If you missed our recent webinar on right-sized security solutions, you missed some seriously valuable insights. But don't worry, we've got you covered with the top takeaways that had everyone excited about.
We brought together some incredible minds in the security space: Ben Coleman from Coleman Contingency (who spent seven years protecting more than 200 executives at Meta), John Harris from Mobile Pro Systems (with two decades of integration expertise), and our own Ryan Schonfeld, former Fortune 500 global security leader and police officer. What unfolded was a masterclass in practical security strategy that actually works for mid-sized organizations.
Here's what really struck me: most organizations we polled are juggling 3-6 different security systems. Sound familiar? The good news is, you don't need Fortune 500 resources to build Fortune 500-level protection. You just need to work smarter.
1. Your security program needs to speak the language of business.
This was the moment that made everyone lean in. Harris dropped this truth bomb: “You need to understand how your company makes money.” It sounds simple, but how many security programs actually operate this way?
Coleman took it even further, describing himself as, "a businessman whose business happens to be security." That shift in perspective? It's everything.
Think about it: when security becomes an enabler rather than a roadblock, magic happens. Your executives stop seeing you as the "Department of No" and start viewing you as a strategic partner. During the webinar, both Coleman and Harris emphasized that security should make business operations smoother, not create friction.
The key is translating security metrics into business impact. Instead of reporting "we stopped X number of threats," try "we protected $Y in potential revenue loss." That's how you get buy-in and budget.
2. Data integration isn't optional – it's your secret weapon.Coleman was crystal clear on this: "Capture as much data as possible." But here's where it gets interesting – it's not about hoarding data like a digital dragon. It's about creating meaningful connections between your security systems and business operations.
What really resonated was the emphasis on strategic integration. You're not connecting systems just to check a box. You're creating a security ecosystem where each component makes the others stronger.
Harris brought up a crucial point about optimization that had heads nodding across the virtual room. Before you even think about buying that shiny new platform, ask yourself: are you using your current tools to their full potential? His observation that “people drastically underutilize the systems they already have in place” hit home for many attendees.
The real power comes from integration that serves a purpose. When your access control talks to your video management system, and both feed into your incident response platform, that's when you start punching above your weight class.
3. Strategic technology implementation beats the "shiny object syndrome."
This might have been the most liberating insight of the entire webinar. You don't need to implement every new technology just because your competitors are doing it. No more “keeping up with the Joneses” in the security world.
The panelists were unanimous: technology should solve specific problems, not create new ones. Whether it's AI, cloud migration, or the latest IoT sensors, the question isn't “is this cool?” but “does this address our actual security gaps?”
Harris's advice about optimizing existing tools before buying new ones really drove this home. How many of us have systems running at 30% capacity while we're shopping for the next solution? It's like buying a new car because you haven’t checked the oil in your current one.
The conversation around AI was particularly enlightening. Yes, it’s transformative. No, you don’t need to force it into every aspect of your security program. Focus on where it genuinely adds value, like automating repetitive tasks or enhancing threat detection, rather than implementing it just to say you have AI.
4. Making it work in your organization.
What I loved about this webinar was how practical and actionable the advice was. These aren’t pie-in-the-sky theories – they’re battle-tested strategies from professionals who’ve been in the trenches.
The beauty of these insights is that they don't require massive budgets or teams. They require a shift in thinking:
- Start viewing security through a business lens
- Make your existing data work harder through smart integration
- Be strategic – not reactive – with technology adoption
As we wrapped up the webinar, one thing was clear: mid-sized organizations don't need to feel like they're bringing a knife to a gunfight. With the right approach, you can build strong, enterprise-level security that fits your resources and serves your business goals.
Your Next Steps
Ready to put these insights into action? Start by auditing your current security systems. Are they talking to each other? Are you using all their features? Most importantly, can you clearly articulate how each system supports your business objectives?
Remember, the goal isn't to replicate what large enterprises do; it's to build security that's right-sized for your organization while delivering enterprise-level protection.
Want to dive deeper into how HiveWatch can help you achieve this balance? Let's talk about how our intelligent security operations platform can help you maximize your existing investments while building toward the future.
For more insights and resources on right-sized security solutions, speak with a security specialist.