Episode 42
How to Be a Cybersecurity Porcupine
Most businesses overlook cybersecurity risk management until an attack hits, but small moves like the “porcupine strategy” and multi-factor authentication can be the difference between staying safe and facing a major breach. Maartje van Krieken sits down with cybersecurity expert Bryce Austin for a conversation that every business owner needs to hear. They start with a story: a business that lost over $100,000 to a wire fraud scam and ended up declaring bankruptcy. What would you do if your company faced a loss like that? Could you survive it?
Bryce explains how cybersecurity risk management has shifted in a world where criminals no longer hunt just big targets. Today, anyone with an email account or a bank connection is fair game. He shares clear steps you can take to prevent business data breaches, including why using strong passwords and setting up multi-factor authentication should no longer be optional.
They also talk about the real value of cyber insurance for business. Would insurance cover you when things go sideways? And just as importantly, how can you strengthen your defenses so you are less likely to need it?
If you think cybersecurity can wait, this episode offers a reality check, and clear actions you can take to protect your data, your finances, and your future.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity
01:33 Cybersecurity Breach Example
03:30 How to Assess Your Cyber Risk
04:10 How Cybercrime Has Evolved
06:44 Risks of Personal Devices for Business Owners
08:05 The Porcupine Strategy for Cybersecurity
10:05 Key Cybersecurity Measures: Passwords and MFA
15:21 Protecting Business Data and Preventing Breaches
21:00 What to Do After a Cyber Attack
23:34 Why Cyber Insurance for Business Matters
26:00 Proactive Cybersecurity
Links
Connect with Bryce Austin:
bryce@bryceaustin.com
Bryce Austin began his technology career on a Commodore 64 and is now a leading voice in technology and cybersecurity. With over 20 years as a technology leader, he advises company boards across industries and serves as Chief Information Security Officer for businesses ranging from 50 employees to S&P 500 firms. He was previously the CIO and CISO of Wells Fargo Business Payroll Services and a Senior Group Manager at Target Corporation. Bryce’s best-selling book, “Secure Enough? 20 Questions on Cybersecurity for Business Owners and Executives,” draws on over a decade of hands-on cybersecurity crisis experience, including Target’s major 2013–2014 breach. His goal is to help organizations bring cybersecurity risk to a level that is secure enough for their needs. Outside of work, Bryce is a high-speed track driver and coach with over 100 students, and a perfect safety record.
Connect with Maartje van Krieken:
https://www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maartje/
https://maartjeturnschaosaround.substack.com/
