We are doing the most exciting cyber security project - and the 42 is part of it!

At the end of 2021, the Schwarz Group takes over the Israeli IT security company XM Cyber. Shortly afterwards, it is clear that 42 coders will be doing internships on site. An interview with Rolf Schumann, CEO of Schwarz Digital and member of the 42 Heilbronn Board.

Almost a year after the takeover: how is the collaboration going?

First of all, the term takeover doesn't fit. It was a real partnership right from the start. Originally, we didn't want to take over XM, we simply wanted to become a customer. At the time, they were already serving heavyweights from the banking sector and industry. We were immediately on the same wavelength as the XM founders. We were brothers in spirit, so to speak, whether it was our perspectives on upcoming cyber security topics or simply the way we dealt with each other, which was friendly and open from day one. I haven't often experienced anything like that. When we then heard that a US company wanted to take over our future partner, we had to be quicker.

What makes XM Cyber so special?

First of all: Our IT security team was already doing a great job beforehand. We are networked with over 13,000 Lidl and Kaufland stores and a total of 550,000 employees in 32 countries - yet there has never been a serious security incident. That's a real achievement. Then, at the beginning of last year, we ran through what would happen in the event of a successful cyberattack. As a result, we wanted to check to what extent we could further improve our IT security. We knew that we were already above average, but something was still missing.
We looked around and came across XM Cyber. Their incredible advantage: they have a completely different mindset! They don't look at cyber security from the perspective of the defending victims, but from the perspective of the attackers. That's why they don't reflexively think about simply building the IT walls higher, but instead look specifically for the gaps. And with maximum consistency. For example, it is common practice to pay friendly hackers to attack your own IT infrastructure. XM Cyber does this automatically. They attack the Schwarz Group 24 hours a day. As this is carried out using simulations, it does not interfere at any time, even if it is “successful”. Otherwise it can happen that individual systems fail.

Why did XM Cyber opt for the Schwarz Group?

As I said, firstly, the chemistry was right from the start. We share the same values, the same visions. And then it was clear to us from the outset that we would let XM Cyber retain its independence. We're not going to stick them somewhere in the Schwarz Group organization, drive the founders away and simply let the rest work for us. On the contrary, XM Cyber should grow and retain its culture. It works: the founders are still with us, turnover is minimal and the company is growing. Overall, we have a fantastic division of labor. XM Cyber develops the world's best security concepts and protects the Schwarz Group. At the same time, they have incredible growth opportunities through our network.

You are a member of the 42 Heilbronn Board. Where are there overlaps?

That may sound a bit pathetic, but first of all, the Schwarz Group has a sense of responsibility that extends far beyond the company. We want to get involved in order to advance society as a whole. This also includes our commitment to 42 Heilbronn. See cyber security, one of the key issues when you think of coding. We have a lot to offer in this area and we want to bring this to the school. We want to broaden the knowledge and incorporate it directly into the training cycles. Internships are of course a great opportunity. And not just anywhere, but exactly where you can feel the pulse, with our friends in Tel Aviv. Nikolai from 42 has been there for a few weeks now, David will follow soon. What could be better than working with the world's top cyber experts and experiencing their views in everyday life? XM Cyber has rented an apartment for guests to stay in. And newcomers in Israel usually benefit from really good mentoring concepts. For example, Nikolai and David are taken in by families. They go to the Red Sea together at the weekend and really get to know the country and its people. This opens up fantastic opportunities on many different levels.

But why did they choose interns from 42 Heilbronn of all places?

The 42 concept is outstanding. In training and studies, memorization often plays a major role, rather than enthusiasm or deep interest. It's exactly different here: at 42, people pursue their passions, they do what they feel called to do. This brings a much higher level of satisfaction and a completely different quality. There are also three other aspects. Firstly, they learn real basics here, which is not particularly fun. But if you get through it, you have a real foundation. Secondly, the students enjoy maximum freedom here, they can develop creatively. A mindset that will help them later on to solve problems in innovative ways. And thirdly, I am absolutely certain that anyone who is socialized here will spend their whole life
to learn more, to learn new things. That's perfect!

Incidentally, our Israeli partners see it the same way. The CEO and CTO of XM Cyber conducted the interviews for the two internships together with me at 42 Heilbronn. That was quite spontaneous. And since then, I've only heard good things about Nikolai from Tel Aviv - and that will be the same for David.