Cybersecurity Success in 2026: Why Planning Early and Investing in People Wins

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: