Great cybersecurity programs aren’t built in a panic - they’re built through early planning, trusted relationships, and consistent execution.

In this kickoff episode for 2026 of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow shares practical, real-world guidance on how cybersecurity leaders can avoid last-minute scrambles and instead build momentum that lasts all year. Drawing from years of experience across IT and OT environments, Aaron explains why people, trust, and planning matter more than any single tool or technology.

This episode dives into how successful teams think ahead, budgeting wisely, engaging stakeholders early, and creating space for learning, networking, and collaboration beyond spreadsheets and ROI metrics.

You’ll learn:

• Why starting early is the most underrated cybersecurity advantage
• How trust and relationships accelerate security programs
• Why investing in people over tools delivers better outcomes
• How to avoid procrastination and year-end panic
• The role of networking, conferences, and peer learning in long-term success
• How diversity, challenge, and momentum strengthen security teams
• What leaders should prioritize to make 2026 a year of progress - not firefighting
  
  

Whether you’re planning budgets, building teams, or refining IT/OT security strategy, this episode delivers actionable guidance to help you move from intention to execution.

Tune in and learn how to build a cybersecurity program that works all year long - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments:

03:51 "Planning for Unforeseen Challenges"

09:02 "AI Automation: Challenges and Expectations"

10:21 "Budgeting: The Importance of Buffers"

16:16 "Diversity in Problem-Solving Approaches"

17:53 "Understanding Perspectives and Future Goals"

Connect With Aaron Crow:

• Website: www.corvosec.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronccrow

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

• Email: info@protectitall.co
• Website: https://protectitall.co/
• X: https://twitter.com/protectitall
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrOTectITAll
• FaceBook: https://facebook.com/protectitallpodcast

To be a guest or suggest a guest/episode, please email us at info@protectitall.co

Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protect-it-all/id1727211124

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4