This interview is with Eric Garcia, Founder & Cybersecurity Consultant at Cyber Wise Consulting.

Eric Garcia, Founder & Cybersecurity Consultant, Cyber Wise Consulting

Eric, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming an expert in the startup, tech, and cybersecurity space?

My path into cybersecurity started in the military, where I first encountered the real-world impact of cyber threats on a large scale. Working in defense environments, I saw the importance of thorough, compliance-driven security frameworks to protect sensitive information. This experience shaped my approach and led me to roles with major defense contractors, like Raytheon and Boeing, where I continued honing my skills in compliance and security assessments. Eventually, I moved into the private sector, joining AWS, where I helped businesses secure cloud environments and navigate the complexities of compliance.

I recognized a gap in cybersecurity support for smaller businesses, so I launched Cyber-Wise Consulting to bridge that divide. My goal is to offer practical, compliance-focused security solutions that small- and medium-sized businesses can adopt without getting bogged down by complexity.

Now, with a focus on risk assessments, managed security, and compliance, I help companies improve their security posture in a way that’s realistic, effective, and sustainable for the long run. This journey has allowed me to combine technical knowledge with a deep understanding of what makes security practical for businesses at any scale, especially those just starting in the tech space.

What pivotal moments or decisions in your career trajectory led you to specialize in cybersecurity within the startup ecosystem?

A few pivotal moments shifted my focus to cybersecurity in the startup world. One eye-opener was working at AWS, where I noticed that startups often faced a tough choice between rapid growth and establishing solid security. Many were embracing cloud technologies and expanding fast but struggled to keep security measures in line with that growth, making them vulnerable.

One project stands out, where a small business, gearing up to pitch for a pivotal contract, needed to improve its security posture to meet expectations. They had the drive and innovation but were missing some essential safeguards that would ensure their data and reputation stayed protected. By helping them implement basic but effective controls, they were able to satisfy investor requirements without derailing their development.

This experience highlighted a recurring challenge: startups need cybersecurity solutions that match their pace without adding unnecessary friction. That realization led me to focus on helping startups achieve just that—security that’s effective, scalable, and aligned with their growth.

Many startups prioritize rapid growth and innovation. How can they effectively integrate robust cybersecurity measures without stifling their agility and speed?

Startups can incorporate strong cybersecurity practices without losing momentum by focusing on a few key strategies that align security with their growth goals.

1. Start with the Basics: Essential security measures, like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and regular data backups, are quick to set up and provide solid protection. These are foundational steps that won’t interfere with daily operations but can prevent many common attacks.

2. Automate Security Checks: Tools that automate vulnerability scanning, compliance monitoring, and access management allow startups to maintain oversight with minimal manual intervention. For example, setting up automated scans to check for weak configurations can help catch issues early without requiring constant attention.

3. Prioritize Data Access Controls: Defining who has access to specific data is critical, especially as teams grow. Startups can use role-based access controls (RBAC) to ensure that only essential team members can reach sensitive data, reducing the risk of accidental or unauthorized access without creating extra hurdles.

4. Build Security into Development: For tech-focused startups, adopting secure coding practices from the start can prevent vulnerabilities that are harder to fix later. Integrating security checks into development pipelines allows the team to catch and resolve issues early, without disrupting the development cycle.

5. Create a Security-Minded Culture: Regular training and clear security policies empower everyone in the company to play a role in keeping data secure. By making security part of the company’s DNA, startups can reduce risks from human error without slowing down their innovation.

These approaches allow startups to stay agile while building a strong security foundation that scales with their growth.

You’ve emphasized the importance of clear communication in cybersecurity. What’s your advice for startup founders who need to communicate the value and ROI of cybersecurity investments to their teams and investors?

When it comes to communicating the value of cybersecurity to teams and investors, my advice is to connect it directly to business impact, showing how security supports long-term growth and trust.

1. Translate Security into Business Terms: Instead of diving into technical jargon, explain cybersecurity as a safeguard for the business’s assets, reputation, and future opportunities. Highlight how security strengthens customer trust and protects critical data that supports growth.

2. Quantify Potential Costs of Inaction: Show the risks of not investing in security. For instance, a data breach can result in regulatory fines, lost clients, or downtime that directly impacts revenue. Presenting cybersecurity as a preventive measure helps investors and team members see it as an investment rather than a cost.

3. Highlight Investor and Client Expectations: Many clients and investors now look for businesses with strong security practices, especially in tech-driven industries. Emphasize how a proactive approach to security can create more opportunities for partnerships, contracts, and investment.

