615 - AI and Cybersecurity for Small Business with Mordy Hackel

615 - AI and Cybersecurity for Small Business with Mordy Hackel

Author: Henry Lopez July 27, 2026 Duration: 47:33

Technology expert explains how small business owners can leverage AI as a force multiplier while protecting their data, systems, and intellectual property from emerging cybersecurity risks.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/615-mordy-hackel-ai-cybersecurity /

Artificial intelligence is creating enormous opportunities for small businesses—but it is also introducing new cybersecurity, data, and operational risks.

In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez is joined by technology entrepreneur and KJ Technology founder Mordy Hackel to explore how small business owners can embrace AI, use technology as a force multiplier, and protect their businesses as the technology landscape continues to change.

Mordy shares his entrepreneurial journey from studying economics and working in technology for organizations including the NBA, Sony Music, and Citibank to building KJ Technology, a Manhattan-based managed IT services firm he has been growing since 1998.

Henry Lopez and Mordy Hackel discuss why small businesses should not assume they are too small to be targets for cybercrime. AI is making phishing emails, voice impersonation, social engineering, and other attacks increasingly sophisticated. Small organizations may be particularly vulnerable when they lack established procedures for authorizing payments, sharing sensitive information, or granting access to systems.

They also explore another increasingly important issue: employees using AI tools independently. When employees use personal ChatGPT, Claude, or other AI accounts for company work, businesses may expose confidential information or lose valuable intellectual property and institutional knowledge when those employees leave.

But the message of this episode is not to be afraid of AI. Mordy believes the opportunities significantly outweigh the risks. The challenge is learning how to use the right technology for the right problem.

AI can help business owners think creatively, analyze problems, overcome writer's block, develop workflows, prototype applications, and identify opportunities to improve how their businesses operate.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com


Henry Lopez hosts The How of Business-How to start, run, grow and exit a small business. It’s a practical resource for anyone who wants to move beyond just the idea of entrepreneurship and into the actual work of building something. Each week, the focus is on the tangible steps and decisions involved in a business’s entire lifecycle, from that initial launch through to managing daily operations, scaling up, and even planning a future exit. You’ll hear straightforward conversations that dig into specific topics, breaking down complex challenges into manageable advice. Often, Henry sits down with a small business owner who shares their real-world experiences-the successes and the setbacks-offering a genuine look at what it takes. This podcast is built on the understanding that running a business is a series of learned skills, and it aims to provide those lessons without fluff. Whether you're sketching your first plan on a napkin or steering an established company toward growth, the discussions here are meant to be directly applicable to your own journey. Tune in for a regular dose of clarity and concrete strategies from someone who understands the day-to-day realities you face.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The How of Business - How to start, run, grow and exit a small business.
Podcast Episodes
585 – Crafting Your Sales Pitch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:56
Learn a simple, repeatable framework for crafting an effective sales pitch that connects, communicates value, and inspires action. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/585-crafting-your-sales-pitch/ Crafting…
584 – Essential Legal Tips with Wesley Henderson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:46
Attorney and entrepreneur Wesley Henderson shares practical legal insights every small business owner needs to protect their business and operate with confidence. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/584-wes…
583 – Scaling a Software Startup with Joshua Talbert [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:10
Engineer-turned-entrepreneur Joshua Talbert shares his journey from defense contractor to tech startup founder and CEO of MySherpas.ai. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/583-josh-talbert-software-startup/…
582 – Broken Windows Theory for Small Business [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:14
How small signs of disorder in your workplace can erode culture, safety, and customer trust, and how fixing them builds pride and small business success. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/582-broken-windo…
581 – Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies with Sasha Millstein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:59
Entrepreneur Sasha Millstein shares her journey launching Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies and scaling this frozen comfort food brand from idea to shelves. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/581-sasha-millstein-aunt-…
R355 – 4 Reasons to Delegate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:16
Four compelling reasons why mastering delegation is essential for every small business owner. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r355-4-reasons-to-delegate/ Henry Lopez shares why effective delegation is o…
580 – Unlocking Hidden Profits with Jamie Trull [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:00
How small business owners can unlock hidden profits by optimizing financial levers and making smarter money decisions. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/580-jamie-trull-unlocking-hidden-profits/ Small bus…
579 – Business Poll Results [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:29
Business poll results reveal the biggest challenges small business owners face, from marketing struggles to sales fears, debt concerns, AI adoption, and growth barriers. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/…
578 – Return on Experience with Vance Morris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:17
The loyalty, referrals, and pricing power a small business gains by consistently delivering remarkable customer experiences, even when the ROI isn't directly measurable in dollars. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbu…