Comprehensive Guide to Secure, Scalable SMB Operations

Don’t Let Compliance Confusion Cost
You Contracts.

Our Mission
Make Security and Growth Work Together

For too long, small and mid-sized businesses have been told they must choose between protecting their data and pursuing progress,  that security slows you down, that compliance limits creativity, or that growth invites risk.
 We’re here to change that narrative.


At Bees Computing, we believe security should enable growth, not hinder it. Our mission is to help businesses build systems that are both resilient and scalable, where compliance becomes a competitive advantage, not a burden.


We don’t just check boxes,  we build frameworks that align protection with performance.
 Because when your operations are secure, your people are empowered to innovate, collaborate, and grow with confidence.

You can have both:

  • Security and scalability — stable foundations for sustainable expansion

  • Compliance and competitive edge — meet every standard, exceed every expectation

  • Risk reduction and revenue growth — protect your assets, amplify your results

Bees Computing exists to make that balance not only possible — but practical, measurable, and profitable.

The Beehive Method™

From Compliance Chaos to Scalable Confidence

The Beehive Method™ is built on a simple truth: cybersecurity should drive growth, not slow it down. Each step is designed to replace confusion with control and risk with readiness.

A proven 7-step framework built specifically for SMBs that need enterprise-grade security, without enterprise-level overwhelm. It’s how we turn complexity into clarity, risk into readiness, and operations into growth engines.

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Services

Why the Beehive Method™ Works

Gary’s background in education, risk management, and cybersecurity means this isn’t theory, it's structured, teachable, and measurable.
 He spent years designing cybersecurity curriculum and training professionals, and now that same educational rigor powers the Beehive Method™.


Every step blends technical protection with human empowerment, ensuring teams aren’t left confused or dependent; they're capable, informed, and confident.

“We don’t just build systems — we build understanding.”

The Beehive Method™ was built for real-world small and mid-sized businesses,  the ones balancing compliance demands, cybersecurity threats, and limited resources. This isn’t a theoretical framework; it’s a battle-tested system refined from 20+ years of hands-on experience across industries including defense, healthcare, and technology.
Our approach brings clarity and structure where most businesses struggle. We focus on aligning your people, processes, and technology to create a security-first culture that supports not slows growth. Each phase of the Beehive Method™ builds upon the last, transforming cybersecurity from a cost center into a strategic growth advantage.
When executed correctly, your investment produces measurable results: assessment-ready security programs, stronger systems, smarter teams, and a resilient foundation for long-term success.

Deep Dive: Understanding the Statistics

"AI and Security should empower growth, not overwhelm it."
— Gary Whitsett

The Cost of Getting It Wrong:

87%

of CISOs plan to deploy AI to reduce human-centric risks

95%

of data breaches involve human error

74%

of breaches caused by human-driven errors in 2023

70%+

of SMB attacks begin with phishing

60%

reduction in human error with regular training

20%

of incidents are caused by accidental data sharing

The Impact of Doing It Right:

Businesses that invest in security + AI see stronger resilience and less disruption

AI-driven training cuts incidents via simulations and real-time coaching

SMBs using AI detect and respond to threats faster—operating at enterprise levels

Automation frees up staff and improves strategic focus

Trained employees show higher vigilance and fewer mistakes

Predictive analytics reduce risk and lower operational costs

Services

Your Path to Scalable Security and Confident Growth

Every business has a different starting point,  but every leader deserves clarity.
The Beehive Method™ adapts to where you are today and grows with you, from your first risk check to full-scale executive-level advisory.

Pollinator Package

Full Beehive Implementation  Guided Roadmap to Real-World Readiness

This 6–8 week consulting engagement takes you through all seven steps of the Beehive Method™ with Gary’s direct guidance and hands-on support from the Bees Computing team. Together, we’ll assess, strategize, and implement systems that are audit-ready, AI-enabled, and built for scale.

Perfect for: SMBs ready to transform cybersecurity and compliance into business assets, not overhead costs.

What You’ll Get:

  • Comprehensive Baseline Security & Compliance Assessment

  • Custom Roadmap tailored to your business maturity and growth goals

  • In-depth Team Workshops to establish a security-aware culture

  • Technical Hardening guidance across system, process, and policy fortification

  • AI & automation Planning and Enablement for tools to streamline operations

  • Validation Testing and assessment-aligned readiness activities

  • Growth Enablement Toolkit  resources for ongoing optimization

Advanced implementations, custom development, ongoing AI usage, and extended operational support may be scoped and priced separately.

Busy Bee Package

Beehive Method™ Primer Training — Self-Paced, High-Impact Learning

This starter-level training gives you the essential foundations of the Beehive Method™, complete with a guided workbook and ready-to-use templates. You’ll learn how to map your systems, identify compliance priorities, and make smarter cybersecurity decisions without external dependency.

Perfect for: SMB owners and teams who want to build internal clarity and start implementing best practices independently.

What You’ll Get:

  • Self-paced video training introducing the 7-Step Beehive Method™

  • Practical workbook for documenting your internal processes

  • Editable templates for basic risk assessments and security policy drafts

  • Bonus guide: “Top 10 Compliance Mistakes Small Businesses Make”

  • Optional 30-minute clarity call to review your first steps

Designed for hands-on teams; implementation and ongoing services are available separately.

Interactive Quiz

“Are You a Cyber Soft Target?”

Get a fast, no-fluff look at your cybersecurity readiness with our interactive quiz and downloadable checklist based on the Beehive Method™. In just 10 minutes, you’ll uncover your biggest vulnerabilities  and learn the first steps to strengthen your defenses.,

Perfect for: SMBs exploring their current risk level before investing time or budget.

