Small business owners can become complacent, feeling secure due to constant news about cybersecurity breaches at large companies. It's logical to wonder why hackers target smaller companies when they could obtain valuable customer data from larger corporations. However, this mindset can be dangerously misleading.

A survey by the CyberPeace Foundation reveals a staggering statistic: 43% of cyberattacks specifically target startups and small businesses. Alarmingly, around 46% of SMEs lack essential knowledge about risk management in the digital landscape. Within just six months of experiencing a cyberattack, nearly 60% of these small enterprises are forced to shut down. Small businesses must recognize the various cybersecurity threats and develop strong strategies to protect themselves.

GarlicShield is your go-to cybersecurity ally for local vendors and small businesses. In today's rapidly changing digital landscape, safeguarding your business is crucial. GarlicShield provides an effective and easy-to-use vulnerability detection solution designed for small businesses and community sellers.

In conversation with Thanmay Sarath, Founder & CEO of GarlicShield

Q. What is GarlicShield’s story? Why did you decide to start a company providing free cybersecurity services for small businesses and local vendors?

GarlicShield started during the COVID-19 lockdown when I noticed more small businesses and local vendors adopting online services. Many businesses struggled to adapt to digital changes, often seeking free software without recognizing the risks involved. This left them at risk of cyberattacks, which could have devastating impacts on their livelihoods.

Small businesses need to save every dollar and focus on reducing operating costs to support their families and the local economy. What a small business earns tends to stay within the community, helping others around them thrive. It was clear to me that cybersecurity shouldn’t be a luxury—it should be accessible to everyone, especially the small businesses that form the backbone of our communities.

That’s why I founded GarlicShield. Our mission is simple: to provide free, easy-to-use vulnerability scanning with no hidden fees, trial periods, or strings attached. We want every business, regardless of its size, to have the confidence and security to operate online safely. GarlicShield helps businesses concentrate on their operations while we keep their digital security in check.

Q. How has GarlicShield grown since its founding?

Since GarlicShield’s launch, we’ve been fortunate to secure a customer base in the three digits, and I’m confident that we’ll grow into the four digits in the coming years. Our service has gained popularity among small businesses and local vendors seeking affordable and effective cybersecurity solutions, and this momentum is growing.

In addition to GarlicShield, I've had the opportunity to work with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In collaboration with CISA, I’ve identified and resolved vulnerabilities across Local, State, and Federal government systems. This experience has enabled me to support national cybersecurity and shows that GarlicShield is not just a local business; it is part of a bigger mission to safeguard critical infrastructure.

Additionally, I’m passionate about helping underdeveloped countries by mentoring youth in the field of cybersecurity. I provide tools and guidance to help safeguard their digital infrastructure and ensure strong cybersecurity. Through these efforts, GarlicShield is evolving into a global initiative with a far-reaching impact.

Q. How is GarlicShield revolutionizing the cybersecurity market for small businesses and local vendors with its free model?

GarlicShield is breaking the traditional mold of cybersecurity services by offering a free, no-strings-attached model specifically designed for small businesses and local vendors. Many cybersecurity solutions are too expensive or have hidden costs, making them unaffordable for smaller businesses. We believe cybersecurity is a necessity, not a luxury, and it should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget.

Our free vulnerability scanning helps small businesses find security weaknesses before they are exploited, providing peace of mind amid rising cyberattacks. GarlicShield stands out for its simple and transparent approach—no hidden fees, trial periods, or complex contracts.

By removing financial barriers, GarlicShield is empowering small businesses to protect their digital presence without having to compromise on quality. This is about making cybersecurity accessible to everyone, ensuring that even small businesses have the same protection as larger companies. We provide businesses with the security they need to focus on running and growing their operations.

Q. What role does crowdfunding play in your business model?

Our crowdfunding button has launched, but it's still early, and many people are unaware of it. Up until now, all of GarlicShield’s operations have been completely self-funded. However, as we grow, I believe that a non-profit model is the right direction for the company.

Crowdfunding will help us expand and support more small businesses and local vendors in need of our services. Obtaining 501(c)(3) status will help us operate as a full non-profit and attract more donations. The goal is to use these funds to expand our free services and make cybersecurity accessible to all.

Q. Can you please elaborate about GarlicShield’s vetting process it employs before deciding to work with an applicant business?

At GarlicShield, our mission is to make cybersecurity accessible for small businesses and local vendors through a careful vetting process. We assess the size and type of business, focusing on small businesses and local vendors that lack resources for strong cybersecurity solutions.

We also look at the business’s current online presence and digital infrastructure. This helps us assess their exposure and vulnerabilities, enabling us to offer more personalized service. Our objective is to maximize the use of our free tools and support by businesses that will gain the greatest advantage from them, rather than those already equipped with advanced cybersecurity solutions.

Our vetting process is simple and non-intrusive, aiming to remove barriers rather than create them. We prioritize inclusivity and partner with businesses that support our mission to make cybersecurity accessible to those in need.

Q. What were some of the most memorable challenges you and the team at GarlicShield have overcome? How did the company learn from these challenges?

One of the biggest challenges we faced was convincing small businesses of the real threat that cyberattacks pose. It's similar to trying to convince an atheist of God's existence—many businesses were skeptical, especially since I was a young messenger. Some even thought I had just been watching too many sci-fi movies!

The turning point came when I created sandbox environments replicating their business setups, which on the surface appeared secure. I would demonstrate a live hack on the sandbox to show the potential damage to a cyberattack. This hands-on demonstration was a game changer—it made the risks tangible and helped them realize the gravity of the threat.

We learned that education and clear demonstrations are essential for building trust and encouraging small businesses to take cybersecurity seriously. This challenge highlighted the importance of creative communication regarding risks and helped us understand how to establish credibility with our customers. Once businesses saw the threat was real, many became loyal GarlicShield users.

Q. What are GarlicShield’s plans for the future?

Our current services are free and will stay that way permanently. However, we plan to introduce affordable plug-and-play security appliances. These appliances—Model A for homes, Model B for small businesses, and Model C for larger companies—feature an AI-ready operating system. This allows customers to toggle AI functions based on their comfort level. We recognize that, similar to the vaccine debate, opinions on AI adoption vary: some customers fully support it, while others are reluctant. By offering both AI-enabled and AI-optional configurations, we’re catering to the diverse needs of our customer base.

We will launch a grant application process to help small businesses access financial assistance for appliance costs. We aim to support vulnerable businesses with affordable solutions while attracting household users and larger corporations to generate revenue for our mission.

The revenue from these new segments will help us keep offering free services to small businesses and local vendors. I'm excited about our 501(c)(3) conversion and possible grants to help us better protect those in need.

Meet the Founder and CEO

Thanmay Sarath is a visionary teen entrepreneur, founder and CEO of GarlicShield, a pioneering cybersecurity company committed to providing free services to small businesses and local vendors. Recognized as one of the youngest ethical hackers in the San Francisco Bay Area, Thanmay has a strong passion for cybersecurity and a deep commitment to democratizing access to digital security.

Currently a student at Monte Vista Christian School, Thanmay balances his academic responsibilities with his role as CEO. He has completed an Advanced Cybersecurity Program from the Stanford School of Engineering and training in Business Research for Innovation and Growth from UC San Diego Extension. Thanmay is also a lifetime member of American Mensa, reflecting his dedication to intellectual growth and problem-solving.

“GarlicShield is breaking the traditional mold of cybersecurity services by offering a free, no-strings-attached model specifically designed for small businesses and local vendors.”