The world of cybersecurity is continuously changing and evolving—but one constant has been the leadership of Eva Chen, the co-founder and CEO of Trend Micro. As the longest-serving CEO in the cybersecurity industry, Chen brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on how the industry needs to evolve to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.
I’m dating myself here, but I’ve been a fan of Trend Micro for over 20 years. When I was part of a team at EDS doing managed antivirus for clients in the early 2000s, Trend Micro and McAfee were my areas of expertise. At the time, Trend Micro was often viewed as the number three player behind McAfee and Symantec. Ironic that two decades later, Symantec and McAfee have more or less faded from glory while Trend Micro is still going strong.
“I think there are a few styles of CEO in security—some are technical, and others are more business oriented or have a sales history,” shared Lawrence Pingree, VP Emerging Technologies and Trends in Security at Gartner. “The thing striking about Eva is that she is technical and can dig in deep, which benefits her company.”
I had an opportunity to connect with Chen during the Black Hat conference and chat about the pressing need for a balanced approach to, emphasizing core principles while embracing innovation.
A Call for Industry Rebalance
Eva Chen’s tenure at Trend Micro has been marked by a consistent focus on not just technological advancement but also on the strategic balance between security operations and business continuity.
“We are the braking system of a racing car,” Chen metaphorically explained, highlighting that security is not just about prevention but enabling safe acceleration. This philosophy underscores the need for a balanced approach where security measures do not stifle business operations but rather support and enhance them.
The cybersecurity landscape has often swayed between extremes—either overly aggressive security protocols that hinder business operations or lax security measures that expose organizations to significant risks. Chen advocates for a middle path, where the core principles of cybersecurity are upheld while ensuring that business processes are not impeded. This balanced approach is even more crucial as organizations increasingly integrate AI and other advanced technologies into their operations.
Defending Core Principles Amidst Technological Shifts
Trend Micro’s recent initiatives highlight the company’s commitment to defending core cybersecurity principles even as it embraces cutting-edge technologies. The strategic collaboration with NVIDIA to secure AI-enabled data centers and the launch of AI-driven cyber risk management capabilities are prime examples. These efforts are designed to provide robust security without compromising the agility and innovation that AI brings to the enterprise landscape.
Chen emphasized the importance of clear communication and proactive measures in cybersecurity. This perspective informs current strategies that prioritize transparency, rapid response, and continuous improvement in security protocols. By maintaining a focus on these core principles, Trend Micro ensures that its security solutions remain effective and reliable even as the technological landscape evolves.
The Power of Longevity and Continuous Innovation
Under Chen’s leadership, Trend Micro has not only survived but thrived, maintaining its position as a leader in the cybersecurity industry for over three decades. This longevity is attributed to a steadfast commitment to innovation while staying true to fundamental security principles.
The company’s Q2 2024 earnings report showcases impressive growth, with a 13% increase in net sales and a 45% rise in enterprise platform-connected annual recurring revenue. These figures underscore Trend Micro’s ability to adapt and lead in a dynamic industry landscape.
The collaboration with NVIDIA is particularly noteworthy. By integrating NVIDIA’s enterprise AI stack, Trend Micro is enhancing its cybersecurity offerings to meet the needs of modern enterprises. This partnership reflects Chen’s vision of leveraging advanced technologies to strengthen, not compromise, security.
As she aptly put it, “We are doing AI security, but it’s not about building a new model that is most secure and will answer everything correctly. We are helping our customers operationalize their AI application operations.”
Embracing AI with Security at the Forefront
AI’s transformative potential in cybersecurity is immense, but it also brings new challenges.
Chen emphasized that while AI can democratize access to advanced analytics and automation, it must be deployed thoughtfully and securely. Trend Micro’s proactive measures, such as the development of a zero-trust security gateway and AI-driven threat detection, are designed to ensure that AI applications are secure from inception.
This focus on AI security is crucial as organizations increasingly rely on AI for operational efficiency and decision-making. Trend Micro’s initiatives to secure AI deployments align with broader industry trends and regulatory expectations, ensuring that enterprises can leverage AI’s benefits without exposing themselves to undue risks.
Looking Ahead: A Unified Vision for Cybersecurity
Eva Chen’s leadership and vision offer a compelling roadmap for the cybersecurity industry. Her call for a balanced approach, grounded in core principles and enhanced by innovative technologies, is both timely and essential.
As the industry navigates the complexities of AI, cloud computing, and other advancements, Chen’s insights remind us that true cybersecurity is about enabling business resilience and continuity.
Chen’s advice is clear: it’s time to rebalance, to ensure that our security measures are both robust and supportive of business operations. In doing so, we can navigate the evolving threat landscape with confidence, ensuring that when the dust settles, the core principles of cybersecurity remain steadfastly defended.
