When most people think of franchises, they picture fast food, retail stores, or cleaning services, not cybersecurity.
That’s exactly what makes our work so groundbreaking. We’re the world’s first cybersecurity franchise, giving entrepreneurs the chance to own a local business that protects small and medium-sized companies from digital threats that could shut them down overnight.
For Dan Gizzi, the owner of our North Carolina franchise, that unique opportunity came at just the right time. After nearly two decades in sales and EdTech, a corporate layoff forced him to reimagine his career. Instead of stepping back into another corporate role, he chose something different: independence.
“I realized I’d been building other people’s businesses my whole life,” Gizzi said. “This time, I wanted to build something of my own, something that mattered.”
A Franchise Model for the Digital Age
Our model turns traditional franchising on its head.
Instead of brick-and-mortar storefronts or inventory-heavy operations, franchisees sell cybersecurity services, a rapidly growing, recession-resistant sector projected to surpass $500 billion globally within the next few years!
The corporate team handles the technical side, assessments, testing, remediation, and reporting, while franchisees focus on relationship-building and business development in their local markets.
“I didn’t need to be a cybersecurity expert,” Gizzi explained. “Corporate provides 100% of the technical expertise and delivery. My role is to educate, connect, and be the trusted local advisor for North Carolina businesses.”
That balance of autonomy and support is rare.
It allows professionals from diverse backgrounds, not just IT veterans, to step into an industry that’s vital, scalable, and future-proof.
Local Roots, Global Impact
Each of our franchises is built around territorial ownership, meaning franchisees are granted exclusive rights to specific markets. In Gizzi’s case, that means the entire state of North Carolina.
That local-first structure gives him the ability to build trust directly within the business community.
He’s joined local chambers, industry associations, and professional networks, becoming the go-to cybersecurity resource for everyone from insurance firms and financial advisors to small manufacturers and educational organizations.
“It’s not just about selling services,” Gizzi said. “It’s about protecting your neighbors. These are the businesses that fuel our communities, and too many think they’re too small to be targeted.”
That assumption, unfortunately, is deadly.
Nearly half (43%) of cyberattacks target small and medium-sized businesses, and 60% of those victims shut down within six months.
Our franchisees are on the front lines, helping local companies strengthen their defenses before it’s too late.
Partnerships That Scale
Instead of hiring large teams, Dan has strategically focused on cultivating strong relationships right in his North Carolina backyard.
He partners with local IT companies, insurance agents, and financial service providers. These are the folks who often see clients desperately needing cybersecurity audits or penetration tests, but who might not know where to turn.
These partnerships are a “win-win.”
For Dan, this approach allows him to significantly expand his reach and tap into a broader network of potential clients without the heavy burden of a huge payroll. It’s a smart, sustainable way to grow his business, leveraging trusted community connections to bring vital protection to more small and medium-sized businesses across the state.
Investing in the Mission
Our innovative spirit doesn’t stop with its franchise model. We recently launched a crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder, inviting both franchisees and the public to invest in its continued growth and expansion.
For Gizzi, it was an easy decision to get involved.
“They’re not just talking about growth, they’re building it the right way,” he said. “They could’ve gone to venture capital, but instead, they chose to let the community participate. I invested not only because I believe in the company, but because I believe in what we’re doing.”
A Growing Network, A Shared Vision
As we expand across the U.S. and beyond, franchisees like Gizzi are proving that cybersecurity doesn’t have to be intimidating or inaccessible. It can be personal, local, and entrepreneurial.
Owning a franchise means joining a mission-driven network, one that’s changing the way businesses think about security while creating sustainable, profitable careers for the people leading the charge.
“This isn’t just a business opportunity,” Gizzi said. “It’s a chance to protect your community, build your future, and be part of something bigger than yourself.”
Interested in joining the future of cybersecurity?
Visit CyberGlobal.com or explore the company’s Wefunder campaign to learn how you can own your own cybersecurity franchise and bring digital protection to your local market.
