Here we are—the final installment of my Reflections on 30 Years in Cybersecurity series. If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You now have a front-row seat to my journey through the trenches of cybersecurity, from battling ILoveYou and Code Red to unraveling Stuxnet and SolarWinds. You’ve also endured my cybersecurity war stories, late-night incident response memories, and probably more dad jokes than you bargained for.
But as much fun as it is to reminisce about the past, cybersecurity isn’t about looking backward—it’s about looking forward. And let’s be honest, cybersecurity’s future seems exciting and slightly terrifying. Between AI, quantum computing, and an ever-expanding attack surface, the threats are getting smarter, but so are the defenses.
So, in this final post, I’ll explore What’s Next for Cybersecurity, followed by a personal reflection on where I go from here after three decades in the field. Let’s dive in one last time!
What’s Next for Cybersecurity?
The Rise of AI & Automation in Security
AI is already transforming cybersecurity, but despite what some vendors claim, it’s not replacing security professionals anytime soon. (Sorry, robots—you still need us.) AI and automation offer both a decisive advantage and a potential challenge for small businesses. AI-driven security tools can help level the playing field by providing advanced threat detection, behavior analysis, and automated response capabilities that were previously only accessible to large enterprises. Small businesses, which often lack dedicated security teams, can use AI-powered solutions to identify anomalies, block attacks, and automate routine security processes, reducing the burden on already stretched resources.
However, AI is not a magic bullet. It still struggles with context, and false positives can lead to unnecessary disruptions, particularly for small businesses that rely on smooth daily operations. Attackers leverage AI to craft more convincing phishing campaigns, automate vulnerability scanning, and develop innovative malware. This means small businesses need to adopt AI as a defensive tool and as part of a broader security strategy that includes ongoing monitoring, employee training, and multi-layered protection.
Quantum Computing – The Small Business Encryption Threat?
Quantum computing may seem like a distant concern, but businesses of all sizes should take its potential to break modern encryption seriously. While large enterprises have dedicated teams to prepare for post-quantum cryptography, small businesses are often left behind in security transitions. If quantum computers reach a point where they can break traditional encryption methods like RSA and ECC, sensitive business data—financial records, customer information, and proprietary documents—could become exposed, even retroactively. Attackers could store encrypted data today, but they are waiting for the quantum capability to decrypt it in the future.
This means planning ahead for small businesses rather than assuming that quantum threats are only an enterprise problem. Governments and security researchers are already developing quantum-resistant cryptographic standards, but companies must implement these solutions when they become widely available. The transition to post-quantum cryptography will be as critical as previous shifts away from weak encryption algorithms, and small businesses that prepare early will be ahead of the curve when the inevitable shift happens.
Zero Trust – No Longer Just a Buzzword
Zero Trust is no longer just an enterprise security model for small businesses—it’s a necessity for survival in an increasingly digital world. Unlike traditional security models that assume internal network traffic is safe, Zero Trust requires continuous authentication, least privilege access, and strict segmentation to protect sensitive data and systems. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable because attackers know they often lack the advanced defenses of large corporations. By adopting Zero Trust principles, small businesses can limit the damage of credential theft, prevent unauthorized access, and better protect their cloud environments.
One of the most significant advantages of Zero Trust for small businesses is that it doesn’t require expensive infrastructure—many cloud-based tools and security services now offer built-in Zero Trust capabilities. Implementing strong identity verification, enforcing multi-factor authentication, and ensuring that employees only have access to what they need can significantly reduce risk. Adopting a Zero Trust mindset can mean the difference between a minor incident and a full-scale breach that threatens the business’s future as cyber threats evolve.
The Expanding Attack Surface
As businesses increasingly move online operations, the attack surface expands in ways many organizations struggle to keep up with. Cloud services, IoT devices, API-driven applications, and industrial control systems have all introduced new vulnerabilities, providing cybercriminals more opportunities than ever. While large enterprises often have dedicated teams to address these security gaps, small businesses face unique challenges, as they frequently lack the resources and expertise to secure their digital environments adequately.
This expanding attack surface for small businesses means they must take a proactive approach to security rather than assuming they are too small to be targeted. Many attackers now use automated tools to scan the internet for vulnerabilities, meaning an unpatched system or misconfigured cloud service is just as likely to be exploited at a small company as a large corporation. Phishing attacks, ransomware, and credential stuffing attacks are particularly concerning, as they don’t require attackers to breach high-end security systems—just one unsuspecting employee clicking the wrong link can lead to a disaster.
My Personal Plans Moving Forward
Transitioning from Full-Time to Part-Time Security Work
After 30 years of navigating the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, I’ve decided to shift away from the relentless pace of full-time security work. Small businesses, in particular, face growing cyber threats with limited resources, and I see an opportunity to continue contributing by offering strategic guidance without being tied to daily firefighting. Instead of being on the front lines full-time, I’ll focus on mentoring and helping small businesses implement practical security measures tailored to their needs.
This transition isn’t just about slowing down—it’s about working smarter and making a meaningful impact where needed most. Small businesses are often targeted because they lack enterprise-grade security teams. I want to help bridge that gap by giving them the knowledge and tools to defend themselves. By shifting to a part-time role, I can balance my passion for cybersecurity with more time to explore personal interests while still staying engaged in an industry that continues to evolve.
Continuing Education & Advocacy
Despite transitioning from full-time security work, I remain committed to ongoing education and advocating for stronger cybersecurity practices. For small businesses, staying updated on security trends can mean distinguishing between a minor security incident and a devastating breach. However, many lack the time or resources to stay ahead of evolving threats. By continuing to write, speak, and engage with the security community, I hope to bridge this gap—making cybersecurity knowledge more accessible and practical for those who need it most.
Beyond writing and mentorship, I plan to stay engaged in the broader security ecosystem through industry conferences, advisory roles, or supporting security awareness initiatives. Small businesses, in particular, benefit from shared knowledge and collaboration. Cybersecurity is a collective effort, and by helping organizations understand and implement better security measures, I can continue to contribute meaningfully to an industry that has shaped much of my career.
Cybersecurity has been my passion, as has scuba diving, travel, and new experiences. Now, I’ll have more time to actually enjoy them. Whether it’s scuba diving at exotic locations, exploring new hobbies, or just finally catching up on sleep, I’m looking forward to this next chapter.
Final Thoughts on 30 Years in Cybersecurity
Looking back on the past three decades, seeing how far cybersecurity has come is incredible. The journey has been wild, from the early days of fighting viruses like ILoveYou to dealing with sophisticated threats like Stuxnet and SolarWinds. I’ve learned that no security is perfect, people will always be the weakest link, and threats will never stop evolving—but I’ve also seen that collaboration, innovation, and a relentless drive to improve security make all the difference.
To everyone who has followed this series—thank you. Whether you’re just starting out in cybersecurity or you’ve been in the trenches as long as I have, I hope these reflections resonated with you.
I’d love to hear from you! What cybersecurity topics or challenges are on your mind? Are there specific posts you’d like to see in the future? Or, if you want to chat about scuba diving and the best dive spots in the world, I’m all ears. Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going! Because while I may be stepping back, I’ll always be a part of this crazy cybersecurity world.
#Cybersecurity, #LessonsLearned, #Infosec, #CyberResilience, #ZeroTrust, #SmallBusiness