4. Frame Security as a Growth Enabler: Explain that a solid security foundation allows the business to scale confidently. As the company grows, so do risks, so addressing security now prevents costly issues later on and supports sustainable growth.

By focusing on these points, founders can communicate cybersecurity as a smart, growth-focused investment that delivers long-term ROI and strengthens the company’s competitive edge.

Drawing from your experience, can you share an example of a cybersecurity challenge you faced in a startup environment and the steps you took to overcome it? What lessons did you learn from that experience?

In a recent project with a tech startup, we encountered a familiar challenge: balancing rapid product development with secure practices, especially as the company prepared for an exit. The team was moving quickly, and in the rush, security checks weren’t getting enough attention, leaving some data exposed to potential risks. To tackle this, we focused on integrating security directly into their development pipeline, rather than adding it as a separate, time-consuming step.

By setting up automated vulnerability scanning within their CI/CD processes, each new build was screened for security gaps without slowing deployment. Additionally, we enforced role-based access controls to restrict data access, particularly in areas involving sensitive customer information.

A key takeaway from this experience was the importance of making security seamless in high-growth environments. When security is part of daily processes, teams stay agile while reducing risk. This approach reinforced that integrating security early helps build resilience and trust—vital factors in supporting a successful exit.

The threat landscape is constantly evolving. What are some emerging cybersecurity threats that you believe startups should be particularly aware of in today’s climate?

Startups should watch for a few key emerging threats:

– Supply Chain Attacks: Attackers target third-party providers, aiming to compromise multiple companies indirectly. Vendor assessments and strict access controls help mitigate this risk.

– Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): Ransomware is now available as a service, making it easier for criminals to attack smaller companies. Regular backups, network segmentation, and employee training are essential defenses.

– Credential Stuffing: Stolen credentials from data breaches are used to take over accounts. Startups can counter this with multi-factor authentication and strong password policies.

– AI-Enhanced Phishing: Attackers use AI to create convincing phishing messages. Regular training and email security tools help identify these scams.

– IoT Vulnerabilities: IoT devices can act as entry points for attacks. Startups should ensure these devices are updated and secured.

Focusing on these areas can help startups stay resilient in today’s shifting threat landscape.

What role do you see artificial intelligence and machine learning playing in shaping the future of cybersecurity, particularly for startups?

AI enables startups to detect threats early, often by analyzing data and spotting unusual patterns that indicate potential attacks. This approach can preemptively identify risks, giving startups a valuable head-start in preventing incidents.

AI also automates routine security tasks, like scanning for vulnerabilities and managing access permissions, which helps startups stay secure without taking up too much time or stretching resources. With machine learning, security systems can adapt by learning from past incidents, gradually improving defenses to address new risks as they emerge.

Another area where AI shines is in phishing detection. Sophisticated attacks can be challenging to spot, but AI can pick up on subtle red flags—like uncommon phrasing or sender behavior—that often go unnoticed, providing an added layer of protection against social engineering. For startups, AI offers a way to level the playing field, combining proactive detection, automation, and evolving defenses to keep systems secure while allowing the team to stay agile.

How can startups foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness and responsibility among their employees, especially in remote or hybrid work environments?

Start-ups can build a cybersecurity-focused culture by making security part of everyday routines. Short, regular training sessions on topics like phishing and data handling keep employees engaged without overwhelming them, which is especially effective in remote setups.

Providing tools like VPNs and password managers also makes it easier for employees to stay secure. Encouraging open communication around security, and having leaders model secure behavior, reinforces that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. This approach helps create a culture where security awareness is second nature, regardless of work location.

What advice would you give to aspiring cybersecurity professionals who are eager to contribute their skills and knowledge to the startup world?

For aspiring cybersecurity professionals interested in startups, my advice is to focus on practical, adaptable skills. Startups need solutions that balance security with growth, so learn how to apply security basics—like access control, threat detection, and compliance—in resource-limited environments.

Familiarize yourself with cloud security and automation tools, as these are essential in lean, fast-paced teams. Be prepared to wear multiple hats and communicate complex concepts simply. Startup teams often lack deep technical backgrounds, so being able to explain security risks clearly is a huge asset. Finally, stay curious and keep learning. Startups move fast, and being open to new tech and security trends will make you an invaluable part of the team.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Just a reminder that cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complex to be effective, especially in a start-up. Focusing on the essentials and building a strong foundation can go a long way in reducing risks. For anyone working in or with start-ups, the best approach is to stay adaptable and proactive. Cyber threats evolve, but so do solutions—so keep learning, stay curious, and make security a core part of everything you do. Thanks for the opportunity to share!