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Most founders think cybersecurity is a technology problem. Derek Hardmon says it's a business problem — and that's exactly why most small businesses get it wrong.
In this episode of Ace Founder, Derek — founder of Secure Technology Consultants and a 20-year veteran of IT and information security across banking, healthcare, and regulated industries — breaks down how small and medium businesses can build a cybersecurity program that actually works, without breaking the bank.
If you've ever thought "we're too small to be a target" — this episode is specifically for you.
📚 What We Talk About:
01:00 Derek's background and what Secure Technology Consultants does
02:00 The story behind the name — and why simple and direct always wins
03:09 The five things every founder needs in place before anything else
06:04 Why cybersecurity has to be driven from the top down — not bottom up
07:46 The two types of small businesses Derek encounters — and why both are at risk
09:26 Why hackers don't target you specifically — they just check every door until one opens
11:21 Why your small business might not be the target — but your bigger client is
13:25 How Derek interviews and onboards a new client from day one
15:36 How to build a cybersecurity program from scratch — step by step
17:24 Why having policies isn't enough — you have to prove you're actually using them
21:21 Why starting a cybersecurity culture early is a huge advantage for new businesses
23:47 Why cybersecurity isn't a technology problem — it's a business function
💭 Key Quotes:
"You can't afford cybersecurity? You really can't afford a breach."
"It's not good enough to just have these things in place. You have to show you're actually performing these tasks."
"Think of cybersecurity not as technology — think of it as a business function, a living, breathing entity within your organisation."
"Hackers are checking doors. All they need isn't locked."
"If it's coming from the CEO, it's going to be better received than coming from somebody like me."
🔗 Connect With Our Guest:
Website: securetcllc.com
LinkedIn: Derek Hardmon
