From Cybersecurity Chief to Tuscan Vineyard Owner
Hi, I’m Phil Ferraro! And welcome to the safer side of the internet.
After spending 25+ years protecting Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and high-stakes operations from cyber threats, I traded the corporate grind for something very different: a vineyard in Tuscany.
Yes, really.
My grandparents were from Naples, and every time I visited Italy, it felt like home. So after decades in cybersecurity leadership roles, my wife and I bought a villa in the heart of Tuscany’s wine region. Now, we spend our days producing extra virgin olive oil, tending to our Sangiovese grapes, and welcoming guests to our peaceful Bed & Breakfast.
And yet… cybersecurity is still in my blood.
The truth is: just because I left the boardroom doesn’t mean I left the mission. I still care deeply about helping people stay safe online - especially those who aren’t tech experts, don’t have an IT team, or simply don’t know who to trust for straight answers.
That’s why I’m starting this Substack.
Why This Substack Exists
Cybersecurity advice is often bloated with fear, jargon, or tech speak. I’m here to change that.
Whether you’re:
A parent trying to keep your kids safe online,
A small business owner worried about data breaches,
Or someone who’s just plain tired of feeling confused or scared by the digital world
You deserve clear, no-nonsense advice from someone who’s been on the inside and knows how to break it down.
What You’ll Get When You Subscribe
Quick, practical tips to protect yourself and your family
Tools and checklists for securing your small business
Breakdowns of real-world threats and how to handle them
And yes, a few behind-the-scenes moments from life in Tuscany
If you’ve ever thought, “I should probably be doing more to protect my information, but I don’t know where to start”… this is for you.
Need Help Right Now?
Check out my new book:
Cybersecurity: Everything You, Your Family, and Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know
It’s the foundation of everything I teach here—and a powerful companion to these weekly posts.
Topics I’ll Cover
Cybersecurity for Non-Techies
Passwords, Phishing & Privacy
Small Business Cyber Threats
Social Media Safety
Personal Stories from Inside the Industry
Living Simply in a Complex World
Let’s Keep This Simple
If you want to:
Spend less time worrying about online threats
Finally understand how to protect your digital life
And hear it from someone who’s been there, done that, and has the scars (and stories) to prove it—
Subscribe. I’ll help you stay safe, sane, and maybe even a little inspired.
Cheers,
Phil Ferraro
Cybersecurity Expert, Vineyard Owner, and Your New Digital Safety Guide