Scott Brammer on Turning Cybersecurity into Business Growth

The Executive Outlook explores the world of cybersecurity through the eyes of Scott Brammer, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at RegEd, it means something much bigger — and far more connected to the heart of business success.

Scott has worked across industries, from national defense to startups, leading teams, securing systems, and shaping strategies. Yet his guiding principle remains simple:

“Cybersecurity is not about saying no. It’s about saying yes, safely.”

That sentence alone shifts how most people think about security. Instead of a barrier, Scott sees it as a business enabler something that helps companies grow with confidence.

Security Is Everyone’s Job

Scott believes one of the biggest misconceptions about cybersecurity is that it belongs only to the IT department. In reality, every employee plays a part from the CEO to the most junior hire.

Many companies now use AI tools like Microsoft Copilot or Adobe AI without realizing how much sensitive data flows through them. For Scott, banning these tools isn’t the answer. Instead, he advocates training employees, setting clear guardrails, and making security a shared responsibility.

“When people feel involved,” he says, “they naturally become the first line of defense.”

AI: Opportunity with Risks

Artificial intelligence is transforming how organizations work often faster than leaders realize. Scott points out that AI is already woven into many workflows, sometimes without formal approval.

He uses a vivid comparison:

“AI is like giving a child scissors. It can be useful, but without rules, someone will get hurt.”

To manage this, Scott suggests companies create AI committees that guide safe use, rather than letting AI tools become “shadow IT” hidden systems that bypass security oversight.

Compliance Is the Floor, Not the Ceiling

Many organizations treat passing audits or meeting regulations as proof they are secure. Scott warns that this thinking can be dangerous.

“Compliance is the starting line, not the finish,” he explains. Cybersecurity threats evolve quickly, so organizations must go beyond checklists and build a culture where security is part of daily decision-making.

The First 90 Days: Listen, Learn, Act

When Scott joined RegEd, he didn’t rush to impose big changes. Instead, he listened — to his team, to leadership, and to the company’s rhythms. He also studied the budget, calling it a “map of risk and opportunity.”

Budgets, he notes, reveal who controls which tools and where vulnerabilities might hide. His early wins came from acting quickly when something was broken rather than waiting for a perfect plan.

Leading with People, Not Just Technology

For Scott Brammer, strong cybersecurity begins with strong people. He hires for curiosity, responsibility, and enthusiasm — qualities that can’t be taught as easily as technical skills.

From the very first day, he gives new hires ownership of their role, trusting them to represent the team in meetings and make decisions.

“If my people feel trusted, they’ll go further, faster. Trust breeds innovation.”

Fighting Burnout Together

Cybersecurity can be a high-pressure job. Alerts, threats, and tight deadlines can lead to burnout if left unchecked. Scott encourages open communication, daily check-ins, and team support.

“We’re the cavalry. No one is coming to save us. We save ourselves.”

This shared mindset keeps his team sharp and united.

Building Roadmaps That Work

Scott believes a security roadmap should start with business goals, not technology. He advises:

• Identify what the company is trying to achieve.

• Map out security gaps.

• Bring the board into the conversation early.

Importantly, he reviews roadmaps quarterly, ensuring they stay relevant as threats and business needs evolve.

The Power of Storytelling in Security

Numbers are important, but stories are what move people to act. Scott uses real-life examples — near misses, close calls, and recovered systems — to make security relatable. When people understand the human impact, they take ownership of protecting data.

Staying Ahead of Change

Cyber threats and regulations shift quickly. Scott’s strategy for staying ahead includes monitoring industry updates, joining CISO networks, and building flexible systems that can adapt overnight if needed.

Companies that prepare early, he says, can navigate change without panic.

The Big Picture

Scott’s leadership shows that cybersecurity is about more than technology. It’s about trust, clarity, and enabling the business to take smart risks. His approach blends strategy, communication, and care for his team proving that the best CISOs aren’t just security experts; they’re business leaders.

And perhaps his most lasting lesson is the simplest:

“Cybersecurity is not about saying no. It’s about saying yes, safely.”

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