When a large nonprofit client inadvertently breached its HIPAA contract with the San Francisco Department of Health, Dan Hernandez knew the stakes were high. The CEO of PCS Technology said the nonprofit’s accounting computer, which an employee accessed through an insecure remote desktop connection, had created a gaping vulnerability — one that could have cost the organization its crucial contracts.
So, Hernandez took swift action.
Thanks to a third-party assessment powered by Galactic Advisors, Hernandez and his team remediated the issue before disaster struck. PCS implemented a secure VPN tunnel to prevent further risks.
“This is the kind of work we do every day — helping clients understand and mitigate risks they didn’t even know they had,” shared Hernandez, who founded PCS, a San Francisco Bay-area outsourced IT services provider.
Staying ahead in cybersecurity is no longer optional for MSPs; it’s imperative. Hernandez knows this better than most. His partnership with Galactic Advisors not only resolved this critical issue but also enhanced PCS’s operations, providing a roadmap for other MSPs seeking to excel in cybersecurity and compliance.
The Initial Connection
Hernandez first discovered Galactic Advisors through a peer in his Evolve group, a professional network for MSP leaders. He was introduced to Galactic’s founder Bruce McCulley, whose depth of expertise immediately impressed Hernandez. After Galactic Advisors conducted an initial third-party assessment of PCS’s network, Hernandez knew he had found a long-term partner.
“Once I met Bruce, I told my COO, ‘I’m going to do everything this guy does.’ It was a great relationship from the start,” Hernandez recalled.
This partnership grew over time, with PCS adopting Galactic’s tools, processes, and training. Galactic’s offerings — ranging from compliance solutions to cybersecurity training — are now embedded in PCS’s day-to-day operations.
Transforming Client Relationships
PCS has benefited in many ways from working with Galactic Advisors. The most substantial advantage among those has been PCS’s credibility boost with clients.
By leveraging Galactic’s resources, PCS conducts thorough business security briefings to educate its clients about their specific risks and how to mitigate them. These focus on actionable insights for C-level executives, ensuring full participation.
“Our meetings now get full participation because we’re educating clients on their risks and how to mitigate them,” Hernandez explained. “This builds trust and helps clients see cybersecurity as an investment, not just a cost.”
The Nonprofit Success Story
A standout example is the nonprofit that initially breached its HIPAA contract. After resolving the issue, PCS worked closely with the client to address additional vulnerabilities, ultimately turning around what had been a strained relationship.
“We went from the client wanting to look for a new MSP to really enjoying working with us,” Hernandez revealed. “We actually just closed a large, $125,000 infrastructure refresh project with them. That doesn’t happen if you lose credibility. Doing this type of work earns trust.”
Incidentally, PCS has helped more than a dozen nonprofits comply with HIPAA regulations, which highlights the value of proactive cybersecurity measures in building long-term client relationships.
Internal Growth at PCS Technology
Galactic Advisors not only enhanced PCS’s client services; it strengthened the company internally. Through Galactic’s training programs, PCS cultivated a unified cybersecurity-first culture, ensuring that every team member was aligned on best practices.
Initially, some employees resisted the shift, preferring convenient — but less secure — workarounds. Galactic’s training helped overcome these challenges, instilling a shared commitment to cybersecurity.
Additionally, Galactic supported PCS in developing a robust incident response process. In fact, the PCS team once managed a critical incident while Hernandez was on vacation in Hawaii, entirely without his involvement.
“[Galactic Advisors is] like our cybersecurity coach,” Hernandez said. “Knowing we have its support is incredibly reassuring.”
Advice for Other MSPs
For service providers considering Galactic Advisors, Hernandez offers this advice: The investment is worth it. Unlike other vendors that provide static dashboards or limited support, Galactic offers a true partnership.
“The depth of Galactic’s knowledge and its hands-on approach are unmatched,” Hernandez emphasized. “It’s not just another dashboard; it’s part of your team.”
Additionally, skipping third-party assessments or compliance checks can have severe consequences. Some of those include denied insurance claims or lawsuits, he cautioned. “If you’re not doing this work, you’re putting yourself and your clients at risk.”
A Roadmap for Success
Thanks to Galactic Advisors, PCS Technology is well on its way to transitioning from an MSP to a managed security service provider (MSSP) by 2025, Hernandez said. The partnership has improved PCS’s operations and positioned it as an industry leader.
For other MSPs seeking to grow and adapt, PCS’s experience offers a clear roadmap: Invest in partnerships, prioritize education, and stay proactive in cybersecurity.
“In this industry, if you’re not constantly learning and improving, you’re falling behind,” Hernandez concluded. “Galactic Advisors has been instrumental in keeping us ahead of the curve.”
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