Episode Overview

In this Season 3 premiere, Ben Masino, President and Chief Growth Officer at Avertium, discusses how security enables business growth rather than hindering it. We explore building security programs through the Microsoft Security platform, the critical role of data hygiene in AI adoption, and meeting customers where they are for long-term success.

Guest

Ben Masino
President & Chief Growth Officer, Avertium
LinkedIn: Ben Masino

Key Topics

Avertium's Approach

• "Assess, Design, Protect" methodology for regulated industries
• Serving healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and finance sectors
• 20+ years combined experience in security and compliance

AI Readiness Through Data

• Securing your data estate is foundational for AI success
• Using Microsoft Purview for data discovery and governance
• Bridging executive AI mandates with IT/security realities

Customer Success

• Healthcare company journey: pen test to full MXDR partnership
• Intune misconfiguration discovery and remediation
• Building trust through actionable assessments

Customer Zero Philosophy

• Avertium uses Microsoft E5, Sentinel, and Defender internally first
• Testing Copilot for Security to enhance analyst work
• Leading into the future with proven expertise

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction
00:20 - Avertium's mission in security
02:05 - Common challenges across regulated industries
03:44 - Assess, Design, Protect methodology
05:54 - Customer success story
08:26 - AI readiness and data estates
10:57 - Bridging executives and IT teams
12:57 - Customer Zero approach
15:09 - Final thoughts

Resources

• Avertium: avertium.com
• Microsoft Security: Sentinel, Defender XDR, Purview
• Compliance: HIPAA, PCI, NERC, High Trust

Key Takeaways

1. Focus creates depth - specialization builds meaningful partnerships
2. Data hygiene before AI - organize your data estate first
3. Meet customers where they are - tactical starts lead to strategic relationships
4. Be your own customer zero - internal testing builds real expertise
5. Security enables business - proper programs accelerate outcomes

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