Securing the Future

Analytics For Humans

Noteworthy Analytics

• Endpoint Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of endpoints to identify anomalous activities, such as unusual login times, using AI to streamline the process.
• User Behavior Analysis: Tracking and analyzing user behavior on networks to identify potential security threats and improve security measures.
• Cyber Insurance Due Diligence: Collecting and analyzing data to demonstrate compliance with cybersecurity requirements for insurance purposes.

Episode Highlights

• ✅ Cybersecurity is crucial for protecting data, systems, and even human lives.
• ✅ Small businesses are often targeted by cybercriminals due to perceived vulnerability.
• ✅ Using AI in cybersecurity helps detect anomalies and improve threat detection.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Analytics for Humans podcast, Mike Crandall, founder and CEO of Digital Beachhead, shares his journey from a military career in IT to leading a successful cybersecurity company. Mike explains the importance of cybersecurity for small to midsize businesses, highlighting common misconceptions and affordable solutions. He discusses how Digital Beachhead provides comprehensive cybersecurity services, including continuous endpoint monitoring, user behavior analysis, and AI-driven threat detection. Mike emphasizes the evolving role of AI in cybersecurity and the importance of staying informed about the latest technological advancements. He also offers practical tips for non-technical users to enhance their cybersecurity posture and underscores the need for businesses to use their available resources effectively to protect their data.

Notable Questions and Answers

Q: What inspired you to start Digital Beachhead?

A: I retired from the military after nearly 21 years, working in IT before it was called cybersecurity. After working for a large company and dealing with job uncertainties, I decided to start Digital Beachhead to provide cybersecurity services, especially to small and midsize businesses that were underrepresented in the larger cybersecurity market.

Q: Can you explain cybersecurity for non-technical users?

A: Cybersecurity involves protecting your data, systems, and even human life. It includes securing internet-connected devices, such as IoT devices and medical devices like pacemakers, against potential threats.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about cybersecurity among small businesses?

A: Many small businesses think they are too small to be targeted by cybercriminals. They believe they don't have valuable data, but small businesses are often targeted because they are perceived as easy targets.

Q: How do you provide affordable cybersecurity solutions?

A: We offer a package that costs a dollar a day per endpoint, providing 24/7 monitoring and training. This helps businesses demonstrate due diligence in protecting their records and ensures they have basic cybersecurity measures in place.

Q: How do you see the role of AI evolving in cybersecurity?

A: AI will play a significant role in analyzing data and detecting anomalies. While AI is not truly intelligent yet, it can process data quickly and identify patterns that humans might miss, helping to enhance threat detection and response.

Q: What steps can non-technical users take to improve their cybersecurity posture?

A: Use different passwords for different logins and consider using a password manager. Ensure employees working from home use a VPN to separate work and home networks. Invest in an inexpensive firewall to monitor network traffic and protect data.

Q: What resources do you recommend for learning more about cybersecurity?

A: Follow Digital Beachhead on LinkedIn for our Cyber Bites, which provide updates on current threats and cybersecurity news. Also, join cybersecurity groups on LinkedIn for information sharing and updates.

Q: What has been your most rewarding project or achievement in your career?

A: One of my most rewarding achievements was discovering vulnerabilities in a government system that was thought to be secure. This led to significant changes in how the Department of Defense develops and secures its networks.

Q: How can our audience stay connected with you and Digital Beachhead?

A: Visit our website at digitalbeachhead.com or follow us on LinkedIn. We believe that the path to cybersecurity begins with a conversation, so feel free to reach out to us.

Q: What is the key takeaway from your conversation about cybersecurity?

A: Do what you can with what you have. Don't ignore cybersecurity or the valuable data your systems collect. Find the right way to protect your data and systems with the resources available to you.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:33 From Military to Cybersecurity

02:53 Cybersecurity Simplified

04:24 Common Misconceptions and Risks for Small Businesses

05:52 Affordable Cybersecurity Solutions

09:27 The Role of AI and Data Analytics in Cybersecurity

17:41 Key Takeaways and Connecting with Mike

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#Cybersecurity #DataProtection #SmallBusinessSecurity #AIinCybersecurity #EndpointMonitoring #UserBehaviorAnalysis #CyberInsurance #DigitalSecurity #TechInnovation #CyberThreats