CyberWire Daily Episode Summary: "Natali Tshuva: Impacting Critical Industries"

Release Date: April 27, 2025
Host/Author: N2K Networks
Podcast Episode: CEO Interview with Natali Tshuva

Introduction

In the April 27, 2025 episode of CyberWire Daily, host N2K Networks engages in an insightful conversation with Natali Tshuva, the CEO and co-founder of Sternum. This episode delves into Natali's journey from her early aspirations to becoming a trailblazer in the cybersecurity industry, her company's mission to secure critical industries, and her perspectives on leadership and innovation in a male-dominated field.

Early Aspirations and Academic Background

Natali Tshuva begins by sharing her initial career aspirations and academic journey. Contrary to her early desire to enter the medical field, Natali pivoted to computer science at the age of 14.

Natali Tshuva [00:50]:
"I always knew I wanted to do something which is either related to science or medical. I wanted to become a doctor... I started my undergraduate degree in computer science and this was the first time I got to understand how things work behind the scene."

Her involvement in a specialized program for talented youth in Israel sparked her interest in the inner workings of technology, from gaming to software development. This foundational period laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in cybersecurity.

Military Training and Early Career in Cybersecurity

Following her academic pursuits, Natali was conscripted into Israel's elite Unit 8200, renowned for producing top cybersecurity talent. Her experience in this unit provided her with hands-on training in vulnerability research and exploitation.

Natali Tshuva [02:30]:
"In Unit 8200, there is a saying that nothing is impossible. We approach the most impossible challenges with the idea that we can actually make a solution possible."

Post-military service, Natali joined Cellebrite, a leading company in extracting encrypted and deleted information. Her role there involved collaborating with law enforcement to combat serious crimes such as human trafficking and pedophilia, highlighting the real-world impact of cybersecurity.

Founding Sternum: Securing Critical Industries

At 25, after completing her Master's in Computer Science, Natali transitioned from her initial dream of becoming a doctor to founding Sternum, a cybersecurity firm focused on protecting critical industries. Her pivot was fueled by her realization of the cybersecurity gaps in therapeutic medical devices and remote care technologies.

Natali Tshuva [04:15]:
"I realized how those devices are lacking the proper cybersecurity controls to enable this connectivity, to enable these smart solutions."

Under her leadership, Sternum now safeguards vital sectors such as the medical industry, smart cities, railways, and power grids. This focus underscores the indispensable role of cybersecurity in maintaining the integrity and safety of essential services.

Company Values and Innovative Approaches

Sternum's operational philosophy is rooted in transparency and truthfulness, values that Natali deems crucial for building trust and fostering innovation. Inspired by her time in Unit 8200, she emphasizes an "impossible is possible" mindset, driving her team to develop cutting-edge solutions.

Natali Tshuva [05:45]:
"The fact that we approach the most impossible challenges with the idea that we can actually make a solution possible is what motivates us to get out of the box and create innovative solutions."

This philosophy not only propels Sternum towards technological advancements but also cultivates a workplace environment that encourages creativity and resilience.

Challenges and Leadership in a Male-Dominated Industry

As a female CEO in a predominantly male field, Natali discusses the unique challenges she faces. While gender-related obstacles are present, she identifies the primary challenges as those inherent to her role, particularly bridging the gap between her technical expertise and business acumen.

Natali Tshuva [06:30]:
"Some of the challenges I'm facing, obviously some of them relates to my gender, but honestly most of them probably relates to my job as a CEO."

Her experience underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in leadership, especially when steering a technology-driven company.

Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals

Natali offers valuable advice for individuals aspiring to enter the cybersecurity field. She advocates for a hands-on approach, encouraging newcomers to delve deeply into technical aspects rather than maintaining a high-level perspective.

Natali Tshuva [06:55]:
"Don't stay high level. Give yourself the time to dive deep. Give yourself the time to be truly hands on, to understand the things from bottom up and then you'll have the understanding also for product innovation and for new technologies."

This approach, she believes, not only fosters a thorough understanding of cybersecurity threats and defenses but also equips professionals with the skills necessary for innovation and effective problem-solving.

Vision and Motivation

Natali's daily motivation stems from the vast opportunities to secure interconnected environments against evolving threats. She emphasizes the collective responsibility and potential each individual holds in making the world safer.

Natali Tshuva [07:00]:
"Each and every one of us can make the world a better place. The key here is to try to think about what are the unique characteristics that you have as an individual that you can do even better than others... and where you can actually impact the world to be a better place."

Her vision for Sternum is not only to advance cybersecurity solutions but also to inspire others to recognize and leverage their unique strengths for meaningful impact.

Conclusion

Natali Tshuva's journey from aspiring medical professional to cybersecurity leader exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have on critical industries. Through Sternum, she addresses significant cybersecurity gaps in essential sectors, driven by a blend of technical prowess, innovative thinking, and a steadfast commitment to making the world safer. Her insights provide a roadmap for aspiring cybersecurity professionals and highlight the importance of diversity and resilience in leadership.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. On Career Shift to Computer Science:
   "I started my undergraduate degree in computer science and this was the first time I got to understand how things work behind the scene."
   [00:50]

2. On Unit 8200 Philosophy:
   "In Unit 8200, there is a saying that nothing is impossible. We approach the most impossible challenges with the idea that we can actually make a solution possible."
   [02:30]

3. On Identifying Cybersecurity Gaps in Medical Devices:
   "I realized how those devices are lacking the proper cybersecurity controls to enable this connectivity, to enable these smart solutions."
   [04:15]

4. On Company Innovation:
   "The fact that we approach the most impossible challenges with the idea that we can actually make a solution possible is what motivates us to get out of the box and create innovative solutions."
   [05:45]

5. On Overcoming Challenges as a CEO:
   "Some of the challenges I'm facing, obviously some of them relates to my gender, but honestly most of them probably relates to my job as a CEO."
   [06:30]

6. Advice for Aspiring Professionals:
   "Don't stay high level. Give yourself the time to dive deep. Give yourself the time to be truly hands on, to understand the things from bottom up and then you'll have the understanding also for product innovation and for new technologies."
   [06:55]

7. On Making a Positive Impact:
   "Each and every one of us can make the world a better place. The key here is to try to think about what are the unique characteristics that you have as an individual that you can do even better than others... and where you can actually impact the world to be a better place."
   [07:00]

This episode provides a comprehensive look into Natali Tshuva's professional trajectory, her strategic vision for Sternum, and her personal philosophies that drive her leadership. Listeners gain valuable insights into the intersection of cybersecurity and critical industries, the importance of hands-on expertise, and the impact of inclusive leadership in technology.