My name is Clarke Woodfin, and I’ve spent my entire career in the Information Technology industry, specializing in cybersecurity, data protection, and data management. I’ve taught courses on data protection, cybersecurity fundamentals, firewalls, and practical cybersecurity strategies for small businesses — all based on real-world experience, not theory.

I’m independent, not sponsored, and not affiliated with big tech vendors. Everything I teach is focused on what actually works for small businesses: clear guidance, practical tools, and security decisions you can trust without unnecessary complexity.

It was only a few years ago that cybersecurity was a non issue. Even within the IT industry, many common practices were treated casually — reused passwords, weak security habits, and little attention to device or network protection. As cybercrime rapidly increased, those habits became real risks. Those of us working in IT were forced to adapt quickly, developing better security practices and a much clearer understanding of what actually works. That real-world shift is what this course is built on.

Over the years I’ve seen how disruptive and stressful cyber incidents can be for small business owners — lost data, financial strain, and long recovery periods caused by simple, preventable issues. Those experiences shaped how I think about security and why I care so much about getting it right.

Helping business owners understand cybersecurity in a clear, practical way has become important to me. I believe security shouldn’t feel intimidating or overwhelming, and that with the right guidance, anyone can make smart, confident decisions to protect their business, including you !