Frederic Rivain has led Dashlane’s product and engineering teams since 2015, focusing on helping customers have a simpler, more secure online experience. Below, he shares the reason for the majority of data breaches and common-sense tips for better online security.
Learn more about how Dashlane continually evolves to stay ahead of cyber threats by reading Frederic’s latest posts on the Dashlane blog. Also, be sure to check out his fireside chat with Dashlane Chief Product Officer Donald Hasson, “Building a Company-Wide Culture of Security with the C-Suite & IT,” for insights about what a strong security culture can do for your organization.
Q: How did you get your start in cybersecurity/tech?
Frederic Rivain (FR): I have been in tech all my career, but I was first exposed to security concerns through the lens of fraud and payments. Back in 2009, I was in charge of a platform of web games where you could bet money that you would be the best at a casual game like Tetris. Of course, we had to make sure cheaters and fraudsters could not break the system. When I joined the online gambling company, BetClic, fraud prevention was even more front and center. The stakes were high, and our top concern was protecting the business and our customers. Dashlane is my first experience as a pure player in cybersecurity. I have learned a lot in the past 8+ years.
Q: What’s one major aha! moment you had related to cybersecurity either personally or professionally?
FR: I don’t know if you would call it an aha! moment, but one thing I came to realize is that many people don’t think about cybersecurity until they’ve been directly impacted by a security incident. It’s important to provide solutions that are convenient and user-friendly first so that customers want to use them to simplify their lives. In turn, the usage will make you safer. That’s what we are trying to achieve with Dashlane.
FR: “What keeps you awake at night?” Fortunately, I’m a good sleeper.
Also, security is a game of cat and mouse. You are never done and you always need to keep ahead of the cat. It’s a constant effort and concern.
For more cybersecurity insights from Dashlane experts, check out our previous Q&A and on-demand webinar with Dashlane’s Chief Product Officer Donald Hasson.
Q: What is the most alarming statistic you have seen that should make people care more about the future of cybersecurity?
FR: Despite so many years of constant breaches and security incidents, stolen credentials are still the cause of 80% of breaches involving web apps. I’m shocked that more people and organizations are not taking action when there are simple solutions like credential managers that make you more secure and make your online life more convenient.
Q: How are you contributing to "demystifying" cybersecurity in your field?
FR: I am doing my part in educating the market on basic practices for staying safe. Cybersecurity is a lot of common sense: Don’t use simple passwords that can be easily guessed by hackers, don’t reuse the same password, use tools to manage your digital identity, be cautious when online, and stay alert to phishing and other scams.
Q: Any big shifts you have seen this year that show people are taking cybersecurity/SaaS much more seriously?
FR: Unfortunately, very little. Although, awareness is evolving in the work environment. More companies have been impacted by security incidents, so there is more maturity every year. We can even see it in the growth of password health scores over the last few years. Password health scores are getting better, but we’re still a long way away from being proactive enough.
Q: What inspires you most about working at your organization today?
FR: I have been at Dashlane for more than 8 years. I love our mission and how we make an impact on our customers by helping them be safer online and have a more convenient digital life. As a technical leader, it is a challenging but fascinating job, with complex problems to solve and opportunities for innovation. We’re always looking for ways to offer the highest security and the most convenience at the same time.
Adopting a security culture can be the difference between a protected organization and a breached organization. Register for our on-demand fireside chat, “Building a Company-Wide Culture of Security with the C-Suite & IT,” now.
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