Guides

Discover practical how-to guides designed for entrepreneurs and cybersecurity professionals to navigate their challenges effectively.

Guides

The Foolproof Guide to Building a Miserable Security Program

Jun 27, 2025

•

5 min read

The Foolproof Guide to Building a Miserable Security Program

Want to guarantee frustration, wasted budget, and career stagnation? Follow this advice for spectacular security program failure.

Mike Privette

Guides

Trust Engineering: Building Security Leadership at Early-Stage Startups

Jun 18, 2025

•

5 min read

Trust Engineering: Building Security Leadership at Early-Stage Startups

How to lead security at early-stage startups by building trust, driving growth, and aligning security with business priorities.

Mike Privette

Guides

Apr 1, 2025

•

2 min read

Return on Security OG Supporters

Damn it feels good to be a gangster.

Mike Privette

Guides

Feb 14, 2025

•

7 min read

Never Waste a Good Compliance Framework

Companies pay for compliance but want security. Smart teams leverage compliance as a strategic tool to drive security improvements and business growth.

Mike Privette

Guides

The AI Security Shared Responsibility Model

Aug 2, 2024

•

12 min read

The AI Security Shared Responsibility Model

Learn about the AI Security Shared Responsibility Model, a framework for managing risks and ensuring compliance in AI deployments.

Mike Privette

Guides

The Importance of Transparency in Security Auditing

May 10, 2023

•

6 min read

The Importance of Transparency in Security Auditing

Learn how collaboration and transparency in security auditing can strengthen partnerships and improve the management of compliance and risks.

Mike Privette

Guides

Return on Security Blog Post Greatest Hits

Nov 24, 2022

•

2 min read

Return on Security Blog Post Greatest Hits

A curated list of the most popular blog posts at Return on Security about cybersecurity investing, starting a business, career advancement, and more.

Mike Privette

Guides

Understanding Cybersecurity for Venture Capitalists

Nov 9, 2022

•

8 min read

Understanding Cybersecurity for Venture Capitalists

This guide helps VCs navigate the rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape, providing trends and resources for informed investment decisions.

Mike Privette

Guides

On the Art of Selling to Cybersecurity People

Sep 21, 2022

•

6 min read

On the Art of Selling to Cybersecurity People

Learn effective strategies for selling cybersecurity products from a CISO's perspective, focusing on understanding client needs and overcoming skepticism.

Mike Privette

Guides

Setup Your New Mac Easily with This Setup Script

Jul 11, 2022

•

5 min read

Setup Your New Mac Easily with This Setup Script

Set up your new Mac quickly with Yet Another New Mac Setup Script (YANMSS), adjusting default settings and installing essential tools in no time.

Mike Privette

Guides

Starting a Cybersecurity Consulting Business is Easy

Jun 3, 2022

•

13 min read

Starting a Cybersecurity Consulting Business is Easy

Learn practical strategies to overcome common obstacles and successfully navigate the cybersecurity consulting landscape.

Mike Privette

Guides

Apr 22, 2022

•

2 min read

The Return on Security Tech Stack

Understand the key tools in the Return on Security tech stack, emphasizing their effectiveness for cybersecurity-focused platforms.

Mike Privette

Guides

How to Get Your Company Through Vendor Onboarding

Apr 2, 2021

•

8 min read

How to Get Your Company Through Vendor Onboarding

Understand the complexities of vendor onboarding with key strategies for overcoming compliance hurdles and managing third-party risks.

Mike Privette

Guides

Cybersecurity for Startups: Building a Secure Base

Feb 1, 2021

•

7 min read

Cybersecurity for Startups: Building a Secure Base

Learn the essentials of cybersecurity for startups. Build trust and meet compliance standards to protect your business and customers.

Mike Privette