Navigating Cybersecurity Risks: Planning Roadmaps and Contingency Planning
Terry Zimniak, a fractional cybersecurity executive with 10+ years of experience, helps startups and SMBs create practical security roadmaps. His approach balances security needs with business priorities, treating cybersecurity as both a necessity and potential competitive advantage.
Key Takeaways
Cybersecurity should be part of your business story: Small and medium businesses can create a cybersecurity narrative that shows competence and demonstrates risk awareness, potentially becoming a market differentiator.
Follow established frameworks: Using recognized cybersecurity frameworks (like NIST CSF or FTC guidelines) provides structure and credibility to your security approach.
Cybersecurity is primarily a people problem: While technology is important, most security issues stem from human actions. Building a healthy security culture where people feel safe reporting mistakes is essential.
Notable Quotes
"Computers would be incredibly secure if there were no people involved. It's always a people problem."
"You're never 100 percent secure. You could always spend more money. You can always buy more widgets, but you're never going to be done with security."
"Find a framework because it gives you a comprehensive review of what you need to do. It talks about resiliency. It talks about backups. It talks about firewalls."
Real-World Applications
Acquisition Readiness: Companies looking to be acquired should prioritize cybersecurity as part of their value proposition, as security gaps can be dealbreakers in merger discussions.
Payment Process Protection: Implement verification processes requiring multiple approvals for financial transactions to prevent payment redirection scams, which the FBI identifies as a major cybercrime.
AI-Enhanced Threat Awareness: Train staff to recognize increasingly sophisticated AI-generated phishing attempts, including deepfake video calls and voice impersonations.
Smart cybersecurity means knowing your risks, building appropriate defenses, and having solid response plans. When you treat security as a business enabler instead of just an IT cost, you transform your cybersecurity approach into both protection and competitive advantage.
Time Stamps:
00:25 Meet Terry Zimniak: Cybersecurity Expert
00:46 Journey into Cybersecurity
03:25 Balancing Security for Small Businesses
05:58 Compliance and Risk Management
16:50 Business Resiliency and Cybersecurity
26:42 AI and the Future of Cybersecurity
Links Mentioned:
Terry Zimniak's Website: https://www.northwonders.com/
NIST Cybersecurity Framework: https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework
FTC Cybersecurity Guidance for Small Businesses: https://tinyurl.com/34c2tbhh
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.