Cybersecurity has become even more vital for businesses given recent world events, but many business owners don’t know where to begin. Meet Donovan Farrow, CEO of Alias — an Oklahoma-based company that focuses on bringing affordable cybersecurity to small and medium-sized businesses. While Farrow’s company has grown into several other markets, he continues to and always will consider Oklahoma his home.  

Tell me about your path to becoming CEO of Alias.

I didn’t think I would be where I am today. Growing up in Anadarko, I got really into computers just by tinkering and seeing what I could do. Eventually, computers became my career, as I started a job working at a help desk. From there, I worked my way through a few different businesses to become a security engineer. I founded Alias in 2010 when the field of digital forensics was just beginning to form. While working full time, on the side I was taking the occasional one-off digital forensics jobs. After a few years of working two jobs, I decided to take the leap and make Alias my full-time job. It cost me $40 to create the LLC, and now look at where we are. The growth has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see where else Alias goes.

Oklahoma is not known for cybersecurity; tell me what makes our state home to Alias?

While Oklahoma isn’t known for cybersecurity, it’s been an incredible experience pioneering and building the industry here. Before Alias, there weren’t any cybersecurity companies here, but when you look at where we are today, it’s not just us; there are a few other local businesses now doing what we do. As a born-and-raised Oklahoman, I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. Oklahoma is my home, and it is Alias’ home. While we may expand and open other offices —  like our Dallas, Texas, and Richmond, Virginia, locations — Oklahoma will always be our home. 

Who might benefit the most from working with Alias? 

Small to medium-sized businesses are where we fit the best. There’s an intense need for companies like Alias: Most enterprise-level businesses have enterprise-level security consultants to help, but smaller to medium-sized businesses often can’t afford the same level of service the enterprise security consultants offer. So, Alias can fill that gap and offer affordable cybersecurity services to the small to medium-sized businesses. We can give them our full focus and be there physically, meeting with them face-to-face. Not to mention, we can give them reasonably priced ways they can better protect their businesses. 

Almost anyone reading this article has experienced some type of cyberattack. Do you have any best practices you recommend in the event one does happen?

If a cyberattack happens to you, my best advice would be to not fix it yourself. Most of these attackers are incredibly skilled, and unless you have the knowledge regarding their attack methods and what exactly has been attacked, I would steer clear from trying to fix anything yourself. It’s better to call a professional. 

What has been the biggest crossroads you have come to in your life?

When I was 18 years old, I had a beautiful baby girl. At that age, it took some realizing to come to terms with the fact that I had someone that relies on me. I had to grow up and be an adult.  

What should we expect to see from Alias in the future?

Expect to see an incredible amount of growth. Cybersecurity isn’t going anywhere, and cyberattacks are only going to become more common and more advanced. Our team so far has been able to help secure numerous businesses, but as society becomes further intertwined with technology, the need for cybersecurity is only going to grow. 

I know you enjoy traveling — what is a favorite place you’ve been to and why is it on your top list?

If you haven’t heard of it, I highly recommend booking a vacation to Leavenworth, Washington. It’s a small Bavarian-style town in the Cascade Mountains. The town itself has so much charm. Everywhere you go is gorgeous and the people were incredible. The views are breathtaking. Mountains surround the city, so it’s very picturesque. All in all, if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation with some unique scenery, this is the place.    

What is one habit you have adopted that has helped make you successful?

I believe in being completely honest with people — that’s the one habit that has helped me be successful. Always tell the truth. Building an honest reputation has helped in ways I never would have imagined. If you’re honest and just set out to do good work and do good by people, that’s going to lead to success. Don’t try and deceive people or lie and say you can do a job when you can’t. That only works to ruin your reputation, and in a small business where you’re doing the job as well as running the business, your reputation is your business’ reputation. 

With the experience you have now, what advice would you give to your younger self?

Trust your gut; it’s never wrong. If you have a gut feeling about a situation, listen to what your gut is telling you. Don’t think about something too much, either. That leads to inaction. Just trust your gut.

What is one of your favorite little luxieres in life?

Whiskey, cigars, and quality time with the family.  Being able to taste the subtle differences between whiskeys and [between] cigars, and pairing the two together, are little luxieres I enjoy. And of course, time with the family is absolutely a life luxiere. Between work and everything that comes with opening a business, it’s very important to me that I create meaningful time with my family. Once it’s gone, you can’t turn back time. My family is my life and there’s nothing better than spending time with them and making memories. 

Kati Hanna is a partner with The Mettise Group, a consulting firm focused on growth-stage companies and leaders.  The Mettise Group completes a holistic evaluation of organizations and leaders to quickly and efficiently deliver a growth-based operating system that focuses on opportunities, best practices and solutions.