Does More Money Mean Better Security?

Does spending more money actually make you more secure?
In this episode of CyberSplainers, Eric sits down with guest Justin Echoberry, a cybersecurity professional who has navigated drastically different environments—from low-budget nonprofits to federal organizations and healthcare systems. Together, they break down one of the biggest misconceptions in the industry: that bigger budgets equal better security.

Spoiler: It’s not that simple.

Justin shares firsthand lessons from Zoo Atlanta, federal agencies, and the healthcare world, revealing how organizations with limited resources can still build strong cybersecurity foundations by:

Understanding what tools they already have
Focusing on cyber hygiene and user awareness
Leveraging built-in capabilities instead of unnecessary tools
Prioritizing true risk over flashy features
Knowing when to buy—and when NOT to buy
Building strong relationships with vendors and VARs
Creating a culture where employees are cybersecurity assets, not liabilities

Eric and Justin also dive into:
💰 How to determine what your cybersecurity budget should be
🧮 Why risk, threat, and vulnerability aren’t just technical concepts
🏢 The real role of VARs (value-added resellers) in spending wisely
🔓 Why MFA, passwords, and privilege management don’t have to break the bank
🤝 Culture, communication, and the human side of cybersecurity
💡 And ultimately: whether more money truly means more security

If you're a security leader, IT pro, nonprofit admin, SMB operator, or just someone who wants to understand where cybersecurity dollars actually matter, this episode is for you.

Stay safe out there — and spend smart.