John A. Smith is founder and CSO of Conversant Group, a 2021 Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Firm. He is the founder of six technology companies and has overseen the secure infrastructure design, build, and/or management for over 400 organizations. He is currently serving as vCIO and trusted advisor to multiple firms. A passionate expert and advocate for cybersecurity nationally and globally who began his IT career at age 14, John Anthony is a sought-after thought leader, with dozens of publications and speaking engagements. In 2022, he led the design and implementation of the International Legal Technology Association’s cybersecurity benchmarking survey.