Why European companies are moving away from U.S. cybersecurity tools
Why European companies are moving away from U.S. cybersecurity tools
For years, U.S.-based cybersecurity vendors dominated the global market.
But in recent years, a quiet shift has started — and it’s accelerating fast.
More and more European companies are actively looking for local alternatives when it comes to their security stack.
Not because American tools are bad. But because the world — and the risks — have changed.
1. concerns about data sovereignty are growing
European companies are increasingly aware of the legal and privacy risks that come with using tools from outside the EU.
Laws like the Patriot Act and the CLOUD Act allow U.S. authorities to access data, even when it’s stored in Europe — simply because the vendor is American.
That’s a serious concern for organizations handling sensitive data or operating in regulated industries.
For many, compliance isn’t just about best practices — it’s a legal necessity.
2. compliance with GDPR, NIS2, and DORA is easier with local providers
As frameworks like GDPR, NIS2, and DORA become stricter, companies are re-evaluating their entire supply chain — including software vendors.
Working with EU-based providers means:
- Better alignment with local regulations
- Easier legal cooperation in audits or investigations
- Reduced risk of cross-border data issues
Many local vendors also host their infrastructure within the EU, avoiding third-country transfers altogether.
3. Europe is investing in digital sovereignty — and companies are following
Across the continent, there’s a strong political and economic push for digital sovereignty.
Initiatives like:
• 🇪🇺 GAIA-X (European cloud infrastructure)
• 🛡️ The European Cybersecurity Act
• 📊 National investment funds for local tech scale-ups
… are all signs that Europe wants more control over its digital future.
And companies are echoing that sentiment — by choosing tools that match those values.
What companies really want
Today’s security leaders want tools that are:
- Transparent about how they work
- Built with compliance in mind
- Hosted and supported in Europe
- Affordable and easy to deploy — without waiting months for a contract
And that’s where tools like Tresal come in.
Managing your attack surface doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and use tools that work with your workflow — not against it.
That’s exactly why we built Tresal.
Want to see what your attack surface looks like today? You might be surprised.
The first step toward better security is understanding what you're protecting. Begin by mapping your digital assets and identifying which ones are exposed to potential threats. Once you have visibility, you can implement controls to reduce unnecessary exposure and monitor for changes that could introduce new risks.
Remember that attack surface management is not a one-time project but an ongoing process that requires continuous attention and refinement.
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Matthias
Security Researcher
Security expert specializing in attack surface management and vulnerability detection.
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