The GCC’s Tech Vanguard: ImmuniWeb's Dr. Ilia Kolochenko
The founder, CEO, and chief architect of ImmuniWeb was one of the 30 innovators celebrated in Inc. Arabia's December 2024 special feature, The GCC's Tech Vanguard.
Dr. Ilia Kolochenko got his first job in information security in 2003 when he was just 16 – and when information security was an add-on to information technology. In 2019, after successfully exiting a managed security service provider that he had launched in 2007, he founded the Geneva-headquartered ImmuniWeb with the aim to create a globally accessible all-in-one platform for cybersecurity that would be available online, round the clock, 365 days a year. And today, given that ImmuniWeb currently serves over 1,000 enterprise customers from over 50 countries, Dr. Kolochenko believes that he and his team have been able to realize the enterprise’s underlying goal to democratize and commoditize cybersecurity services.
Earlier this year, ImmuniWeb expanded its operations to Dubai to help address rising cybersecurity threats in the GCC, and it currently counts among its clients DP World, the Arab Bank, the Saudi Cybersecurity Company, and the Public Institution for Social Security, among others. As for the road ahead, Dr. Kolochenko sees the future in further simplification and intelligent automation of numerous cybersecurity tasks and processes with artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. “Of note, while I advocate for well-thought-out use of AI in cyber, I don’t think it will replace skilled cybersecurity professionals within the next decade,” he adds. “Instead, it will enable them to free up some time, and focus on truly sophisticated tasks that deserve human intelligence.”
A Playbook For Success: Dr. Ilia Kolochenko
From a business perspective, what attracted you to the GCC as a region, and what's your outlook for it?
“The GCC is one of the most rapidly growing regions with a strong and stable economy. Both local and foreign businesses see unmissable opportunities there and commence new activities in the region. This success and prosperity will unfortunately not remain unnoticed by nefarious cybercriminals who frequently target wealthy and unprotected victims. Our mission in the GCC is to offer simple, reliable, and cost-efficient solutions tailored for local needs and regulatory requirements, helping local businesses to build a sustainable and resilient information technology ecosystem.”
What advice would you give to young people/new businesses looking to start/grow in your field/industry?
“Never stop learning, always work hard and with passion, don’t get distracted by failures – they merely prove your unfolding success.”
ImmuniWeb's Dr. Ilia Kolochenko was one of the 30 innovators celebrated in Inc. Arabia's December 2024 special feature, The GCC's Tech Vanguard. For the full list of The GCC's Tech Vanguard, please click here.
