Meet Stefan - Security Tech Lead
What's your Tipico story?
I've been part of this dynamic team for the past decade, starting as a system operator when the company was known as Booxware, when we were still using waterfall. I then led different operating teams for five years. After that I looked for a new challenge as a security engineer and joined the security team. I’ve been Tech Lead for Tipico’s security team for 4 years!
What was your first impression of Tipico?
My first impression was the vibrant work hard, play hard culture. Over time, I've appreciated how Tipico has evolved into a sophisticated engineering culture that values innovation and continuous improvement.
What are your best moments working at Tipico?
There are so many. Each milestone that we brought about through collaboration, from introducing team test systems, over migrating to the cloud, to the protections against phishing.
What are some challenges that you face?
One of the primary challenges we encounter is the sheer volume of security vulnerabilities that are uncovered daily and the number of new threats that emerge. With thousands of potential threats, it is impossible to address each one individually without exhausting our resources. We must strategically filter and prioritize these vulnerabilities to focus on those that pose the greatest risk to Tipico. We ask ourselves again and again: are we up to the current threat landscape? What do we need to change to keep up with the attackers?
What is special about Tipico?
The two standout features for me are the inspiring and respectful interactions with colleagues and the abundant opportunities for personal and professional growth.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day is filled with a mix of observing our security KPIs, investigating and resolving incidents, meetings with team and stakeholders, and documenting the results of our work, and planning – so we stay secure.
What do you look forward to at work?
Working with a great team to keep us all as safe as we can in an environment that is quite a bit hostile. Not the Tipico environment of course. The dark world of internet crime.
As you know we love sports... what is your favourite sport and why?
Chess and recently motorcycling are two of my passions. Both expect you to be fully present, and while the former challenges my strategic thinking, the latter offers a sense of freedom, though I can't quite pinpoint why they resonate with me so deeply.
What is your one piece of advice for anyone interested in joining us?
Embrace the challenge. I’ve gotten to know Tipico as a place where your contributions matter.