Discussions with creatives, leaders and thinkers

Interviews Season 41

Mirko Ross, CEO, asvin

Mirko Ross, who was born in 1972, is an internationally recognized activist, expert, speaker, publicist and researcher in the field of Cyber Security and the Internet of Things. At the age of 14, he began investigating vulnerabilities in IT systems. But, instead of a career as a hacker, he decided to turn to the bright sight of cybersecurity.

Mirko has been a member of the Expert Group on Internet Security of Things of the European Cyber Security Agency ENISA and advises the EU Commission as an expert. He is also active in international committees and research projects in the field of cyber security and blockchain technologies.

Mirko is still closely associated with the positive hacker attitude and the maker movement and promotes non-profit projects in the field of Open Data and IT education.

“Cybersecurity is not only a business. It is affecting us all, our families and the people we love. So, creating a cyber-secure future for them is a bold motivation.”

Mirko Ross

In 2018 he founded asvin, intending to increase cyber security in the Internet of Things and provide software solutions for this purpose, leading asvin to the best Cybersecurity Start-up in Germany by 2020, rated by it-sa. Mirko lives in the countryside and works in Stuttgart.

What is your favourite social media platform, and why?

LinkedIn, Twitter and Clubhouse - great audience and interaction.

Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.

Passionate entrepreneur and researcher in cybersecurity.

What do you like about your career or area of focus?

Every day a new challenge.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Don't panic.

What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?

Cybersecurity is not only a business. It is affecting us all, our families and the people we love. So, creating a cyber-secure future for them is a bold motivation.

What are you proud of in your life so far?

Being a husband, dad and entrepreneur. Nothing else matters.

What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?

Meet me digital or in real life.

What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?

I am a passionate networker, and I like sharing ideas and inspiring people.

What do you wish you had known when you started out?

Don't forget the seed of my first wallet when storing bitcoins in early 2012.

Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?

Too many: Robert Jungk, Neil Stephenson, Wiliam Gibson, Max Ernst, Mies van de Rohe, Nelson Mandela... I like people using their creativity and brilliant mind for good.

Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?

Riding and the art of Kendo.

Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?

Overall the pandemic was an opportunity to focus on what really matters.

Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?

I have had several mentors in my life, and I am happy to be a mentor as well for startups and entrepreneurs.

What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?

Be authentic.

What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?

Success is a matter of opportunities. So, don't stop creating opportunities.

Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?

"If everything is under control, you are just not driving fast enough." - Stirling Moss.

What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?

IBM - managed to reinvent and change their business model several times but kept the core DNA.

How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?

Be kind and treat people with respect. The people you meet in your life will path the way to being successful.