What You’ll Get:

  • Interactive readiness quiz highlighting compliance and security gaps

  • The Beehive Lite™ Checklist — a 7-step summary of your current security posture

  • Actionable tips to address your top 3 vulnerabilities immediately

  • A complimentary consultation invitation to interpret your results

Services

Real-World Impact: From Chaos to Clarity

Bees Computing isn’t theory, it’s transformation in action.

Every client engagement, from a single assessment to a full Beehive deployment, is designed to create measurable, visible progress within weeks. The result? Small and mid-sized businesses gain the clarity, control, and confidence they’ve always needed to grow securely and competitively.

Clear Visibility, Confident Direction

From the very first assessment, SMBs gain a complete picture of their current cybersecurity posture, compliance standing, and risk exposure. No guesswork—just actionable insight.

Result: Businesses move from “I don’t know where to start” to “I know exactly what to fix first.”

Decisions Driven by Data, Not Doubt

True transformation happens when leaders stop relying on gut instinct and start leading with insight. Bees Computing integrates data dashboards and audit-ready intelligence that translate complexity into clarity.

Result: Data replaces doubt. Every decision becomes defensible, measurable, and aligned with long-term strategy.

Compliance that Opens Doors

Government contracts, large enterprise partnerships, and premium vendor opportunities increasingly require demonstrable cybersecurity practices and documented compliance readiness. Through The Beehive Method™, businesses build and sustain CMMC-, NIST-, RMF-, and OSCAL-aligned security programs, supporting ongoing readiness and long-term confidence.

Result: You move from being a soft target to a trusted partner, ready to compete for higher-value contracts and industry recognition.

Operational Efficiency that Frees Your Team

When systems, data, and compliance tools operate in silos, inefficiency becomes expensive.
 Bees Computing helps you eliminate redundancy, streamline data flow, and automate repetitive tasks using AI-driven processes, freeing your team to focus on growth, not firefighting.

Result: Lower operational costs, fewer human errors, and an empowered team that executes smarter and faster.

Growth that’s Secure, Sustainable, and Scalable

When you harden your systems, educate your people, and integrate intelligence, security becomes a growth catalyst, not a roadblock.
 Clients who implement the Beehive Method™ consistently report:

  • Fewer disruptions and compliance violations

  • Faster decision-making cycles

  • Higher trust and credibility with partners

  • Greater readiness for scale and innovation

Bottom Line: Security stops being overhead and becomes your competitive advantage.

What Sets Bees Computing Apart

Tailored Solutions, Not Cookie-Cutter Templates

Every engagement is customized to your specific industry, compliance requirements, and business goals, ensuring maximum impact without unnecessary complexity.

Data-Driven Decision Making

We help you move from "I feel this is right" to "here's what the data shows," giving you confidence in every strategic choice.

Your Long-Term Growth Partner

We don't drop in at the start and disappear. We provide ongoing dashboards, tools, and support that keep you secure as your business scales.

Practical AI Integration

Our approach to automation and AI focuses on real operational improvements streamlining workflows, reducing errors, and surfacing insights not just implementing technology for its own sake.

Compliance Made Accessible

Whether it’s CMMC, NIST, RMF, or OSCAL, we translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable, framework-aligned guidance that supports contract and partnership readiness.

A Team That Actually Understands SMBs

We've lived the frustration of being blocked by technology instead of empowered by it. That experience shapes every solution we build.

About Gary Whitsett

Founder • Veteran • Cybersecurity Strategist

Turning Cyber Complexity Into Clarity for SMBs

Gary Whitsett doesn't just consult, he transforms chaos into clarity for small and mid-sized businesses navigating cybersecurity, compliance, and AI integration.

Experience & Credentials

The Turning Point

In 2023, after a layoff, Gary found himself facing a cold, AI-driven job market. The very technology meant to empower people had become a barrier.
That experience sparked a realization: Most SMBs are facing the same overwhelm, with fewer resources.
Instead of accepting that, Gary built a better path.

  • 20+ Years of cybersecurity and operations experience

  • CISSP, CCSP, Associate CCISO certifications

  • Grew training division from $3M to $8M in under 12 months at Hewlett-Packard

  • Regular speaker at ISSA and Peak Cyber conferences

  • Expert in CMMC, RMF, NIST, and OSCAL frameworks

  • Veteran-Owned business leader

Today

As founder of Bees Computing and creator of the Beehive Method™, Gary helps SMBs:

  • Secure systems without enterprise-level complexity

  • Turn compliance from a hurdle into a growth driver

  • Use AI as a tool for clarity, not confusion

Testimonials

Real transformation, not theory.

Gary was not only a standout cybersecurity expert but also a mentor and strategist who helped us strengthen our leadership and decision-making framework.

Kimberly Hessler, CFJST, CFCC

 Director of Enterprise Operations, NASA End User Services & Technologies

Gary doesn’t just advise. He invests in your growth. His ability to translate real-world experience into practical, engaging education transformed our team’s understanding and confidence.

Halie Anthony, MBA, PCC

 Director of Enterprise Operations, NASA End User Services & Technologies

Our Vision
Every SMB Operates with Confidence

We're building a future where:

  • SMBs win contracts because they can prove compliance

  • Leaders make strategic decisions based on data, not guesswork

  • Teams see security as a growth enabler, not a burden

  • AI and automation multiply impact without adding confusion

  • Every business, no matter the size, operates from a position of strength

Bees Computing provides advisory, readiness, and enablement services. Certification and formal assessments are conducted by authorized third-party organizations.

Ready to Transform Your Operations?

The opportunity to build clarity and scale with confidence starts now.

Spots are limited and fill fast.

The right time to build clarity is now.

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