2336: Halborn: Bridging the Web2 and Web3 Security Gap

The Tech Talks Daily Podcast

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I am joined by David Schwed, the COO of Halborn, an award-winning blockchain cybersecurity firm providing end-to-end cybersecurity advisory services and products to both Web2 and Web3 organizations, such as Coinbase and Avalanche. David shares his insights on the unique challenges posed by Web3 security and how Web2 and Web3 must collaborate to ensure a secure digital ecosystem.

Before joining Halborn, David served as the Global Head of Digital Assets Technology for BNY Mellon. In addition, he held various senior roles in the financial services sector for Merrill Lynch, Salomon Smith Barney, Citigroup, and Galaxy Digital. In addition, David is the founding director and professor of the cybersecurity Master's program for the Katz School of Science and Health at Yeshiva University, where he is also their practitioner-in-residence.

During the episode, David delves into why Web3 projects often overlook cybersecurity. He shares his transition from traditional finance (TradFi) to decentralized finance (DeFi), offering recommendations for those on a similar path. He also discusses the best security practices for organizations and users to secure their crypto assets.

David and Neil explore the convergence of Web2 and Web3, the role of ethical hackers in identifying attack vectors and vulnerabilities, and the importance of education in addressing misconceptions about blockchain and crypto security. They also recommend resources like the Crypto Consortium and Blockchain Council for those interested in learning more about Web3 and decentralized finance.

David concludes by discussing his vision for the future of blockchain cybersecurity, predicting that it will become as secure as traditional banking systems within the next five to ten years. He also introduces Halborn's open-source product, Zion, and emphasizes the significance of continued education in the industry.