Why Security-First Design Starts With Simplicity—Not More Controls

When cybersecurity becomes a barrier, people work around it—and that’s where risk begins. At TorchLight, we design security that aligns with your business, supports your users, and satisfies auditors—without slowing you down.

As a recent contributor to the Forbes Technology Council, TorchLight’s CEO Nolan Garrett had the opportunity to weigh in on an often-overlooked truth in cybersecurity: when security becomes a barrier, people find ways around it. And those workarounds can create your biggest vulnerabilities.

At TorchLight, we see this every day with small and mid-sized businesses navigating compliance requirements, evolving threats, and stretched IT teams. The solution isn’t more tools—it’s smarter design.

Security-first design means building protection that supports how your business actually operates:

  • Streamlined systems that reduce friction for end users
  • Policies that align with real-world workflows
  • Strategic guidance from vCISOs and vCIOs who understand your industry
  • Frameworks that meet auditor and insurer expectations without burying your team in complexity

The goal? Make the secure path the easy path.

You can read the full Forbes piece here: Forbes Technology Council Article →

If your current IT or cybersecurity provider is adding stress instead of solving it, it may be time for a more human-centered approach. Let’s talk about what that could look like for your business.