Cyber Champions: People-first Cybersecurity – David Shipley's Mission with Beauceron Security

Meet David Shipley, the founder and CEO of Beauceron Security, a Canadian cybersecurity company that's making waves in the industry. As part of our new monthly feature, Cyber Champions, we're shining a light on the amazing work being done by Canadian founders and their companies.

Inspired by the protective instincts of the Beauceron sheepdog, David Shipley's mission with Beauceron Security is to transform individuals into active defenders against cybercrime. After witnessing a hacking incident at the University of New Brunswick, Shipley realized that cybersecurity failures often stem from weaknesses in people, processes, and culture – not technology alone.

"The root of all cyber incidents is people, process and culture," says Shipley. "Technology alone isn't enough." With this realization, Shipley embarked on a journey to found Beauceron Security, a company that aims to empower individuals to become defenders in their digital environments.

The Problem Beauceron is Trying to Solve

Beauceron was founded to address a critical challenge: how to motivate individuals to make better security choices without resorting to fear-based training or compliance-driven programs. The company's approach empowers people to become active participants in their organization's cybersecurity efforts.

"We were trying to solve how to motivate people to make good choices about technology so they can reduce their cyber risk and thrive in a digital world," says Shipley. Instead of treating people as the "weakest link," Beauceron's approach focuses on empowering them to become active participants in cybersecurity efforts.

A Human-Centric Approach to Cybersecurity

Shipley believes that diverse backgrounds and skillsets are vital for success in cybersecurity. His advice for those trying to break into the field? Focus on critical thinking, communication, and understanding human behavior.

"You don't need to be a programmer or a deep tech person to lead in cybersecurity," says Shipley. "Critical thinking, psychology, and the ability to ask fundamental questions are just as important."

The Importance of Emotional Resilience

Shipley's journey is proof that leadership in cybersecurity can come from unexpected places – and that passion and curiosity are often more valuable than technical expertise alone. When faced with mounting pressures and challenges, Shipley realized the importance of emotional resilience and sought advice.

"Building emotional resilience...you really do have to take care of yourself and put your mask on first," he says. By adjusting strategies and leaning on trusted advisors, Shipley guided Beauceron through difficult times, emerging with a stronger focus on people and culture as the foundation of cybersecurity success.

A Canadian Company's Growing Success

Despite the challenges of being a startup, Beauceron has reached significant milestones. With a background in liberal arts and a fascination for psychology, Shipley built a multi-million-dollar cybersecurity company focused on empowering people, not just deploying technology.

"We absolutely should be investing in Canada first," says Shipley. "You cannot be a sovereign country without a cyber defense industrial base." Shipley warns against simply subcontracting cyber defense to big American brands, emphasizing that a sovereign country needs its own cyber defense capabilities.

A Proactive Approach to Cybersecurity

When it comes to his own cybersecurity habits, Shipley takes a proactive approach. While he didn't specify a single "paranoid" behavior, his philosophy centers around reducing risk through awareness and responsible decision-making.

"Ninety-five per cent of people know what cybersecurity is and want to do the right thing," says Shipley. "It's not a knowledge issue – it's about applying that knowledge and caring about the issue."

A Message from David Shipley

David Shipley's journey with Beauceron Security exemplifies a human-centric approach to cybersecurity – one where empathy, motivation, and diverse perspectives drive meaningful change in the digital world.

"Beauceron shows that people-first cybersecurity is possible," says Shipley. "We're making progress every day."