By Kenneth Oboh

As businesses continue to navigate a digital-first world, cyber threats have become more than just a nuisance—they’re an everyday reality. From data breaches and phishing attacks to ransomware and insider threats, companies of all sizes are under increasing pressure to stay protected. In 2023 alone, global damages from cybercrime exceeded $8 trillion. That figure is expected to rise to a staggering $10.5 trillion by 2025.

Yet despite these growing risks, many organizations still rely on outdated, reactive cybersecurity strategies—waiting for an incident to occur before taking action. One data scientist and tech innovator is aiming to change that.

Temitope Joyce Oniyide is developing a cutting-edge cybersecurity engine that leverages artificial intelligence and data analytics to help businesses—and individuals—proactively manage cyber risk. The tool is being designed not only to detect threats, but also to anticipate and act on them before damage occurs.

From Reaction to Prevention

According to Oniyide, most organizations today still treat cybersecurity as a reactive function. Her vision is to completely shift that paradigm by providing businesses with the ability to see and mitigate risks before they escalate.

At the heart of this innovation is a fully automated cyber risk assessment engine. The system is intended to allow companies to upload historical cybersecurity data alongside future business plans—such as new system rollouts, product launches, or regional expansions. The engine then uses advanced machine learning to identify hidden weaknesses, missing controls, and system gaps that could leave a business exposed.
Rather than waiting for hackers to strike, the platform aims to empower companies to take preventive action.

Built-In Intelligence

What sets this system apart is its ability to act on what it finds. After identifying potential risks—such as data exposure points or gaps in access control—the engine is built to recommend tailored risk mitigation strategies. These recommended “controls” are aligned with globally recognized standards like ISO 27001, NIST, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.

For instance, if sensitive information is being transferred without encryption, the system might suggest a Data Encryption Control with actionable steps. These suggestions are not one-size-fits-all—they are contextualized based on a company’s structure and industry.

24/7 Monitoring and Real-Time Alerts

Once setup is complete, the tool provides ongoing, intelligent monitoring. It is being developed to continuously scan digital environments for anomalies or signs of emerging threats. When potential risks arise—or when existing safeguards are no longer effective—security teams are notified in real time.

This proactive approach helps shrink the time between threat identification and response, potentially making the difference between a minor disruption and a major breach.

Personal Protection for Everyday Users

In addition to enterprise solutions, the platform includes a version aimed at individual users. It can be installed on personal devices to monitor digital activity and flag risky emails, malicious websites, or unsafe downloads.

As phishing and social engineering attacks become more sophisticated, this kind of always-on personal protection could offer valuable peace of mind for users at home or on the go.

A Timely Solution for a Growing Crisis

Oniyide’s tool is being developed at a critical moment. Many small and mid-sized businesses lack the internal resources or technical expertise to stay ahead of evolving threats. Even large enterprises are struggling to remain compliant while scaling digital operations.

In its current phase, the platform is undergoing pilot testing and refinement. Early users have described it as both intuitive and intelligent—surfacing risks that were previously overlooked.

“There’s a clear gap in the market for tools that make cybersecurity both proactive and practical,” says one pilot user. “This fills that gap.”

A Leader in Proactive Cybersecurity

Temitope Oniyide brings a deep understanding of data and cybersecurity. She holds a Master’s degree in Data Science from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems from Texas A&M University. She has held technical and analytics-focused roles at leading organizations, including Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, and Alteryx.

Currently, she contributes to cybersecurity initiatives at Alteryx, helping customers understand and mitigate data risks through analytics and automation.

Her passion lies in developing solutions that empower people and organizations to act before things go wrong—not after.

In an era where cyberattacks are increasingly inevitable, Oniyide’s tool presents a forward-thinking, AI-driven approach to risk management—one designed to bring both foresight and confidence to businesses and individuals alike.

If you’re a cybersecurity expert or data practitioner interested in testing the tool or providing feedback during the pilot phase, you can reach out to Temitope Oniyide on LinkedIn to learn more.