Faced with an explosion in cyber-attacks and increasingly sophisticated threats, cyber-security has become a global strategic issue. In this context, i-QUASAR, a Monégasque company founded by Gianpiero Abellonio, has established itself as a key playe
Article from Monaco Economie: (Kévin Racle)
Through in-depth expertise and constant monitoring, i-QUASAR is committed to protecting clients' critical data and infrastructure, ensuring increasingly robust digital security. Cybersecurity is no longer simply a technical issue: it has become a strategic issue of prime importance.
Founded in 2020, Monaco-based i-QUASAR has established itself as a major player in this constantly evolving sector. At the helm is Gianpiero Abellonio, an expert whose atypical background makes the companyunique. "Before becoming a cybersecurity professional, I was a client," he reveals.
With 25 years of experience in the financial and legal fields, where data security has always played a fundamental role, he deepened his IT knowledge by obtaining specialised certifications, eventually making cyber-security his new area of expertise. He surrounded himself with specialists and forged strategic partnerships, notably with a leading Swiss company.
Cybersecurity: proactive approach
Currently, i-QUASAR specialises in CTI, a discipline that goes beyond traditional cyber security solutions. "Our job is not just to install protective barriers. We study attackers, their motivations, techniques and procedures to anticipate threats before they materialise," explains Gianpiero Abellonio. Via this proactive approach, i-QUASAR supports clients in implementing defence strategies tailored to the specific risks they face. By identifying companies' vulnerabilities before they are exploited by cyber-criminals, the company helps significantly strengthen their resilience against attacks.
“Companies take an average of 194 days to detect an intrusion into their systems”
Understanding the enemy for better protection
Cybersecurity is an area where attackers are always one step ahead of the defence. In a global context where cyber-attacks are becoming more professional and structured, companies take an average of 194 days to detect an intrusion into their systems - a considerable time frame that i-QUASAR strives to reduce as much as possible. "If we manage to detect an attack, even just two or three days before it is executed, it's a definite advantage for our clients," says Gianpiero Abellonio. i-QUASAR's approach is based on constant monitoring of cyber- threats, in-depth analysis of weak signals and detailed knowledge of attacker networks. In this field, intelligence is an essential weapon. “We don't just monitor a system's vulnerabilities. We study cyber crime trends, technological developments and hackers' motivations, in order to stay ahead of attacks," explains the founder of i-QUASAR. This predictive, anticipation-based approach applies to several sectors of activity. In Switzerland, i-QUASAR works primarily with banks and financial institutions, against which cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. In Monaco, the company also works with law forms, family offices and the shipping sector, areas where data protection and confidentiality are crucial.
A phishing campaign, unauthorised access attempts pr a password reset request are ofter signs of an imminent attack. If properly studied and interpreted, they allow a company to focus on the necessary defence mechanisms, without wasting time or financial resources. The company also makes a point of monitoring emerging trends in the field of cybersecurity. From the rise of artificial intelligence in cyber-crime to new international data protection regulations, i-QUASAR ensures that clients always have the latest solutions to address threats.
Better defence via training
Beyond system protection, Gianpiero Abellonio emphasises a fundamental point: employee awareness. “The first line of defence against a cyber-attack is a human one," he stresses. Indeed, the majority of successful intrusions are the result of human error, often due to a lack of training. This is why i-QUASAR offers specific training for businesses, ranging from recognising phishing attempts to identifying the social engineering strategies used by cyber-criminals. “Attacks don't just exploit technological flaws. They also exploit our behaviours, habits and human weaknesses," the specialist explains. Some attacks begin with a simple fraudulent phone call, where a hacker pretends to be a technician to gain access to information. The goal of these training sessions is to equip companies against this type of threat and give them the means to avoid the traps set by cyber-criminals - essential in a world where the line between cyber-crime and geopolitical conflicts is increasingly blurred.
Furthermore, i-QUASAR collaborates with academic institutions and actively participates in conferences to raise awareness of cyber risks amongst a wider audience. “Training and education are the keys to a secure digital future. The more companies and individuals are aware of the risks, the more they will be able to adopt appropriate behaviours and protect themselves," insists Gianpiero Abellonio.
“The first line of defence against a cyberattack is a human one”
High security future
In a context where international tensions have a direct impact on cybersecurity, CTI is taking on growing importance. “We are in an era where cyber-attacks have become strategic weapons. What we are seeing today with Russia and Ukraine, or with the tensions between the United States and China, shows that the war of tomorrow is already underway in cyber-space," analyses Gianpiero Abellonio. All too aware of these challenges, i-QUASAR continues to invest in research and development to improve its anticipation capabilities. By participating in international conferences and collaborating with experts in the field, the company refines its methods and strengthens its expertise. The ambition is clear: to make Monaco a leading centre for CTI, whilst continuing to protect clients' interests in the face of increasingly complex threats. In the invisible war between hackers and defenders, information and sharing it between users is the key to victory. At the same time, the company is exploring new technologies and solutions, in order to stay at the forefront of innovation. From advanced detection tools to artificial intelligence models dedicated to cyber-security, i-QUASAR focuses on excellence to offer customers an unparalleled level of protection. Faced with an uncertain digital future, the company is committed to remaining a key player in the defence of critical infrastructure and sensitive data.
“The war of tomorrow is already underway in cyberspace”
