The cybersecurity sector has always been a battleground of emerging threats, expensive security audits, and the need for timely, efficient solutions. Organizations, from startups to large enterprises, face the constant threat of cyberattacks, making the need for reliable and efficient security audits more pressing than ever. However, the current cybersecurity environment often presents significant barriers to entry, especially for smaller companies. Security audits, traditionally known for being prohibitively expensive and time-consuming, are frequently out of reach for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The gap in accessibility leaves many companies vulnerable to potentially devastating breaches. Addressing this issue by making security audits more accessible, cost-effective, and efficient through innovative automation techniques is Pinewheel.

A cybersecurity startup, Pinewheel aims to streamline the audit process, making it accessible to organizations of all sizes, including SMEs and startups. The inspiration behind its mission stems from the firsthand experience of its founder, Devesh Shah, in the cybersecurity sector. Having been actively involved in bug bounty programs, where security flaws in company systems are identified and reported, Shah realized that many vulnerabilities detected during these audits were repetitive and could be automated. “The recent advancements in large language models (LLMs) and generative artificial intelligence have provided the technological foundation to offer a solution that automates significant

parts of the security audit process,” says Devesh Shah, Founder & CEO of Pinewheel.

By providing a platform that allows businesses to conduct security audits on demand, it offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional, more expensive security firms. The approach enables businesses to address obvious vulnerabilities that might otherwise go unnoticed, potentially preventing significant data breaches and financial losses. Currently in its beta phase, the company is preparing for a public launch scheduled for October 2024. Its initial offering, the Copilot platform, is designed to cater users with minimal cybersecurity knowledge, providing them with the tools necessary to conduct basic security audits. During the beta phase, security freelancers, bug bounty hunters, and penetration testers can access the Copilot platform for free, and interested users can sign up for the waitlist for the public launch.

A cybersecurity startup, Pinewheel aims to streamline the security audit process, making it accessible to organizations of all sizes, including SMEs & startups

Pinewheel aims to simulate the perspective of an attacker, offering insights into potential vulnerabilities that might be exploited. The offensive approach does not require access to a business’s source code, making it a black-box method that is efficient and less intrusive. By leveraging AI in penetration testing, it helps businesses proactively identify and address security weaknesses before they can be exploited.

While Pinewheel’s primary focus is on penetration testing and identifying vulnerabilities, it also provides actionable insights and recommendations based on its findings. After simulating potential attacks, the company delivers detailed reports with executive summaries for quick insights highlighting the identified vulnerabilities and suggesting measures to mitigate them. Its comprehensive reporting empowers businesses to take informed steps toward enhancing their security posture. Moreover, it ensures that all data collected during the audit process is securely handled, with strict controls in place to prevent unauthorized access or misuse. The platform also supports users in preparing for compliance audits.

Pinewheel’s long-term vision is to achieve complete automation of security audits, making it possible for any company, regardless of size or technical expertise, to conduct thorough security checks of their digital infrastructure. By addressing common vulnerabilities and providing easy-to-understand reports, it seeks to empower businesses to take control of their cybersecurity. In doing so, the company is not just enhancing the security audit process but is also driving a fundamental shift toward making cybersecurity accessible and manageable for all.