In a world where global internet traffic could reach 175 zettabytes by 2025, cybersecurityCybersecurity solutions are essential in the digital era… has become a crucial concern for organizations of all sizes. In this context, Cloudflare has emerged as a key player, revolutionizing internet infrastructure and security practices. Since its inception in 2010, the company has focused on democratizing cybersecurity, offering free and enterprise-level services to small businesses and non-profit organizations.
During a recent interview with Cloud Computing News, Alissa Starzak, Deputy General Counsel and Global Head of Public Policy at Cloudflare, explained the company’s approach to modern cyber threats and its mission to make internet protection accessible to all.
A cybersecurity revolution with free services
Cloudflare disrupted the market in 2010 with a disruptive proposal: offering free cybersecurity services. This initiative allowed small businesses and individual users to access protection tools that were previously only available to large corporations. “We consider ourselves disruptors in our industry,” Starzak stated. “We launched a series of free services that changed the game.”
An outstanding example of this strategy is the Galileo Project, launched in 2014 to provide protection to non-governmental and civil society organizations. This initiative was born when Cloudflare’s CEO detected a cyberattack against a Ukrainian media outlet trying to report on the situation in Crimea. Starzak emphasized, “That should never happen,” referring to the vital role cybersecurity plays in protecting freedom of information and civil discourse. According to the Cloudflare Impact Report 2023, the project has protected over 2,400 organizations in 111 countries, mitigating an average of 67.7 million daily attacks.
AI: A double-edged sword in cybersecurity
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the technological landscape, and its impact on cybersecurity is profound. On one hand, Cloudflare is using AI to enhance threat detection and automated response. Starzak explained that the company has implemented AI to identify vulnerabilities and apply protective measures automatically. This has allowed the company to strengthen its clients’ security against emerging threats.
However, she also acknowledged that AI can be used by malicious actors to launch more sophisticated attacks. While large-scale AI-driven cyberattacks have not yet fully realized their potential, Starzak emphasized the need to remain vigilant and continue innovating in defensive strategies.
Content moderation and freedom of expression
Another key challenge for Cloudflare is balancing content moderation with freedom of expression. The company has adopted a nuanced approach to managing governance issues on the internet. According to Starzak, it is essential to distinguish between different types of internet services to avoid disruptions that could have unintended consequences on connectivity and freedom of expression.
“We try to differentiate our types of services,” Starzak pointed out. “If you think about an internet service provider versus a social network, those are very different things. Our idea is to keep those lines to avoid harming connectivity.”
Protecting the most vulnerable
During the interview, Starzak called for more attention to be paid to non-profit and civil society organizations that often do not have sufficient resources to implement robust cybersecurity measures. “We haven’t talked about them enough,” Starzak lamented, recalling the story of an organization that lost 20 years of work after a cyberattack.
The executive mentioned that in the United States, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is developing toolkits to help these organizations improve their digital security. These efforts are aligned with Cloudflare’s mission to offer accessible solutions to all types of organizations, regardless of their size or budget.
Towards a safer digital future
Cloudflare has made it clear that its goal is to build a safer, more accessible, and equitable internet. Through initiatives like the Galileo Project, strategic use of AI in cyber defense, and careful focus on content moderation, the company is not only working to address current challenges but also paving the way for a more protected digital future.
As Starzak stated, “Helping build a better internet is not just about technology, it’s about empowering people, protecting vulnerable voices, and ensuring that the benefits of the digital age are within everyone’s reach.” In a world where online security has become a primary necessity, Cloudflare is proving that cybersecurity can and should be accessible to all, regardless of an organization’s size or resources.