50 Innovators of the Year 2023
CIO Bulletin
The landscape of threats online is constantly evolving, with new generational threats advancing along with it. Whether you’re in the government, military, financial, or corporate sectors, there is always a section of data that carries sensitive data and is in need of security and protection from unauthorized access.
When it comes to cybersecurity, it is important to understand the challenges that can be faced while trying to protect one’s online presence from hackers, viruses, or ransomware attacks. Therefore, one of the major decisions a company can make is hiring a cybersecurity company that can comply with all the possible cyber issues as well as prevent the maximum amount of damage. CyberSecOp has one such track record that has led it to become one of the leading, innovative companies of the year.
CIO Bulletin had the opportunity to interview the CEO, Vincent LaRocca, and divulge the success of CyberSecOp.
Q. What is CyberSecOp’s story? How has the company grown over its lifetime?
After 15 years of working for Fortune 500 companies, I started to contemplate the idea of starting my own business with a friend, quickly realizing that between the two of us, we had six or seven clients, so we started an MSP called Innovative Network Solutions. It was about six years ago when we realized that MSPs could not serve as both the Technical and Cyber Security Governing bodies for an organization, so it was time to launch an MSSP that would only focus on Cyber Security and Cyber Security Compliance. I was very confident in my sales and business acumen to build out the organizational structure of the company, but I needed help with the nuts and bolts of Cyber Security. Fortunately, those services were in great demand, and the timing was perfect to partner with Jeffery Walker, who was a Security Manager at Morgan Stanley at the time. Together, we launched CyberSecOp to assist in improving the security posture and resiliency of a company’s people, processes, and technology to avoid the financial, operational, and brand damage resulting from cybercrime.
Q. Why did you choose to establish a consulting firm in the domain of cybersecurity and IT?
There was a demand and opportunity already in place, and we had the experience and expertise, so it was a logical progression. That, along with a strong vision, a customer-centric approach, and the willingness to take a chance, all contributed to our success.
Q. How does CyberSecOp keep up with the constant innovation and disruptions in the fields of cybersecurity and IT?
My partner and I are advocates for continual learning and reward our employees for staying current with their craft. Part of that education will come from vigilance through many different venues aligned with the FBI, Homeland Security, etc., along with strategic partnerships and developing in-house expertise across the different standards and regulations. We also look for passionate leaders and empower our employees to think outside the box in our quest to assist our clients’ journeys.
Q. What is CyberSecOp’s philosophy on innovation?
Innovation is a constant requirement. It is often brought on by new challenges and trends within a specific area. Technology, especially in cyber security, is constantly changing, as is the number of cyber threats. You must continually innovate to stay ahead of the times, or you will eventually be exposed. You also run the risk of your company being left behind and losing market share.
Q. What are the services offered by CyberSecOp?
Q. Over the many years of CyberSecOp’s operations, the company must have delivered some truly innovative solutions to its clients. Can you tell us about a few?
Since we are a service-based organization, the innovations we have implemented have mostly been service solutions. We have created solutions that combine and integrate the Security Operations Center (discovery) with Incident Response Services, which allows for a more complete and streamlined offering. We have also configured these services to be consumed programmatically in bundles based on their need and budget. Over the last nine months, we have been innovating existing solutions by incorporating AI and Automation. There will be a lot of changes coming in this area.
Q. How does CyberSecOp promote innovation within the organization?
There is constant collaboration not only with the internal team but with strategic partners to help identify areas where innovation is required or where there is a need. We reward our employees for their ideas and solutions that help us innovate internally or with the services we offer to our clients. We are always looking for incremental and sustainable solutions that will assist us in each client’s security journey.
Q. What are CyberSecOp’s plans for the future?
CyberSecOp has ambitious plans, focused on achieving long-term strategic goals while meeting the needs of customers and the market. In the coming years, the company plans to grow its operations by adding more services to its portfolio, for instance, HITRUST and Zero Trust. In addition, CyberSecOp aims to hire more employees across the globe, which aligns with our work from anywhere policy. The company is excited about the opportunities ahead and looks forward to delivering exceptional value to clients, shareholders, and other stakeholders.
A brief biography of the CEO
Vincent LaRocca is an accomplished information technology professional with over 25 years of experience in the high-tech industry, providing managed security services and managed IT services for SMBs and Fortune 500 companies. His strengths include all aspects of business management, including P/L, revenue growth, negotiation, presentation skills, resource allocation, strategic business development, and delivery methodologies. LaRocca had early career success working for IBM and EMC, where he spearheaded new initiatives in data migration, business continuity, systems implementation, and management best practices, creating and growing a $0 debt company working in partnership with small to Fortune 500 customers. He is a creative problem solver with a legendary work ethic and laser focus.
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