WithSecure, established by Petri Allas and Risto Siilasmaa in 1988 under the name Data Fellows, is a Finnish corporate security company. WithSecure demerged from the widely recognized brand, F-Secure, in 2022, with the purpose to carry out the separation of WithSecure’s consumer security business.
The history of cybersecurity services traces back to the rapid expansion of computers and the internet in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as the digital revolution introduced unprecedented connectivity—and risks.
Early on, computer viruses like 1992’s notorious Michelangelo virus, which threatened to overwrite hard drives on a specific date, highlighted the vulnerabilities of the emerging computerized world. This threat, among others, catalyzed the growth of antivirus software and cybersecurity firms such as Data Fellows, as organizations and individuals recognized the need to protect their systems from malicious attacks.
The period marked the birth of a new industry focused on safeguarding data and digital infrastructures, laying the foundation for modern cybersecurity as we know it today. The company became a household name in Finland during the early decades of widespread internet.
Inderes has had the honor of serving WithSecure for several years. Inderes provides WithSecure with equity research services, investor event productions, IR pages, AGM services, IR consulting, and, our topic of the day, the Inderes event platform, Videosync.
I had the opportunity to meet with WithSecure’s Marketing Manager, Marjo Hellman, to discuss WithSecure’s marketing and communications strategy in terms of virtual events.
What is secure for a corporate security company?
Operating in the cybersecurity industry, WithSecure understandably holds itself to the highest security standards when evaluating new tools and partners. According to Hellman:
“All the solutions we use must pass a strict security evaluation before they are even taken into test use. This adds a bit of a delay in implementing services. However, we do not make any compromises in this regard.”
Additionally, every partner is required to sign an NDA before any collaboration begins, ensuring data security and trust. This rigorous process reflects WithSecure’s commitment to protecting its global operations and maintaining the trust of its clients and partners.
During the past months, WithSecure has integrated Videosync into various facets of its operations. The Inderes-ran platform plays a key role in customer communications, partner collaborations, investor relations, and internal events:
- Customer webinars: WithSecure hosts global sessions discussing cybersecurity trends alongside technical, product-focused presentations tailored by regional marketing teams
- Partner communication: Virtual events covering product updates and upcoming developments
- Investor relations: Communications produced in collaboration with Inderes and its daughter, event production company Flik
- Internal events: Videosync is used to stream some of the company’s large events, ensuring consistent alignment across its global teams
Hellman highlighted the platform’s versatility, noting its ability to create highly customized registration pages and provide visibility into webinars created by other administrators—capabilities that weren’t available with their previous solution.
What makes a good virtual event?
Virtual events have become integral to WithSecure’s overall strategy. Often tied to larger campaigns, these events serve as essential components of broader marketing initiatives. Webinars dedicated to product launches and updates keep customers informed, while internal streams ensure teams remain aligned on strategic goals.
The success of WithSecure’s webinars and events is measured through a combination of metrics that can be accessed and analyzed within the Videosync platform:
- Number of registrants
- How long attendees remain engaged
- Real-time reactions during internal streams
- Q&A activity during external broadcasts
- Post-event recording viewership
What’s next in stakeholder events?
According to Hellman:
“Virtual events have become an increasingly important part of the overall picture since COVID, even though face-to-face interaction remains important. Virtual events enable flexible participation, which is essential for WithSecure given its global operations spanning multiple time zones, and they also increase audience numbers.”
Although physical events have regained popularity post-pandemic, hybrid event models—combining live and virtual elements—are gaining traction. WithSecure is already planning hybrid events that allow a small group to attend in person while others join virtually or watch recordings later. This approach guarantees maximum accessibility and engagement for stakeholders worldwide.
The shift to virtual events has brought multiple benefits to WithSecure and its stakeholders:
- Scalability and accessibility for a global audience
- Flexibility for participants to engage at their convenience
- Cost efficiency compared to traditional in-person events
These advantages underscore the value of integrating virtual platforms like Videosync into a company’s communication strategy.
What’s it like working with Inderes?
WithSecure’s collaboration with Inderes has been a resounding success. Hellman praised the seamless partnership:
“What makes the partnership work well is that we can trust the expertise and competence of Inderes.”
Requests for platform improvements are actively considered, leading to continuous enhancements. The onboarding process for Videosync also stood out, with comprehensive training ensuring a smooth transition to the new platform. Compared to their previous global SaaS solution, Videosync offers a more tailored and responsive experience.
By prioritizing security, leveraging advanced tools, and fostering strong partnerships, WithSecure continues to set a high standard in both cybersecurity and corporate communications.
Ready to elevate your webinars? Contact us to see how Videosync can transform your virtual events.