How Billy Solano Aims to Turn Cybersecurity Into a Bridge to Better Clients, Bigger Markets, and Bolder Growth
Publish Date: 2026-03-16 11:56:00
Source Domain: www.usatoday.com
Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points. March 16, 2026, 11:12 a.m. ETBilly Solano, CEO of CMIT Solutions of Los Angeles, a provider of managed IT and cybersecurity services for small and midsize businesses, shares a perspective that places cybersecurity alongside revenue strategy and market expansion. “Security is the language of trust in a digital economy. Companies that excel in it can open doors,” he says. His approach frames digital protection as a pathway to stronger client relationships, broader partnerships, and operational confidence.This philosophy developed through a career spanning enterprise software, consulting, and global IT services, giving him visibility into how organizations at different scales use technology to drive performance. Over nearly three decades, he moved from software to consulting, then into enterprise environments, and later IT services, eventually dedicating his work to small and midsize businesses. “Each part of that journey added something useful to how I approach my work, and I draw on those experiences when I support SMB clients,” Solano shares. That perspective shaped the central idea behind his book Cybersecurity Backbone: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know. The book aims to help business leaders translate technical risk into a strategic context, showing how cybersecurity becomes not just protection but also a potential driver of revenue, credibility, and long‑term resilience.His focus on SMBs emerged from observing a pattern shaped by perception and communication. “Many smaller organizations have tended to see cybersecurity as something meant for big companies or the ones that end up in the news. For years, much of the industry leaned on messaging that felt more fear-driven than helpful, and that tone can make decisions harder instead of clearer. When leaders feel overwhelmed, it’s understandable that investment gets pushed aside,” Solano explains. In his view, myth-driven cybersecurity narratives can slow decision-making and lead to inefficient spending patterns instead of strategic planning. This dynamic reinforced Solano’s commitment to education and context-driven communication. Solano’s client experiences illustrate how cybersecurity can unlock business expansion. According to him, one long-term construction client operated with tightly managed budgets for years. “When guidelines began linking project eligibility to cybersecurity compliance, it encouraged a closer look at the frameworks that support that kind of readiness. As we aligned with those expectations, new opportunities naturally opened up, and partners responded with a level of confidence that helped move our growth forward meaningfully,” Solano shares.A CMIT Solutions’ healthcare client offers a clear example of how stronger cybersecurity practices can support organizational growth. They shared, “As we began partnering with more hospitals across California, data protection became essential. We operate under strict HIPAA and cybersecurity regulations, and our partners expect consistent compliance and reliability. We recommend CMIT Solutions as an IT partner and trusted adviser. They understand both technology and healthcare, and that combination has made a meaningful difference for us.”Solano aligns this outcome through a broader lesson. He says, “Trust scales faster than technology. When trust is built into systems, growth follows naturally.” Solano encourages organizations to assess how many businesses in their ecosystem meet full compliance expectations. “I’ve observed that in the healthcare industry, in the tax preparation industry, and in the construction industry, some SMBs are often not compliant with data protection and cybersecurity standards. This could create potential competitive differentiation for companies that invest early and are compliant,” he adds.As organizations adopt advanced technologies, Solano believes that cybersecurity becomes increasingly tied to digital transformation. He notes that artificial intelligence represents a major inflection point. “Two foundations support effective AI adoption: strong IT infrastructure and strong cybersecurity architecture,” he emphasizes. Solano recognizes that knowledge and skills gaps are leading barriers to implementing AI-driven cyber defense strategies, highlighting the importance of combining technology investment with education and workforce readiness. This connects to Solano’s broader mission focused on education and mindset evolution. “As more of our work moves into connected digital environments, companies pay closer attention to how their partners handle security. It’s becoming part of everyday business discussions, not just something the technical teams think about,” he says. Solano encourages SMBs to see cybersecurity as a practical step toward building stronger client relationships and opening the door to new business opportunities.
