Towerwall, founded by Michelle Drolet, is a pioneering cybersecurity consulting firm that provides continuous monitoring and protection against cyber threats through a flexible, multi-dimensional approach called the '7 dimensions of cybersecurity.' The company also plays a key role in academia by co-founding the annual Information Security Summit to support scholarships in cybersecurity. Despite industry challenges such as the shortage of skilled professionals, Towerwall adapts by offering virtual CISO services and prioritizing partnerships for growth and effective client support.

1. Towerwall: Pioneering Cyber Security
Consulting
Established by Michelle Drolet, Towerwall helps its clients by
providing them with continuous monitoring and protection against
current and evolving cyber threats. As the industry’s leading data
security preparedness partner, Towerwall’s end-to-end solutions help to
bridge the gap between plan and action to ensure its clients’ security.
Michelle also co-founded the annual Information Security Summit in
partnership with Mass Bay Community College, with the purpose of
creating an open forum for knowledge sharing between cyber
professionals, vendors, and students. Additionally, the summit also
serves as a vehicle to raise funds to provide academic scholarships in the
field of cybersecurity for MassBay students in their Cyber Program. Till
date, more than $55,000 has been raised for scholarships. Michelle also
serves on the college’s advisory board to help shape its cybersecurity
curriculums.
Recently we got a chance to sit down with Michelle to learn more about
Towerwall and how the cyber security company is safeguarding its
clients from modern-day cyber threats.
Below are the highlights of the interview.
Please tell us about your professional journey.
Michelle: In college, I studied criminal justice, so from an early age,
I’ve been interested in stopping the bad guys. In 1993 I was hired to run
the US operations for an IT consulting business that was making inroads
into cybersecurity. The company was acquired by a public entity, but I
grew disenchanted with its direction and found a way to buy the
company back. Since 1999 we’ve been offering customized
cybersecurity preparedness and end-to-end solutions that bridge the gap

2. between plan and action to ensure resiliency for organizations of all
sizes.
Please throw some light on Towerwall and its services.
Michelle: Regardless of company size, almost every modern
organization struggles with cybersecurity. Our clients trust Towerwall to
provide them with continuous monitoring and protection against current
and evolving threats. We learned early on that there is no single piece of
technology or system that will keep any organization completely secure.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. That’s why Towerwall
developed an operational security approach that distinguishes our
services in the market. A methodology that is not only consistent,
repeatable, and measurable but also flexible enough to adapt to the
changing threat landscape. We call this customizable approach the “7
Dimensions of Cybersecurity,” which all organizations, regardless of
industry or security maturity, should adopt to establish a multi-
dimensional, multi-layered, proactive security defense.
Services include establishing a program and developing policies,
conducting security audits and risk assessments, threat detection and
response, guidance on abiding by compliance and regulations,
penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, vendor questionnaires,
employee awareness training, and many other security services. Our
customer engagements last for several years, and these include
Foundation Medicine, Middlesex Savings Bank, Dean College, Milford
Regional Medical Center, Perkin Elmer, and local SMBs.
What are the primary challenges of the industry?
Michelle: The primary challenge facing our cybersecurity industry has
really been about the glaring shortage of professionals who are well-
versed in security, risk management, and compliance. To meet this high
demand for skilled talent, Towerwall launched an innovative service
called virtual CISO -- a personal service to take on the responsibilities
and duties associated with the Chief Information Security Officer

3. (vCISO), the virtual Data Protection Officer (vDPO), and the virtual
Chief Privacy Officer (vCPO). These roles are brought in-house for
client engagements on a fractional or interim basis. These fractional
services roles also act as a huge competitive differentiator and
advantage.
How is Towerwall disrupting the entire industry for the better?
Michelle: Cybersecurity is multi-dimensional. Organizations need a
partner who can deliver a coordinated end-to-end solution response. We
like to guide our clients through all the phases of
cybersecurity. That’s why we developed a unique security approach (the
“7 Dimensions of Cybersecurity”) that is not only consistent, repeatable,
and measurable but flexible enough to adapt to the changing threat
landscape. As a market leader, our content marketing focuses on sharing
the latest in active threats, vulnerabilities, and tactical steps our clients
can take. Each month we hold webinars and in-person events to keep our
clients and prospects informed and engaged.
Please explain the effect of the pandemic on Towerwall. How did
you overcome it?
Michelle: Because we are a security tech company, most of our staff
were already working remotely, having been set up with secure VPN
connections long ago, ensuring business continuity in the face of the
pandemic. We were fortunate to have hired people who are truly self-
motivated. Also fortunate to have had 70% of our staff working
remotely before Covid hit. We didn’t miss a beat. Today we support a
hybrid work week with limited staff who do come into the office. This is
what we believe creates a proactive, positive corporate culture that make
our team deliver to the fullest.
What are your priorities for 2023?
Michelle: Towerwall plans to continue to grow and expand both our
customer base and consultants globally. Our business model is all about

4. partnerships. Recently we forged new vendor partnerships with Pentera
and CyberSaint (adding them to our stable of 50-plus cyber-tech
partners) to help our customers manage their cybersecurity programs as
well as assist our consultants when conducting risk assessments. Other
partners include Alert Logic, Varonis, LogRhythm, KnowBe4, Tenable,
Sophos, and many other recognized brands.
Give us a piece of advice that you would share with entrepreneurs
just starting out.
Michelle: For young entrepreneurs just starting out, it’s important to
state your values clearly and upfront. We believe in finding the right
balance between work and family. Our values are about having focus,
determination, and compassion. We all face challenges in our personal
and business life, but the ability to persevere is the difference between
success and failure. Particularly in business, nothing is more important
than solving your customer's needs. We often compete and win against
larger players because our team has a 'run through the wall' attitude.
Make teamwork a priority.