Cyber Breach Recovery

A Breach Doesn't Ask For Permission.

Every organization is a target. Fenix24 is the battle-tested cybersecurity partner built to help enterprises survive ransomware attacks, recover with speed, and build systems that are designed to withstand what comes next.

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🎙 EPISODE 2 · NOW LIVE
The Fenix24 Podcast · Episode 2
Everyone is a Target...
Cybersecurity expert John Anthony Smith pulls back the curtain on why even the most established organizations are dangerously exposed. From the economics of modern ransomware to real threat groups actively targeting enterprises today, this episode is essential viewing for every executive and security leader responsible for protecting their organization.
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John Anthony Smith

CSO & Co-founder, Fenix24
What You Will Learn

What John Covers in This Episode

This episode is for executives, security leaders, and anyone responsible for protecting their organization's data, reputation, and operations. Because in today's threat landscape, it is not a matter of if — it is a matter of when.

01

The Economics of Ransomware

Why ransoms are reaching into the millions and why every organization, regardless of size or sector, is a viable and attractive target for today's threat actors.

02

The One Thing Everyone Gets Wrong

The single most common mistake John sees across organizations — from weak identity verification at the help desk to overcrowded active directories hiding in plain sight.

03

Real Threat Groups, Real Risk

Scattered Spider, Akira, and others — who they are, how they operate, and why Akira alone represents the number one breach pattern Fenix24 encounters across every industry.

04

Building Something Survivable

John's answer is not panic — it is preparation. What it means to build a resilient organization and why a security assessment is the most important first step you can take.

$2.73MM
Average ransom demand for enterprises
78%
Of organizations reported attacks last year
30+
Years of cybersecurity expertise behind Fenix24
24/7
Breach response and recovery support
John Anthony Smith

John Anthony Smith

CSO & Co-founder, Fenix24
Meet the Expert

John Anthony Smith

Chief Security Officer & Co-founder

John Anthony Smith has spent over 30 years at the intersection of technology, security, and human-centered business. He founded Conversant Group in July 2009, which evolved into Fenix24 — the World's First Civilian Cybersecurity Force — driven by his conviction that organizations deserve a security partner that treats cybersecurity as a human problem, not just a technical one.

Engaged on projects and consultations with companies both large and small throughout his career, John understands the unique challenges of conducting business across industries — its strategy, quality, and process. He has worked with organizations ranging from regional businesses to global enterprises, bringing the same disciplined, people-first approach to every engagement.

His career began in 1994 at age 14 and he has since founded multiple technology companies, including Computech in 1996 and NetAlliant Technologies in 2002, which he sold in 2008. He has never stopped building, and never stopped learning.

Organizational Management, Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, GA
Computer Science, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Founded Computech (1996), NetAlliant Technologies (2002, sold 2008), Conversant Group / Fenix24 (2009)
30+ years serving organizations across North America, Europe, and beyond
Clients spanning finance, healthcare, technology, professional services, and more
The Threat Landscape

No Industry Is Off the Threat List.

Organized groups like Akira are methodically targeting enterprises across every sector, exploiting weak identity controls and the reputational incentives that keep breaches quiet. The question is no longer whether your organization will be targeted — it's whether you'll recover.

Want to hear more about what it takes to recover when defenses fail? Watch this 29-minute chat from RSA 2026 with CEO & Co-founder of Fenix24, Mark Grazman.

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Catch John Live

John Anthony Smith:
Upcoming Speaking Events

John isn't just talking about cybersecurity — he's taking the conversation directly to the industry stages where it matters most. Catch him live, or meet with the Fenix24 team at these upcoming events.

April 15 – 16
Birmingham, AL
April 15, 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM CT
Conference · Regional
Southeast Cyber Summit
Dedicated to advancing the cybersecurity profession across the Southeast, this summit facilitates critical regional collaboration. John will deliver a session on Cloud, Governance, and Enterprise Security on April 15 from 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM CT.
April 30 – May 2
Denver, CO
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Legal Tech · Conference
ILTA EVOLVE
The International Legal Technology Association's premier event focuses on the evolution of legal tech. John will be in attendance to engage with legal IT leaders and firm executives on emerging digital risks.
May 6 – 8
Las Vegas, NV
May 5, 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM PT
Governance · Risk · Compliance
ISACA North America Conference
This cornerstone event for digital trust focuses on the intersection of IT audit, risk, and governance. John will kick things off with a speaking session during the pre-conference schedule on May 5 from 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM PT.

Is Your Organization Actually Safe?

Do not wait to find out the hard way. Our team will assess your current security posture, surface the vulnerabilities hiding in plain sight, and give you a clear picture of where you stand — before a threat actor does it for you.

⚠ Active ransomware groups are targeting organizations across every industry right now. The best time to assess your exposure is before a breach, not during one.