In the digital age, where data is the currency of the future, the importance of cybersecurity and privacy cannot be overstated. Yet, amidst the towering giants of the corporate world, smaller businesses often find themselves struggling to safeguard their most valuable asset—their data.

 

Enter Michael Castro, a visionary cybersecurity and risk executive advisor who recognized this glaring gap and took bold steps to level the playing field.

 

The story of Michael Castro is one of empowerment, of using expertise to uplift those who often go unnoticed in the grand narrative of cybersecurity. With years of experience under his belt, Michael identified a critical issue: while large corporations had the resources to fortify their defenses, smaller and mid-scale businesses were left vulnerable. Determined to bridge this divide, he embarked on a mission that would redefine the cybersecurity landscape.

The result? RiskAware Cybersecurity is an embodiment of Michael's unwavering commitment to empowering small and mid-scale businesses with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world fraught with threats. Founded as a response to this pressing need, RiskAware Cybersecurity stands as a beacon of hope, providing comprehensive solutions that are tailored to the unique challenges faced by businesses of smaller stature.

Michael's journey is one of transformation, of taking on the role of not just an advisor, but a champion for the underrepresented. His visionary approach has not only helped countless businesses shield themselves from potential breaches but has also paved the way for growth, innovation, and success in an environment that often seems stacked against them.

The impact of RiskAware Cybersecurity is felt far beyond lines of code and firewalls. It's a lifeline for businesses that might have otherwise fallen prey to cyber threats, a testament to Michael's commitment to a safer digital world for everyone. His legacy is one of empowerment—empowering businesses to chase their dreams without the constant shadow of cybersecurity risks.

In a world where every byte of data counts, Michael’s journey is a reminder that one individual can make a significant impact. Through RiskAware Cybersecurity, he is not just addressing cybersecurity challenges; he is shaping the future of small and mid-scale businesses, empowering them to thrive in a digital landscape that is often unforgiving.

 

As a cybersecurity and risk executive advisor turned Founder and CEO, he is more than just a professional; he is a catalyst for change. His story is a source of inspiration, a narrative that reaffirms the power of expertise, empathy, and determination to transform the world we live in.

 

Below are the highlights of the interview:

 

Empowering Small and Mid-scale Businesses with Cybersecurity

In the 1980s, Michael was introduced to the world of cybersecurity when it was still nameless, but his passion for learning was already ignited. He proudly graduated from McMaster University, earning his diploma, and later pursued an MBA from Athabasca University. But his thirst for knowledge remained unquenched. Michael went on to earn prestigious titles, including Certified Corporate Director (ASC) from Laval University and Chartered Director (C.DIR) from the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University.

With over two decades of experience in the corporate realm, Michael donned multiple hats, gaining invaluable insights into the market's intricacies. His journey included a fulfilling role as a front-line paramedic, contributing to the well-being of the community. Along the way, he shared his expertise as a professional speaker, empowering others with his knowledge.

Throughout his professional path, Michael recognized a critical gap in resources, leaving small and mid-sized companies vulnerable to data threats. He noted, "I witnessed many small and medium-tier businesses not having the resources and capabilities the larger enterprises had. Yet they were just as vulnerable to attack or exploit."

This realization spurred him to take action. Michael founded RiskAware, a company with a clear mission: to equip small and mid-scale businesses, startups, and not-for-profit organizations with the necessary skilled resources to safeguard their invaluable data.

With RiskAware, Michael is on a mission to level the playing field, ensuring that organizations of all sizes can protect their data and operate securely. He remains deeply committed to making a positive difference, particularly in a landscape where cybersecurity is paramount for every business, irrespective of its size.

 

The Fusion of Practitioner and Entrepreneur

From the very beginning, Michael possessed a spark for technology. His fascination with the ever-evolving world of technology was undeniable. He reflects, "Being a practitioner and being an entrepreneur are two distinct worlds. The lens of a technologist doesn't easily align with the problem-solving perspectives of a business owner or entrepreneur. I encountered these challenges head-on during the early days of building the business. However, my experience as a business executive in the corporate sphere, gaining a deeper understanding of business acumen and operations, allowed me to adapt and effectively lead the company's growth."

In the face of challenges, Michael embraced a positive mindset, tirelessly seeking the right solutions to bring his vision to life. Leveraging his extensive professional experience, he embarked on a transformative journey, leaving his mark on the industry with Risk Aware.

