In today’s digital world, small businesses are often left exposed to cyber threats, even as larger corporations invest heavily in security. Mike Crandall, a veteran and CEO of Digital Beachhead, recognized this gap and decided to act. His company focuses on protecting the most overlooked segment of the economy: small and medium-sized businesses.
Crandall’s approach to cybersecurity is rooted in his military background. Decades in the U.S. Air Force taught him discipline, precision, and the importance of proactive defense. He applies these lessons to Digital Beachhead, combining technical expertise with a philosophy centered on service, trust, and building sustainable futures.
Digital Beachhead did not start as a company aimed at small businesses. Initially, it focused on government contracts and enterprise-level clients. However, Crandall soon noticed that smaller companies, often the backbone of local economies, were left vulnerable to strict cybersecurity requirements and emerging threats. Recognizing an opportunity to create meaningful impact, the company shifted focus, helping these businesses meet government standards and secure their digital operations.
What sets Digital Beachhead apart is its “crawl, walk, run” philosophy. Crandall encourages clients to take incremental steps toward stronger cybersecurity rather than attempting to solve everything at once. This approach makes protection manageable and sustainable, allowing small businesses to grow securely without the burden of overwhelming costs or complexity.
Beyond business, Crandall invests in people. He mentors young adults and future leaders, advocating for progress over perfection. By fostering both technological and personal development, he is shaping not only secure networks but also capable leaders for the future.
Digital Beachhead exemplifies how a clear vision, coupled with disciplined execution and a focus on underserved communities, can transform an industry. Through Mike Crandall’s leadership, small businesses now have a trusted ally in the fight against cyber threats, proving that thoughtful innovation and genuine care can secure more than networks; they can protect futures.
Redefining Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
Crandall recognized an overlooked segment in the cybersecurity landscape: small and medium-sized businesses. While large corporations often dominate the focus of cybersecurity firms, these smaller enterprises, critical to local economies, were largely exposed to mounting digital threats with minimal protection.
The Birth of Digital Beachhead
From this realization, Digital Beachhead was born. Its journey mirrored that of many startups: a strong initial vision that evolved with real-world challenges. The company first aimed to secure Department of Defense and other government contracts, leveraging Crandall’s military experience. Yet, as growth lagged, the team shifted strategy.
Pivoting to Strategic Support
“When we saw that direct engagement with government contracts was slower than expected, we redirected our focus to helping companies that partner with these agencies meet cybersecurity requirements, specifically NIST 800-171 standards,” Crandall recalls. This pivot positioned Digital Beachhead as a key ally for businesses navigating complex compliance mandates.
A Tailored Approach for SMBs
What distinguishes Digital Beachhead is not just its focus on SMBs but its methodology. The company follows a “crawl, walk, then run” philosophy, recognizing that smaller businesses cannot absorb expensive, one-size-fits-all solutions. Crandall explains, “It’s about laying a foundation first, then gradually enhancing cybersecurity as the company grows.”
Leadership Through Action
Crandall’s leadership emphasizes inspiration over instruction. When the company became an Authorized CMMC Third Party Assessment Organization, he personally completed the rigorous training and exams alongside his team. “Leading by example builds trust. When the team sees you facing challenges alongside them, they gain confidence to push their limits,” he notes.
Investing in Talent and Community
This philosophy extends to talent development. Rather than competing solely for experienced professionals, Digital Beachhead cultivates new talent through internships and partnerships with Department of Defense transition programs, offering military personnel a path into civilian cybersecurity roles.
Expanding Capabilities and Impact
The company’s growth has been deliberate. After establishing a foothold with government contractors, it expanded to manufacturers and medical technology firms. Today, as a certified CMMC assessment organization, Digital Beachhead supports businesses navigating rigorous cybersecurity standards, a critical service as over 50,000 organizations prepare to meet new compliance requirements.
Looking ahead, Crandall is pragmatic about emerging threats. AI, quantum computing, and automation accelerate both attacks and defenses. “Technology evolves faster than our protections. The key is staying agile, ready to adapt defenses as threats emerge,” he says.
Measuring Success Through People
For Crandall, success is deeply human. It is measured not in profits alone, but in the growth of his team and the security improvements his clients achieve. “My success is tied to theirs. When our team thrives and clients are secure, the company thrives,” he reflects.
Digital Beachhead is more than a service provider. It is a mission-driven organization that strengthens the digital resilience of SMBs, ensuring that even the smallest companies can safeguard their place in an interconnected world. By protecting these businesses, Crandall and his team are fortifying the larger digital ecosystem, one client, one assessment, one defense at a time.
