Episode 33

Turn a Failed Cybersecurity Audit into a Budget Increase

January 30th, 2026

54 mins 48 secs

Season 3

Your Hosts

About this Episode

This week, Richard, Brazos, Mario, and Joe tear apart the red tape of NIST 800-53, CIS Controls, and state-mandated audits. We discuss the disconnect between legislators in the capital and the reality of a one-person IT department in a small school district.

We also address the "Tech Support Brain" vs. "Auditor Brain" phenomenon and answer the burning question: Should you fudge your numbers to avoid looking bad on a state report? (Spoiler: No, and here is why). Plus, we reveal the "Malicious Compliance" strategy - how to use a low compliance score to force your board to finally sign that check for the tools you need.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The absurdity of "one-size-fits-all" government mandates.
  • Why NIST and CIS controls often fail small organizations.
  • The temptation to lie on self-assessments (and why you shouldn't).
  • "Auditor Brain": Dealing with compliance officers who don't understand tech.
  • Strategic Failure: How to use a bad score to get more budget.
  • The Scinary "10 Commandments" of controls.
  • Also... do golden toilets actually have better Wi-Fi?

If you are drowning in paperwork and compliance checklists, this episode is for you.


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