Shauli Zacks
Published on: March 7, 2025
In an era where cyber threats are escalating at an alarming rate, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often find themselves vulnerable to attacks due to limited resources and expertise. Cyber Protect LLC, led by CEO Cheyenne Harden, is on a mission to change that. With over two decades of experience in cybersecurity, Harden has dedicated his career to making robust security solutions accessible and effective for businesses of all sizes.
In this SafetyDetectives Q&A, Harden shares his journey into cybersecurity, the inspiration behind founding Cyber Protect, and how his company is equipping businesses with tailored security strategies to combat modern threats. From proactive defense measures to handling real-world cyber incidents, he provides insights into the evolving cybersecurity landscape and offers expert advice on staying ahead of ransomware, phishing, and other emerging threats.
Can you introduce yourself and talk about your journey into cybersecurity and what inspired you to establish Cyber Protect?
My name is Cheyenne Harden, and I’m the CEO of Cyber Protect LLC, based in Michigan. My journey into cybersecurity began over twenty ago, sparked by an early fascination with technology and a drive to understand the complexities of digital security. What propelled me into establishing Cyber Protect was witnessing the escalating severity of cyber threats and realizing the immense gap in accessible, robust cybersecurity solutions for businesses, especially SMBs. I envisioned a company that simplifies cybersecurity, making it attainable for every business to protect their digital assets and customer data.
What are some of the flagship services offered by Cyber Protect?
Cyber Protect is proud to offer comprehensive cybersecurity solutions designed to address the varied needs of businesses across sectors. Our flagship services include vulnerability assessments, endpoint protection, managed detection and response (MDR), and cybersecurity awareness training. We focus on proactive defense strategies, ensuring our clients are not just reacting to threats but are steps ahead in their security posture.
How do you approach building customized cybersecurity strategies for clients across various industries?
Our approach to building customized cybersecurity strategies begins with a deep dive into each client’s unique business landscape. We assess the specific risks, industry regulations, and the sensitivity of data they handle. This allows us to tailor a multi-layered cybersecurity framework that aligns with their operational needs and risk tolerance levels. Regular reviews and adjustments ensure these strategies evolve with the changing threat landscape and business growth.
Can you discuss a recent challenge Cyber Protect resolved for a client and the impact it had on their business operations?
A recent challenge we tackled involved a sophisticated ransomware attack on a client in the healthcare sector. Our team responded swiftly with our incident response protocol, mitigating the attack’s impact, restoring critical operations, and reinforcing their security measures to prevent future incidents. This intervention not only saved the client from significant financial losses but also preserved their reputation and the trust of their patients.
With ransomware and phishing attacks on the rise, what advice would you give small and medium-sized businesses to improve their cybersecurity posture?
For small and medium-sized businesses looking to improve their cybersecurity posture amidst the rise of ransomware and phishing attacks, I advise focusing on cybersecurity awareness training for your workforce, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all systems, regularly updating and patching systems, and employing a robust endpoint protection solution. Awareness and preparedness are key in turning your team into the first line of defense against cyber threats.
What trends do you foresee in the cybersecurity industry over the next few years, and how is Cyber Protect preparing to adapt?
The cybersecurity industry is evolving rapidly, with AI and machine learning playing increasingly pivotal roles in offensive and defensive strategies. We anticipate more sophisticated, automated attacks and more advanced tools for anomaly detection and response. Cyber Protect is staying ahead by investing in AI-driven security solutions and continuous workforce training to leverage these technologies effectively.
https://thecyberbeat.com/2025/07/31/7-30-2025/