Scott McCrady: How Can Entrepreneurs Safeguard Their Future?

The Rising Cybersecurity Threat to Entrepreneurs

Cybersecurity is often an afterthought for entrepreneurs focused on growing their businesses. Yet, as Scott McCrady, a cybersecurity veteran with decades of experience, points out, cyber threats are evolving faster than ever. Small and medium businesses (SMBs) are prime targets, and failing to address security from the outset can be catastrophic.

In this discussion, McCrady shares how today’s digital landscape demands proactive security measures and why small businesses must start thinking about cybersecurity as a core part of their infrastructure—not just an add-on.

From Engineer to Cybersecurity Leader

McCrady’s journey into cybersecurity leadership wasn’t planned. Originally trained as a network engineer, he was unexpectedly thrust into customer-facing roles because of his ability to communicate complex security concepts.

"The old joke back there was the engineer who would stop looking at his own shoes and would look at the shoes of the customer was more outgoing,” McCrady recalls. His ability to translate technical jargon into business language paved the way for his leadership roles in cybersecurity.

This highlights a crucial lesson for entrepreneurs: stacking skills beyond your core expertise can lead to unexpected opportunities. Public speaking, for example, became one of McCrady’s most valuable assets.

Why Small Businesses Are at High Risk

Many business owners assume they’re too small to be targeted by cybercriminals. McCrady debunks this myth, explaining how modern cyberattacks aren’t targeted but widespread.

"The capability is so robust and so simple for the attackers… they’re not really specifically attacking you anymore. All they're doing is rolling a million marbles onto a table. If you happen to be one of the holes that the marble falls into, they're going to ransom you, steal your data, or force you to pay," he warns.

This means that even if a company isn't handling highly sensitive data, it can still fall victim to ransomware attacks or data breaches that can financially cripple operations.

The Role of AI in Cyber Threats

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing cybersecurity, but not just for the good guys. Hackers are leveraging AI to scale attacks, social engineer their way into systems, and discover vulnerabilities faster than ever before.

Businesses need to recognize that technology alone won’t solve the problem; a strategic, layered approach to security is necessary. This includes employee training, robust infrastructure, and outsourcing security to specialized firms if in-house expertise is lacking.

The Cost of Ignoring Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks are more than an inconvenience—they can be business-ending. McCrady cites alarming statistics: “Most SMEs that have a breach go out of business. The cost of that breach will be enough to put 75% of those companies out of business, and you've got a one in three chance every year of being breached.”

The reality is that small businesses often lack the resources to recover from a significant attack, making proactive security measures essential.

How Entrepreneurs Can Secure Their Businesses

1. Integrate Security From the Start

Security should not be an afterthought. “If you try to fix your house after it's already built, it's just more difficult,” McCrady notes. Embedding security into company culture and operations from the beginning saves businesses from costly retrofitting later.

2. Outsource to Managed Security Providers

SMBs often lack in-house security expertise. Managed security service providers (MSSPs) offer Fortune 100-level protection at a fraction of the cost, ensuring businesses stay ahead of emerging threats.

3. Leverage Cyber Insurance

Companies prioritizing cybersecurity can benefit from significant cyber insurance discounts. “We worked with the cybersecurity industry for small-medium businesses to get a massive discount on your cyber insurance—usually around 40-50%,” McCrady explains. This financial incentive makes cybersecurity investment even more compelling.

4. Adopt a ‘Security Stack’ Approach

Rather than viewing security as a single tool, businesses should think of it as a layered solution. Firewalls, endpoint protection, employee training, and AI-driven monitoring all contribute to a well-rounded defense strategy.

The Path Forward

Entrepreneurs are builders, visionaries, and risk-takers—but ignoring cybersecurity isn’t a risk worth taking. Whether you’re leading a 25-person startup or a thriving enterprise, proactive security measures can mean the difference between long-term success and catastrophic failure.

As McCrady puts it, “Think of this big huge elephant… push that thing and say okay, big huge check box, and you’re on your way to having an amazing secure organization.”

Take Action Now

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with small, strategic steps: assess your current security posture, explore managed security services, and educate your team on common threats. By taking action today, you’re safeguarding the future of your business.

For more insights and cybersecurity solutions, visit SolCyber.