In this member spotlight published in May 2022, the Whitewater University Innovation Center featured Ludek Zatopek, co-founder of AdvaSec, Inc.
What does the company do? What products/services do you offer?
With a specialty in cybersecurity, data analytics, and data monitoring, AdvaSec, Inc. is a cybersecurity service provider. As Ludek explains, the purpose of the business is to help “businesses protect themselves against cybersecurity threats.”
AdvaSec leverages a suite of tools to help clients:
Understand their cyber risk
Streamline cybersecurity
Identify and manage vulnerabilities
Implement safeguards (ex: multi-factor authentication)
Unify complex data & analyze KPIs
When it comes to cybersecurity, AdvaSec not only protects the office operations, but also the processes and systems used throughout the business. Today, control systems are online and integrated within the office.
The hacking of a water treatment plant in Florida is a cautionary example of why cybersecurity is so important in all aspects of a business or organization. In February 2021, a hacker compromised the water treatment system and increased the levels of lye in the water. Fortunately, the operator noticed and immediately adjusted the levels.
What products/services do you offer?
AdvaSec takes a holistic approach to data security and provides the following services:
Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR) to enable clients to effectively monitor, understand, and react to the security incidents in a digital workflow format on one screen.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) provides an incident log, analysis, incident alerts, investigation, and reporting of incidents.
Vulnerability Management (VM) identifies, investigates, and prioritizes vulnerabilities.
Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) to enhance security and protect user identities.
Identity Management (IDM) provides an automated system where users can be managed and where active users have the ability to update their information.
Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) protects, detects, and blocks malware and other cyber threats.
Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) provides an advanced firewall to block modern threats, such as advanced malware.
PENTESTING provides a simulated attack to evaluate the cybersecurity and identify weaknesses.
Information Security Management System (ISMS) controls the threats generated by the use of the Information Systems and Information Technologies.
What is the process for getting started?
AdvaSec starts with a discovery phase where the client completes a questionnaire and assets are identified. Next, a vulnerability analysis is conducted, and the report details a plan of action to improve cybersecurity.
Some clients work with their internal team to implement the plan of action and continuous real time monitoring. Others continue to partner with AdvaSec through implementation and for real time protection where all connected devices are monitored.
Who do you serve? Who is your target market?
Ludek was previously the Chief Operating Officer at Corncob, Inc. and worked closely with the Water Council. With a background in water and critical infrastructure, AdvaSec’s target market is public works, city facilities, and food processing companies.
Who is the team?
Ludek Zatopek
Ladislav Straka
AdvaSec founders are two tech-savvy cousins - Ludek Zatopek & Ladislav Straka. Ludek leads the Wisconsin-based tech corporation from the Whitewater University Innovation Center. Ladislav serves an advisor and is the Managing Director of Service & Support, which specializes in the management and development of corporate ICT infrastructure.
The AdvaSec team also includes two additional cybersecurity experts as well as one intern. Ludek’s son works as an intern with AdvaSec and is currently a student at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.
Why did you start the company?
Ladislav inspired Ludek to start AdvaSec and started asking questions about data in utilities. Together, they identified a need to help public works and utilities improve the cybersecurity of water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants. AdvaSec’s goal is to connect third-party independent systems through their platform for real time monitoring and protection.
What is your favorite thing about your job and/or the company?
As a serial entrepreneur, Ludek likes “innovative ideas” and taking action to make it a reality. AdvaSec is his third venture.
Why do you work out of an incubator? And more importantly, why the Whitewater University Innovation Center?
Before launching AdvaSec and incorporating, AdvaSec joined the Innovation Center in June 2021. According to AdvaSec’s website, “This was a key decision because it placed AdvaSec in close proximity to the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater and its outreach services.”
As Ludek explained, various factors came together and made the Innovation Center the right fit for AdvaSec. Ludek had a long-term affiliation with the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater through the Water Council. Also, over the years, he has worked closely with Dr. Basu and Dr. Dougan, both of whom are mentors at the Innovation Center. Most recently, his son transferred to the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.
Have you collaborated or partnered with other clients at the Innovation Center?
AdvaSec has worked with various mentors including Dr. Basu for guidance and Mark Johnson for business planning assistance.
What was your company's latest and greatest achievement?
AdvaSec has developed key partnerships in cybersecurity including:
Infrasec – A cybersecurity education platform
DataDog – Monitoring & security software
Splunk – A data platform for the enterprise