Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a battlefield where businesses, large and small, fight to survive. That’s the central theme of Cybersecurity: The Silent Battlefield, a new book co-authored by top security experts from around the world, including myself. Now that the book is officially launched, I want to share some of the key insights from my chapter: Compliance: The Missing Piece in Your Cybersecurity Puzzle.
One of the biggest mistakes I see in the business world—especially among small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs)—is the assumption that compliance is just a regulatory burden. In reality, compliance is a security framework in disguise. Many of the most widely adopted cybersecurity standards (NIST, CIS, CMMC, PCI, HIPAA) aren’t just about checking a box; they’re about building resilience against real-world threats.
Cybercriminals don’t discriminate based on company size. If there’s a vulnerability, they’ll exploit it. And in today’s regulatory environment, failing to meet compliance standards isn’t just a risk—it’s a liability that could cost your business everything.
Many businesses assume they’re not targets. But the reality is that 43% of cyberattacks target SMBs because they often lack robust defenses. Some of the most common tactics include:
Phishing and Business Email Compromise (BEC) – Attackers impersonate executives or vendors to steal credentials and payments.
Ransomware – Cybercriminals lock down business-critical data and demand payment to restore access.
Supply Chain Attacks – Hackers infiltrate smaller vendors to gain access to larger networks.
When done right, compliance doesn’t just keep auditors happy—it creates a structured approach to security. For example:
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – A requirement in most compliance frameworks and a simple yet effective way to prevent unauthorized access.
Incident Response Plans – Required by standards like NIST and CMMC, but also a critical playbook when (not if) a cyber incident occurs.
Risk Assessments – A compliance-driven process that helps businesses identify and close security gaps before attackers exploit them.
Too many businesses focus on technology alone while neglecting people and processes. In my chapter, I highlight key blind spots, including:
Lack of Employee Training – Your employees are your first line of defense. Without regular training, they’re also your biggest vulnerability.
Weak Vendor Security – If your partners don’t secure their systems, your data is at risk.
No Business Continuity Plan – When a breach happens, businesses without a response plan suffer the most.
This book isn’t just theory—it’s a frontline perspective from experts who deal with cyber threats every day. Whether you’re a business leader, IT professional, or security enthusiast, you’ll find practical strategies to strengthen your defenses and future-proof your organization.
Cyber threats aren’t slowing down, and neither should your cybersecurity efforts. If you haven’t checked out the book yet, now’s the time.