Meet the Team- Cyber Defense Network Adapter
On March 21st, the six finalists in the Air Force Research Lab Commercialization Academy will compete at Demo Day. These teams are vying for a first prize of $200,000 and second prize of $100,000, both of which are funded by IDEA NY (Innovation & Development Entrepreneurial Accelerator).
Wasabi Ventures Academy has been working with these teams, preparing them for the big day. Today, allow us to introduce our first team: Cyber Defense Network Adapter, co-founded by Kyle Brubaker & Matthew Preisendorfer.
WVA: Why did you build Cyber Defense Network Adapter?
KB & MP: We were going through our undergrad and needed a capstone project. We considered issues that weren’t addressed. For a consumer, mostly all virus detection is rendered on the computer. How do we mitigate before it gets to your computer? That started the entire project. Initially, it was just a capstone project for Kyle. We brought it to the chair of the computer science committee; Matt was a computer information major, which made it possible to be a capstone for both of us. As we worked with it more and more, we realized we could do more with this technology. We saw that people were interested and that we could take it further and do something good for the cyber defense market.
WVA: If you had a crystal ball where would you want to see CDNA in 5 years?
KB & MP: We envision it as an actual project/service. Currently, it is a standalone device. In the future we want CDNA to become integrated into hardware; something implemented into everyday use interfaces. If you have a laptop, it is enabled, and you aren’t even aware of it. We see it as part of IoT systems, security systems, and more.
WVA: What is your favorite thing about being an entrepreneur?
KB: Everything is up to you. Creativity, networking- they are all in your ballpark. You make the most of the interactions with other people- getting to know other subject matter experts, other people in the field. You are always learning
MP: A lot of it is about the effort that you put in, as that is what you get out of it. You don’t necessarily get that with regular jobs. How hard you work doesn’t affect your paycheck at a job. As an entrepreneur, you control what you get. I like the idea of building something from scratch and not just finishing other people’s thoughts, doing busy work, and just completing tasks.
WVA: And your least favorite part?
KB: The scheduling between a full-time job and being an entrepreneur is my least favorite part, especially when you add to that making other people’s schedules work with yours. You have to bend over backward more to work with others
MP: The general business is my least favorite part. A lot of behind the scenes that you have to handle can be overwhelming when you’re a small startup. It’s frustrating and rewarding.
WVA: How did you meet your co-founders?
KB & MP: See question 1. The short story is that we met in college working at the help desk at SUNY IT.
WVA: When not working on your startup, what’s your favorite thing to do?
KB: Together we are big into homebrewing and also enjoy music and go to a lot of concerts. I have my private pilot’s license. I also enjoy skydiving and competitive powerlifting.
MP: I like sports, especially bowling and curling. I also enjoy skateboarding, photography, and videography.
To learn more about Cyber Defense Network Adapter, visit https://www.facebook.com/CDNAco/
