Kerberus, a renowned name in cryptocurrency security, has taken a significant step by acquiring Pocket Universe to develop the industry’s first dedicated crypto antivirus. This strategic move aims to bolster security measures across Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) chains and Solana.
Kerberus Acquisition: A Game Changer in Crypto Security
The acquisition of Pocket Universe by Kerberus Cyber Security is a seven-figure deal, underscoring the importance of enhancing protection against the prevalent threats in the crypto world. As Alex Katz, the co-founder and CEO of Kerberus, stated, “We are now able to work on the security that is needed for crypto, such as the first crypto antivirus to tackle today’s biggest issue: malware and many other things.”
Integration with Sentinel3
Following this acquisition, Kerberus plans to integrate Pocket Universe with its own security extension, Sentinel3. This integration will expand protection capabilities, providing enhanced security to all EVM chains and Solana users. With the combined expertise of both companies, the aim is to offer a robust defense against cyber threats.
New Advisory Role
In addition to this acquisition, Ran Neuner, founder of Crypto Banter and CEO of Onchain Capital, joins the Kerberus team as a strategic adviser and distribution partner. Neuner emphasized the necessity of user trust and safety for the future of crypto adoption, highlighting Kerberus’ commitment to building trust at the infrastructure level.
Addressing Persistent Malware Threats
Despite Kerberus’ success in eliminating scams for its users, malware continues to pose a significant challenge. The company was founded in 2023 out of a need to protect crypto and Web3 users from real-time transaction fraud and other vulnerabilities. Danor Cohen, CTO and co-founder, shared that the realization of friends losing life savings to scams fueled the creation of Kerberus.
The Need for a True Crypto Antivirus
Alex Katz pointed out that although some products claim to be a “crypto antivirus,” the industry lacks an authentic solution. The upcoming product from Kerberus aims to fill this gap by providing a downloadable software that protects devices, akin to traditional antivirus solutions. Cohen anticipates that developing a minimal viable product will take approximately four months, leveraging existing intellectual property.
Industry experts like 0xWui, co-founder of blockchain security firm FailSafe, acknowledge the absence of a single “antivirus” product in the crypto space. Instead, there are multiple layers of defense working independently. This acquisition by Kerberus could potentially unify these efforts, reducing the attack surface area for hackers and ensuring more comprehensive protection for users and protocols alike.
