Navigating cyber risk in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape requires more than just "whiz-bang" gadgets; it demands a strategic, aerial view, and that's precisely what we dive into with our special guest, Domingo Guerra, a patented outdoorsman, cybersecurity company founder, and early-stage investor! In this episode, John Riley and Domingo peel back the layers of cyber threats and risk transference, exploring the differences between cybersecurity "trench warfare" and the bigger-picture strategic thinking required for executives. Domingo, with his unique blend of technical know-how, go-to-market expertise, and investor insights, shares his experiences from building and selling his mobile security company and his current focus on helping other founders in the space. We discuss the most significant cybersecurity threats facing companies today, including the AI revolution, quantum computing's potential impact, and how startups can prioritize security without breaking the bank, plus some great insights on his love of skiing (Black Diamonds included). If you're looking for actionable advice on reducing cyber risk and understanding the future of security, you won't want to miss this dynamic conversation!

Understanding and achieving CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is vital for businesses working with the Department of Defense, and it's not as simple as saying, "Trust me, we're secure." In this episode, John Riley sits down with the passionate and insightful Valerie Cobb, a CMMC expert with Omnistruct, to dissect the complexities and necessities of CMMC. Valerie doesn't hold back, addressing common misconceptions like "we're too small" or "Congress will change it," with a direct, no-nonsense approach that matches her zeal for protecting critical data. Together, they dive into why CMMC is crucial now more than ever, contrasting it with the limitations of FedRAMP and highlighting the shift from self-attestation to third-party and DOD audits. Valerie emphasizes that compliance is not just a cost, but an opportunity for businesses to stand out, encouraging proactive steps towards certification and leveraging it as a strategic advantage in securing government contracts. If you're looking to understand CMMC and how it can transform your business's security posture and growth potential, this episode is a must-listen!

The Trump administration’s deregulation effort is causing underlying risks for the cybersecurity space. With compliance rules getting blurry across states, how can you protect your data from hackers and keep them private? John Riley and Valerie Cobb discuss how businesses can deal with data breaches, information processing, and confidential data management as deregulation is being rolled out. They also emphasize why compliance should be seen not just as a goal to be accomplished but as a never-ending journey of keeping up with the rapid pace of technology.