The Modern Way to Lead Cybersecurity: Expert-Driven, Platform-Powered

Aug 04, 2025By Lee Carsten

LC

For small and mid-sized businesses, cybersecurity is no longer an IT issue—it’s a business risk. Regulatory expectations are rising. Clients are asking hard questions. Cyber insurers are tightening requirements. And business leaders are increasingly on the hook for getting cybersecurity right.

Yet most SMBs don’t have the resources—or frankly, the need—for a full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). That leaves them with limited options: trying to piece things together internally, leaning on their MSP, or bringing in consultants for one-time assessments that don’t stick.

There has to be a better way.

At Whitecap Risk Advisors, we believe there is.

We offer a modern approach that pairs seasoned cybersecurity leadership with an intelligent platform to deliver clear strategy, measurable progress, and business-aligned results—without the cost or complexity of hiring a full-time executive.

Introducing the Whitecap Navigator Service

Whitecap Navigator is a cybersecurity program management service designed for small and mid-sized organizations who want to do more than check the box—they want to lead.

Through this service, we guide your organization with the same executive-level thinking used by large enterprises, made scalable through a purpose-built platform that enables speed, clarity, and accountability.

Here’s how it works—and why it’s different.

Executive Leadership at the Core

At the heart of Navigator is experienced cybersecurity leadership. With over two decades advising Fortune 500s, mid-market firms, and high-growth companies, we help provide clarity, structure, and strategic direction from the start.

Unlike outsourced IT providers or plug-and-play consultants, my focus is squarely on aligning security to your business. I bring the independent, executive-level guidance that helps you:

  • Prioritize what matters most
  • Communicate risk clearly to leadership
  • Navigate client and regulatory demands with confidence
  • Build a mature, credible program over time

Leadership isn’t optional in cybersecurity. But it doesn’t have to come with enterprise overhead.

Smart Assessment—Without the Disruption

Navigator begins with a comprehensive, framework-aligned assessment of your cybersecurity posture. Using a modern SAAS platform, we can collect data, identify gaps, and benchmark your program against standards like:

  • NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
  • CIS Controls
  • ISO/IEC 27001
  • And industry-specific regulatory guidance (like HIPAA, CMMC, GLBA, etc.)

But unlike traditional assessments that rely on hours of interviews and manual checklists, our approach is:

  • Faster: Automated collection and analysis mean less time pulling data
  • Clearer: Findings are translated into plain language and business terms
  • Actionable: Every gap is mapped to a recommended remediation step

You get a clear view of where you stand—and a confident plan for where to go next.

Customized Roadmaps, Built for Your Business

Security isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we generate tailored remediation plans based on your actual risk, business operations, and available resources.

The platform prioritizes initiatives by impact and urgency, giving your team a roadmap that’s:

  • Aligned to your goals and constraints
  • Easily communicated to leadership and auditors
  • Continuously updated as your business changes

No vague spreadsheets. No over-engineered frameworks. Just the right next steps for your business.

Ongoing Guidance and Accountability

Cybersecurity is not a one-time event. That’s why Navigator is designed as an ongoing engagement—not just a snapshot.

We work with your leadership, IT team, or MSP on a regular cadence to:

  • Track progress against your roadmap
  • Update your risk posture as things change
  • Support client and audit requests
  • Report to the board or executive team in business terms

You stay informed, in control, and out of the weeds.

Empowering Your IT and MSP Partners

Most SMBs already have an IT provider or internal staff—but they’re not cybersecurity strategists. We don’t replace your IT team. Instead, we work alongside them—clarifying direction, reducing noise, and helping them succeed.

And because we’re not managing your infrastructure, we provide independent oversight that helps:

  • Ensure the right controls are in place
  • Identify conflicts of interest
  • Avoid unnecessary tools or overbuilt solutions

When your IT team knows exactly what to do—and why—execution gets a whole lot easier.

The Results: Clarity. Confidence. Credibility.

With Whitecap Navigator, you get more than a report—you get results:

  • A clear understanding of your current cybersecurity posture
  • A prioritized, business-aligned roadmap
  • Executive-level reporting for clients, boards, or insurers
  • Progress tracked over time—visible and measurable
  • The confidence to say: “Yes, we’re on top of it.”

Most importantly, you’re not doing this alone. You have an experienced cybersecurity executive guiding the way—and a platform that keeps you moving forward with focus.

Modern Cybersecurity Program Leadership—Now Within Reach

For too long, strong cybersecurity programs were something only large enterprises could afford. That’s changed.

With the right leadership and the right tools, small and mid-sized businesses can now take a smarter, more strategic approach—without the waste, complexity, or hidden agendas.

If you’re ready to move past check-the-box audits and build a credible, scalable cybersecurity program that drives real value—Whitecap Navigator is built for you.

Let's talk about how to get started.