CIO Bulletin Feature
25 Years of Trusted Cybersecurity Guidance and Client Success
For nearly 25 years, S3 Security has been a trusted leader in the cybersecurity industry, helping organizations safeguard their systems from the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Their team of top-tier experts has become a trusted partner for organizations worldwide, developing a reputation for excellence and a commitment to client success.
In our interview with S3 Security, CIO Bulletin had the opportunity to talk with the team at S3 Security about their history, impact, and the future of cybersecurity.
”Our vision is to be the go-to cyber security partner for organizations of all sizes, providing them peace of mind in an increasingly interconnected and challenging digital landscape.
Tell us about how S3 Security was founded.
S3 Security is a woman-owned cybersecurity firm that was founded in the late nineteen nineties to address the increasing cyber threats that emerged with the rapid expansion of the Internet and digital technologies.
As cyber criminals found new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, businesses faced mounting risks and challenges in safeguarding their sensitive data and systems. The industry was new and experiencing dramatic growth and change.
Our company’s founders, Mitchelle and Scott Schanbaum worked for several technology firms going public, going under, being bought, and being sold. One year they had six different W2s but never changed jobs—that’s how often their department changed hands!
Prior to starting S3 Security, the Schanbaums had established strong relationships with their clients, who, after so much industry instability, encouraged them to open their own business. Their clients trusted the couple as cybersecurity advisors and wanted to continue working with them, regardless of what company employed them.
How has the business changed since it was first established?
Since our establishment, the cybersecurity landscape has evolved significantly. There has been a surge in cyber-attacks targeting businesses of all sizes and industries, including advanced persistent threats, ransomware, and supply chain attacks.
As a result, our company has adapted and evolved to stay ahead of these emerging threats. S3 Security stays up to date by investing in research and development to ensure our services remain at the forefront of the industry, combining innovative technologies with human expertise to provide comprehensive and robust protection for our clients.
How does S3 Security distinguish itself from other cybersecurity service providers?
S3 Security develops and maintains custom-tailored cybersecurity programs so clients can elevate security to where it belongs—top of mind and top down. For 25 years, our expert team has successfully assisted organizations with implementing and overseeing their information security, privacy, and regulatory compliance programs.
S3 Security bridges the gap between our client’s business goals, cybersecurity needs, and compliance requirements to become their trusted and valued security partner.
Our relentless focus on relationships and custom-tailored solutions sets us apart from our competitors.
Our approach involves thoroughly understanding our client’s specific cybersecurity and compliance needs and developing tailored strategies to help them achieve their goals.
We also prioritize proactive measures and emphasize threat intelligence to stay ahead of potential attacks rather than simply responding to incidents after they occur.
What values/principles guide your organization?
At S3 Security, our core values and principles are the foundation of our operations. Integrity and trust are paramount; we believe in conducting our business honestly, transparently, and ethically. Client success and collaboration are our top priorities, and we maintain strong relationships with clients based on mutual respect and cooperation.
Additionally, we foster a culture of continuous learning and growth, encouraging employees to stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends and knowledge, enabling us to provide the best possible solutions to our clients.
How important is cybersecurity today?
”In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is vital for any organization. With an increasing reliance on digital technologies and data-driven processes, businesses are more vulnerable to cyber threats than ever.
S3 Security partners with security teams from many industries that share the same goal: preventing criminals from stealing data and compromising networks.
What risks do businesses face without adequate cybersecurity measures?
Criminal syndicates are developing more complex hierarchies, partnerships, and collaborations that mimic large private sector organizations or are part of the crime-for-service model for government-backed initiatives.
The absence of adequate cybersecurity measures exposes organizations to various escalating risks, including data breaches, financial losses, reputational damage, and potential legal liabilities. Moreover, the interconnected nature of the digital world means that a single security breach can have far-reaching consequences, affecting partners, suppliers, and customers alike.
What types of services does S3 Security provide?
S3 Security offers a comprehensive range of cybersecurity services to protect businesses from various threats. Our services include:
Governance and Risk Compliance Services: Our governance and risk compliance services assist organizations in establishing and maintaining robust security policies, procedures, and controls.
Vulnerability Management: We help businesses identify, prioritize, and remediate IT infrastructure and application vulnerabilities.
Penetration Testing: Our penetration testers simulate real-world attack scenarios to identify potential entry points and exploit vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity Consulting: We provide expert advice and guidance to help organizations identify and address security gaps, develop robust security strategies, and navigate the complexities of compliance with relevant industry regulations.
Engaged Governance Programs: By implementing engaged governance, security practitioners can help ensure that security is not an afterthought but an integral part of the organization’s strategy and operations.
Security Awareness Training: We conduct tailored training programs to educate employees about security best practices and create a security-conscious culture throughout the organization.
Give us an example of how S3 Security helped a business protect itself from cyber threats.
A multinational financial institution recognized the need to fortify its cybersecurity posture after a series of high-profile data breaches in the industry. S3 Security was engaged to perform a thorough vulnerability assessment of their critical systems.
Our expert team utilized advanced scanning tools and manual testing to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities based on customized risk ranking criteria.
The financial institution was provided with a detailed remediation plan to address the identified weaknesses, and our team provided ongoing
program management to ensure timely remediation efforts.
”With our ongoing vulnerability management services, the institution considerably reduced its attack surface and demonstrated a proactive commitment to safeguarding sensitive customer data.
What does the future hold for S3 Security?
Looking towards the future, S3 Security aims to continue being at the forefront of the cybersecurity industry. We will continue to invest in research and development to stay ahead of evolving threats and incorporate cutting-edge technologies into our solutions.
Additionally, we plan to continue forming strategic partnerships to enhance our capabilities and better serve clients.
