17 - Hacking the System: Making Cybersecurity Work for Small Businesses
Democratizing Cybersecurity: Grant McCracken’s Mission to Make Security Accessible for All
In a world where cyber threats are growing every day, cybersecurity is no longer optional for businesses of any size. On a recent episode of the Cake on Tuesday Podcast, Elizabeth Bieniek sat down with Grant McCracken, Founder and CEO of DarkHorse, to explore his mission of making proactive and offensive cybersecurity accessible, affordable, and practical. Grant shares actionable insights for founders, IT leaders, and business owners looking to protect their digital assets, simplify security processes, and stay ahead of evolving threats.
Making Cybersecurity Accessible and Practical
Many organizations, especially small businesses and solo founders, struggle to implement effective cybersecurity because traditional solutions are expensive and complex. Grant McCracken explains how DarkHorse removes these barriers through streamlined onboarding, transparent pricing, and rapid security assessments. These solutions allow teams to strengthen their security posture quickly without the typical friction or confusion.
Cybersecurity isn’t only about tools—it’s about embedding security into daily operations. Grant emphasizes that many organizations already have security measures in place, like password management, access controls, and input validation, but they often underestimate their value. DarkHorse helps validate and strengthen these existing protections, ensuring that even small teams can reduce risk effectively.
Community-driven approaches also play a critical role. By leveraging crowdsourced penetration testing, DarkHorse connects businesses with skilled testers who provide diverse perspectives and affordable expertise. This model not only uncovers vulnerabilities faster but also fosters a culture where security is a shared responsibility. Grant’s insights show that combining accessible technology, practical workflows, and community collaboration can make robust cybersecurity achievable for any organization.
About Grant McCracken
Grant McCracken is the Founder and CEO of DarkHorse, a cybersecurity company dedicated to making offensive security accessible for organizations of all sizes. With a passion for problem-solving and innovation, Grant has built a company that emphasizes simplicity, affordability, and practical solutions. He brings extensive experience in cybersecurity strategy, AI-driven tools, and operational leadership, helping organizations stay secure in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
About DarkHorse
DarkHorse specializes in proactive cybersecurity solutions that are accessible, practical, and affordable. The company offers streamlined onboarding, rapid penetration testing, and innovative approaches such as crowdsourced security assessments. DarkHorse empowers businesses—from solo founders to small enterprises—to safeguard their digital assets while simplifying traditionally complex security processes.
Links Mentioned in this Episode
Key Episode Highlights
Simplifying cybersecurity for small businesses and solo founders
Leveraging crowdsourced penetration testing for affordable, high-quality security
Embedding security practices into everyday workflows
Exploring AI-driven tools for proactive threat detection
Maintaining energy and avoiding burnout while leading innovation
Conclusion
Grant McCracken’s insights demonstrate that cybersecurity doesn’t need to be complicated or prohibitively expensive. By combining accessible technology, practical workflows, and community-driven approaches, organizations of any size can strengthen their defenses, protect their customers, and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.
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