Michael Castro: Defending others in the digital world with RiskAware Cybersecurity
Beyond's Top 10 Most Inspiring CEOs to Watch Out in 2021
In this technologically advanced world, data is the key to reach new heights and grab new technologies. Hackers can easily exploit the loopholes in the security system and cause a lot of damage to any by misusing the data.
Being a cybersecurity and risk executive
advisor, Michael released the gap of resources between the large and small and
large companies to protect their data and privacy. So, to help the small and
mid-scale businesses to get a fair chance to grow and protect their privacy, he
founded RiskAware Cybersecurity.
The long journey to success
Michael got introduced to the term
cybersecurity back in the ’80s when it didn’t even get its name. Having the fire
to learn new skills, he graduated from McMaster University. Then he grabbed his
diploma and MBA degree from Athabasca University. But the thirst to grow his
skills and knowledge base didn’t quench. He went on to grab the title of
Certified Corporate Director (ASC) from Laval University and Chartered Director
(C.DIR.) from DeGroote School of Business – McMaster University.
Before RiskAware, he spent 20 years in the
corporate world to gain all the experience and hone his skills. He changed many
titles that allowed him to get all the insights into the market. During this
time, he also became a professional speaker and shared his knowledge with
everyone around him to help them grow. He even served ten years as a front-line
paramedic.
During all this time, he realized the lack
of resources for small and mid-scale companies to protect their data. He
states, “I witnessed many small and medium tier businesses not have the
resources and capabilities the larger enterprises had. Yet they were just as
vulnerable to attack or exploit.”
So he took matters into his own hands and
founded RiskAware. The company focuses on really helping the small and
mid-scale businesses, startups and not-for-profit have access to the same
skilled resources to protect their valuable data.
Collaborating all the skills to
structure a well-defined path
From the start, Michael has a spark for
technology. He states, “Being a practitioner and being an entrepreneur is not
the same. As a technologist, it is not an easy view of problem-solving nor of
seeing issues through the lens of a business owner or entrepreneur. I have seen
those challenges early day as I worked to get the business off the ground.
However, as a business executive in the corporate world, learning the business
acumen, and seeing the business, helped me adapt to lead the growth within the
company.”
He took the challenges in a positive way
and worked hard to find the right solutions to fill colors in his vision.
Backed up by his professional experience, he was able to evolve in the industry
and mark his presence with Risk Aware.
Revamping the industry with RiskAware
Michael states, “RiskAware provides all the
capabilities. A full-time CISO would deliver for your business in a fractional
or vCISO model. We help clients prepare for compliance audits such as SOC 2 and
ISO 27001, conduct risk assessments, help manage entire cybersecurity
programs. We also provide assessment capabilities testing of infrastructure or
risk programs, privacy and awareness, and training.”
He believes that the cybersecurity industry
has changed dramatically since he entered the field. Every element of the
domain evolves as time moves on. Attackers, methods, and impact have
drastically changed as the monetization of the attacks has driven bigger and
bolder attacks.
He adds, “As a small business ourselves, I
have rolled up my sleeves and put heart and soul into growing the
business. It has been hard work and dedication that has helped in
building this organization.” His vision was to make a company that will aid small
and mid-scale companies, new startups, and growing industries to protect their
data from digital attacks without spending loads of money.
The experts at the company understand the
need for cybersecurity in today’s world and handcraft unique strategies for
every business according to their resources and needs.
He expresses, “Cybersecurity is less about
competition and more about collaboration. There is a large shortage of
cybersecurity professionals, with millions of jobs unfilled. We all fight the
dame enemy in the hacker, just with a different set of clients.”
Life as CEO and Founder
Michael states, “The fact that
cyber-attacks are ever-evolving and growing drives the ambition to succeed and
help our clients.” He motivates the team to upgrade their knowledge base and
think out of the box to prepare unique solutions for their clients.
He believes that the team has to strategize
smartly than the attackers to prevent any damage to their clients. He expresses
that he gets constant motivation by helping the ones that are in need in the
industry.
Large corporate beasts have the resources
to save themselves, but with SMBs, the industry does not play fair. So, to back
them up and provide a fairground to grow, Michael keeps on ameliorating the
services of his company to present the best solution to the clients.
As the CEO, he states, “A typical day
starts at 6 am. After the onslaught of email and news to catch up on, it is
about determining the impact of new threats for my clients, seeking new
opportunities and discussion with potential clients, and ensuring that the days
stays safe from new threats.”
Other than helping growing companies, Michael indulges in a lot of volunteer work. He has the spirit to get something back to the community and help others in any way possible.
Future roadmap for RiskAware
Cybersecurity
Michael believes that cybersecurity domain
has no boundaries, so they need to grab every opportunity to help anyone who is
in need. With hackers evolving with time, they have to evolve with them to protect
their clients from digital attacks.
He states, “Our goals include growing the company. I am looking to continue to expand our reach with a focus beyond Canada and further expansion into the US and the Caribbean.”