NYAIR Episode 47
Navigating Cybersecurity in the New Normal: How Smaller Firms Can Be Prepared
In this essential NY-AIR episode, technology risk leader Russell Sommers of Baker Tilly breaks down how the COVID-19 pandemic and remote work revolution are transforming cybersecurity for financial services and beyond. Moderated by Robert Akeson, this conversation arms firms of all sizes with actionable tactics for resilience—covering everything from phishing to vendor management and regulatory shifts.
Featured Guests
Russell Sommers
Senior Manager, Baker Tilly
Russell Sommers is a trusted expert in cybersecurity, risk advisory, and information technology with over 12 years’ experience guiding complex projects across public accounting and highly regulated industries. At Baker Tilly, he leads risk assessments, regulatory compliance, security audits, vendor management, and cyber strategy—helping clients build and mature information security programs anchored in best practices like the NIST framework. Russell is renowned for his focus on practical solutions tailored to the unique needs of financial firms, family offices, and alternative investment managers.
Key Insights From This Episode
Remote Work Opens New Fronts in Cybersecurity
Shifting to full-time remote work has blurred the lines between home and office, requiring new processes, controls, and constant vigilance for both people and systems.
Know Your “Crown Jewels”
Every organization must identify and document what data matters most—from PII to proprietary strategy flows—then map, protect, and monitor that information end-to-end.
Cyber Maturity is a Journey, Not a Checkbox
Using frameworks like NIST allows organizations to baseline, improve, and benchmark their security—moving beyond “compliance for compliance’s sake” to real risk reduction.
Security Awareness Beats Technology Alone
People, not tech, are almost always the weak link. Microlearning, phishing tests, and an easy-to-follow culture of reporting are the best defenses against social engineering.
Make Good Habits the Easy Option
Cyber-safe behaviors must be easier than workarounds, or even the best plans will fail. Invest in user-friendly tools, frequent reminders, and make reporting suspicious activity frictionless.
Prepare for “When,” Not “If”
With cyber attacks now inevitable, layered detection, incident response plans, and up-to-date vendor contacts are non-negotiable—especially for leaner teams.
Access the Full Conversation
Listen to the full episode and download the custom insights deck for step-by-step strategies on cyber program maturity, compliance trends, and building a truly resilient “human firewall.” This session is indispensable for business owners, IT leads, COO/operations execs, and anyone tuning up defenses in a hybrid or WFH environment.
Soundbites Worth Saving
“Amateurs go after technology. Professionals go after people.”
— Russell Sommers
“Culturally, if you want employees to do the right thing, you need to make it the easy thing as well.”
— Russell Sommers
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