PZU Partners with Riffsec to Monitor Darknet for Cyber Threats
💎 PZU Deploys Polish Startup Riffsec to Launch Real-Time Threat Intelligence System Across Web Layers
PZU, Poland’s largest insurer, has teamed up with cybersecurity startup Riffsec to implement a new threat detection system that scans the open web, deep web, and darknet for early signs of cyberattacks. The system will help PZU’s cybersecurity teams identify data leaks, impersonation attempts, and criminal chatter related to the brand—enabling faster, localized threat response.
The platform, built and managed by Warsaw-based Riffsec, focuses on data originating in European digital ecosystems, a strategic shift from generic global intelligence feeds. The partnership stems from the Smart UP – Startup Booster Poland accelerator, led by Huge Thing, where PZU identified Riffsec as a standout company in its 2024 cohort. Already used by institutions like the Bank Guarantee Fund and Orange CERT, Riffsec’s platform integrates threat monitoring, domain spoofing alerts, and analysis of hacker forums to deliver timely, actionable insights.
Subscribe to Startup Digest to stay ahead with the latest news, investments, and must-attend events.
Cybersecurity at Scale
With cyberattacks on Polish companies increasing 23% year-over-year, and over 103,000 incidents reported in 2024 by CSIRT NASK, the need for proactive intelligence is urgent. The platform gives PZU’s SOC teams and analysts early warning about leaked credentials, new malware strains, and phishing infrastructure—helping the insurer prevent customer harm and operational disruption.
“We process vast amounts of personal and financial data. Partnering with Riffsec takes our threat visibility to a new level,” said Michał Kopyt, PZU Group CIO and board member of PZU Życie. “It’s about speed, relevance, and a real-time view of what’s brewing below the surface.”
A Local Approach with Global Impact
Riffsec’s CEO, Konrad Latkowski, emphasized the value of building regional intelligence systems: “Our mission is to give European enterprises the context and speed they need. Global feeds miss key local patterns—we’re here to fill that gap.”
The system will also monitor domain registrations mimicking PZU brands and collect intelligence on attack trends affecting other financial institutions, enabling pattern detection and cross-sector threat anticipation.
Backing Innovation Through Startup Collaboration
The partnership follows PZU’s growing interest in AI and cybersecurity ventures, including prior collaborations with startups like simpl.rent. Through its PZU Ready for Startups program, the insurer has evaluated over 8,000 startup ideas, tested 87 solutions, and implemented more than 50 innovations over the past eight years.
“Accelerator programs like Smart UP create the bridge between corporate needs and cutting-edge tech,” said Monika Synoradzka, CEO of Huge Thing. “The fact that real deployments come out of it shows how effective it can be.”
Riffsec’s rise also signals a growing Polish footprint in the EU’s cybersecurity infrastructure—a space traditionally dominated by U.S. and Israeli vendors. With government figures showing a 60% rise in cybersecurity complaints in Poland year-over-year, local innovation may be the key to regional resilience.
