various topics, including cybersecurity, AI, and fintech.

Dillet has a background in computer science and development, which gives him a unique perspective on the tech behind the tech. He is also a skilled developer and has worked on several projects in his spare time.

When he’s not writing or coding, Dillet enjoys learning about new technologies and innovations that are shaping our world.

Contact

If you have any questions or would like to reach out to Romain Dillet, please feel free to email him at romain.dillet@techcrunch.com.


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