Kasada
Kasada is an innovative enterprise web security company operating globally, with offices in Australia and the US. It was founded in 2015 by then 19-year old Newcastle-based innovator Sam Crowther.
Kasada offers world-leading innovative cyber security solutions against malicious automation (bad bots). The Australian company’s patented security platform stops bad bots from attacking websites and web applications of online businesses around the globe.
Studies show that a significant proportion of internet traffic is malicious. As organisations continue to move to cloud, digital, and internet of things (IoT) for everyday customer interactions, the attack surfaces become wider and harder to protect. The Kasada platform detects and blocks automated botnet reconnaissance, brute-force attacks, content scraping, and application layer (L7 DDoS) attempts; protecting customers’ personally identifiable information (PII) and preventing online fraud and intellectual property theft. Other business benefits include better business intelligence, greater visibility of web traffic, infrastructure cost savings, and reduced business and reputational risks.
Since its inception, Kasada has attracted funding of over $20+ million including venture capital funding from Ten Eleven, Main Sequence Ventures – the CSIRO’s venture arm, Westpac’s Reinventure Group and Our Innovation Fund, angel investment, and Australian Government funding through the Accelerating Commercialisation Program. Former Australian Prime Minister the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull has recently joined the company’s board.
In 2019, the NSW company won the national AISA best cyber startup award. This followed its 2017 AusCERT award for the Best Security Initiative.
Kasada in NSW
Headquartered in Chippendale, Sydney, Kasada draws upon the skilled workforce in NSW. It is now employing 40 staff, which has doubled over the last two years, including software engineers, computer scientists and business professionals from diverse backgrounds to develop and commercialise its products for clients globally. It provides solutions that protect and assure the online digital transactions for clients, including ASX100 companies. Product research and development is also centred in Australia.
The presence of market leaders, such as Kasada, strengthens the NSW cyber security capability in many areas. The Kasada team are active local cyber community members who regularly contribute to intelligence regarding bot mitigation and other aspects of security at business, student and practitioner forums. They lift the capability of adjacent businesses via collaboration with domestic security partners, including advisory firms, managed service providers and web development companies. Furthermore, Kasada provides opportunities for the NSW cyber security workforce to develop skills and experience at the cutting edge of the industry.
In April 2019, Kasada published Bots Down Under: the 2019 Australian Market Threat Report. The report provided ground breaking insight into the Australian threat landscape and shows local businesses what they need to know in order to create a safer and more secure environment.
Kasada’s cyber security vision
Kasada is determined to protect the online transaction environments for businesses all over the world. The company’s goal is to be globally recognised for solving complex security problems in smart, effective ways. It demonstrates that a NSW startup can develop and commercialise some of the world's best security solutions. The company has participated in Australian Government cyber trade missions to the United States. It has been reported in leading publications like TechCrunch, Digital Information World, among others.
Kasada believes everyone deserves an uncomplicated, secure and trusted digital experience. The company intends to expand its security services, continue to create highly skilled jobs, partner with like-minded businesses, universities and TAFEs, and continue to enhance Australia's security ecosystem.
Customers are at the centre of Kasada. Future security solutions will follow Kasada ethos: stronger security, smarter business insights, better user experience, and tangible bottom-line benefits.