The fusion of his technological prowess and his entrepreneurial drive became a driving force in his journey. Through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to innovation, Michael propelled Risk Aware forward, filling his vision with vibrant colors. His unique perspective, backed by hands-on experience, enabled him to navigate the complexities of the business landscape and make a lasting impact in the field.

 

Comprehensive Cybersecurity Solutions

According to Michael, RiskAware is the embodiment of the comprehensive capabilities that a full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) would provide to a business, but in a flexible fractional or virtual CISO model. The company's offerings encompass a wide range of vital services. They assist clients in preparing for critical compliance audits, such as SOC 2 and ISO 27001, conduct thorough risk assessments, and manage complete cybersecurity programs. Their expertise extends to assessment capabilities, including infrastructure testing and risk program evaluations, privacy solutions, awareness campaigns, and training programs.

Michael has recognized the dynamic nature of the cybersecurity industry since his entry into the field. It's an ever-evolving domain where every facet undergoes a transformation as time progresses. Attackers, methodologies, and the potential impact of cyber threats have undergone significant shifts, driven by the escalating monetization of these attacks, leading to larger and more audacious breaches.

Being a small business themselves, the RiskAware team has gone above and beyond, investing in hard work and unwavering dedication to build their organization. Their journey has been marked by rolling up their sleeves, pouring heart and soul into fostering the growth of the business. The vision that guided them was to establish a company that empowers small and mid-scale enterprises, startups, and burgeoning industries to safeguard their data from digital threats without incurring exorbitant costs.

The experts at RiskAware deeply comprehend the paramount importance of cybersecurity in today's digital landscape. They craft tailor-made strategies for each business, aligning them with the unique resources and specific needs of their clients. It's a bespoke approach, recognizing that no two businesses are alike in their cybersecurity requirements.

In Michael's view, the cybersecurity realm thrives more on collaboration than competition. The industry is grappling with a significant shortage of cybersecurity professionals, leaving millions of jobs unfilled. In the face of this shared challenge, it's essential to unite against the common enemy—the hacker—albeit with a diverse range of clients that each organization serves.

 

RiskAware Approach

Michael underscores the ever-evolving and expanding nature of cyberattacks as a driving force behind his team's ambition to succeed and make a difference for their clients. This dynamic reality serves as a constant motivator for the RiskAware team to continuously upgrade their knowledge base and think creatively. The goal is to craft unique, out-of-the-box solutions that can effectively safeguard their clients' digital assets.

In Michael's view, the key to success lies in strategic planning that outsmarts potential attackers. This proactive approach aims to prevent any damage to clients by staying a step ahead of the threat landscape. The satisfaction he derives from helping those in need within the industry is a powerful source of motivation.

While large corporations have significant resources at their disposal to combat cyber threats, the same level playing field is often not afforded to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Michael recognizes this disparity and remains committed to enhancing the services offered by RiskAware. His goal is to provide SMBs with the robust cybersecurity solutions they need to thrive in the digital age.

As the CEO of RiskAware, Michael's day kicks off early at 6 a.m. with an onslaught of emails and news to catch up on. From there, his focus shifts to assessing the impact of new threats on his clients, exploring potential opportunities, engaging in discussions with prospective clients, and ensuring that the day remains secure from emerging threats.

In addition to his dedication to helping growing companies secure their digital presence, Michael actively participates in volunteer work. His commitment to giving back to the community and assisting others in any way possible highlights his spirit of empathy and social responsibility. This combination of professional ambition and altruism defines Michael's multifaceted approach to making a positive impact both within the cybersecurity realm and the broader community.

 

Unbounded Ambitions in Cybersecurity

Michael's perspective on the cybersecurity domain is one without boundaries. He recognizes the critical importance of seizing every opportunity to assist those in need. Given the ever-evolving nature of hackers and their tactics, he emphasizes the necessity for continuous evolution to ensure that RiskAware can effectively shield its clients from digital attacks.

He passionately states, "Our goals extend far beyond the present. We're determined to grow the company and make a lasting impact." Michael's aspirations involve expanding RiskAware's reach beyond its Canadian roots. He envisions a focused expansion into the United States and the Caribbean, aiming to extend the company's cybersecurity expertise and protection to a broader international audience.

This ambitious outlook aligns with Michael's commitment to serving and safeguarding organizations and individuals, regardless of geographic boundaries. As the threat landscape knows no limits, neither does RiskAware's dedication to securing digital environments and empowering clients with the cybersecurity defenses they deserve.