> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # From Cyberstalking to Cybersecurity Leadership: Kelley Misata’s Mission to Protect Nonprofits - URL: https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/from-cyberstalking-to-cybersecurity-leadership-kelley-misatas-mission-to-protect-nonprofits/ - Published: 2026-03-10T17:08:52.000Z - Updated: 2026-04-15T14:12:31.000Z - Description: In this episode of CYBR.SEC.CAST, the hosts sit down with Dr. Kelley Misata, CEO of Sightline Security, to explore the often-overlooked cybersecurity challenges facing nonprofit organizations. - Author: Bill Brenner - Tags: CYBR.SEC.CAST, podcast, non-profit security In this episode of **CYBR.SEC.CAST**, the hosts sit down with **Dr. Kelley Misata, CEO of Sightline Security**, to explore the often-overlooked cybersecurity challenges facing nonprofit organizations. Misata shares her powerful origin story — how a personal experience with cyberstalking led her to pursue a PhD in cybersecurity and ultimately launch a nonprofit dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations assess and improve their security posture. She also discusses the misconceptions surrounding nonprofit cybersecurity, the communication gap between security professionals and nonprofit leaders, and why “nonprofit” is simply a tax designation, not a reflection of an organization’s sophistication or risk exposure. Misata also explains how Sightline Security’s **Kickstart program**, built around a simplified interpretation of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, helps nonprofits identify practical security priorities and build sustainable cyber resilience. [Subscribe to the CYBR.SEC.Media newsletter](#/portal/signup/free) **SHOW NOTES:** **Things Mentioned:** - **Website for Sightline Security:** [https://sightlinesecurity.org/](https://sightlinesecurity.org/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) - **Kickstarter program:** [https://sightlinesecurity.org/kickstart](https://sightlinesecurity.org/kickstart?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) - **Upcoming CYBR.SEC.Community events:** - **CYBR.SEC.Careers:** [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cybr-sec-careers/about/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cybr-sec-careers/about/?ref=cybrsecmedia.com) **fundraisers:** - **Cards for a Cause:** [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cybr-sec-careers\_cybrseccareers-nonprofit-cybersecurity-activity-7436794892787359744-v4Cz](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cybr-sec-careers%5Fcybrseccareers-nonprofit-cybersecurity-activity-7436794892787359744-v4Cz?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAAznX8BNRuE7M9-TAcZRXWBU%5FxVm1GyipA) - **CYBR CLAY SHOOT:** [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cybr-sec-careers\_cybrclayshoot-cybersecurity-cybercareers-activity-7435353518951084033-1iw9](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cybr-sec-careers%5Fcybrclayshoot-cybersecurity-cybercareers-activity-7435353518951084033-1iw9?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAAznX8BNRuE7M9-TAcZRXWBU%5FxVm1GyipA) - Proceeds support CYBR.SEC.Careers mission is to build a strong, diverse workforce by providing career exposure, access to education and certifications, and mentorship for students and veterans pursuing careers in cybersecurity. **EPISODE 63 Timestamps:** - **4:14 – Kelley Misata’s origin story** Dr. Misata explains how she unexpectedly entered cybersecurity after being the victim of cyberstalking while working at a technology company. - **5:25 – Turning a personal crisis into a cybersecurity PhD** Instead of retreating from the experience, Misata pursued a PhD in cybersecurity to better understand how the technology behind the attacks worked. - **6:09 – Early work with the Tor Project and open source security** Her research journey led to working with the Tor Project and later serving as president of the Open Information Security Foundation. - **6:27 – Researching cybersecurity risks facing nonprofits** Misata describes her doctoral research studying nonprofits that assist domestic violence and human trafficking victims, focusing on how organizations protect both their operations and the people they serve. - **8:44 – The moment she realized nonprofits cared about cybersecurity** Her dissertation survey received far more responses than expected, revealing that nonprofit organizations were eager to engage on cybersecurity issues. - **9:00 – From dissertation to mission: founding Sightline Security** Encouraged by colleagues, Misata launched Sightline Security in 2018 to help nonprofits understand and assess their cybersecurity posture. - **12:00 – Debunking the “security poverty line” myth** Misata explains that nonprofits aren’t necessarily under-resourced—they simply operate under different financial and operational models than traditional businesses. - **14:24 – The communication gap between security pros and nonprofits** She shares an example where security practitioners assumed nonprofits lacked basic controls, but the real issue was simply a language mismatch around security terminology. - **16:09 – The wide range of nonprofit cybersecurity maturity** Nonprofits span the entire spectrum—from small volunteer organizations to large institutions with enterprise-level infrastructure and IT teams. - **19:57 – Why “nonprofit” is just a tax designation** Misata emphasizes that nonprofit status reflects IRS reporting requirements—not the size, sophistication, or resources of the organization. - **22:48 – Sightline Security’s Kickstart program** Misata outlines Sightline’s approach to helping nonprofits assess cybersecurity risks using a simplified version of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework translated into nonprofit-friendly language. - **25:59 – Making cybersecurity part of daily operations** Rather than overwhelming organizations with complex frameworks, Sightline helps nonprofits prioritize two or three key security improvements that fit their operations. - **26:24 – Closing reflections on turning adversity into impact** The hosts highlight Misata’s journey from cyberstalking victim to cybersecurity leader and advocate for nonprofit security resilience. Do you have a question for the hosts? 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