The Company & Our Team

History

5 Star Data Systems, LLC was founded in New Hampshire in 2006 as an entity for the founder's IT and cybersecurity consulting projects. The business underwent significant evolution in 2020, as the pandemic highlighted critical cybersecurity gaps for many organizations. Transitioning from side work to a dedicated firm, 5 Star Data Systems began serving businesses across New England with a deep focus on cybersecurity solutions.

One of the earliest major engagements involved assisting a Massachusetts client in recovering from a damaging ransomware attack. Over the course of a week, the company’s systems were restored and operations resumed. However, the attack severely impacted the client’s reputation, contributing to its closure nine months later—a stark reminder of how cybersecurity failures can affect business continuity.

Since then, 5 Star Data Systems has supported additional businesses with ransomware recovery and advanced their cyber resilience by designing and implementing comprehensive security strategies. Our approach is guided by the NIST Cybersecurity Framework v2.0 and the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls, ensuring industry best practices are integrated into every solution.

In 2025, after earning his MS in Cybersecurity (Project Management concentration) from Norwich University, the founder committed to transforming 5 Star Data Systems from a side venture into a company fully dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized businesses. Our mission now centers on helping these firms—especially manufacturers in New England—strengthen their operations through efficient, effective cyber-resilience strategies.

While our roots are in serving manufacturers, 5 Star Data Systems is well-positioned to help any organization seeking to bolster its cybersecurity posture. Manufacturing remains one of the most underserved sectors for cybersecurity in the US, and we are committed to changing that—making advanced cyber-resilience both accessible and practical for every client we serve.

Randy Nethers

Founder / Principal Consultant

Introduction: Defining My Expertise and Journey in Cybersecurity

As the founder of 5 Star Data Systems, LLC, and a seasoned information security expert, I have spent over thirty years promoting strong cybersecurity practices, risk management, and compliance solutions for organizations in various sectors—especially small and medium-sized manufacturers in New England. My experience has been driven by a dedication to helping businesses build resilience in a rapidly changing digital world, facing threats, regulatory requirements, and operational challenges.

A Career in Cybersecurity and IT Leadership

My experience includes hands-on systems administration, advanced architecture design, and executive-level strategy. Starting with early roles in IT management and system design, I have grown into a recognized expert in information security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53, SP 800-171, ISO 27001/2, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. I have managed complex network and server environments and led numerous enterprise-scale deployments of diverse architectures. My technical skills are enhanced by scripting and automation experience, allowing organizations to modernize, optimize, and protect their data infrastructure.

Beyond technology, my value lies in program development, policy creation, and strategic consulting. Whether designing tailored virtual CISO (vCISO) program structures, building business continuity and disaster recovery plans, or performing vulnerability and penetration assessments, I consistently help clients lower risk, enhance compliance, and foster lasting security cultures.

Certifications, Education, and Commitment to Excellence

My academic journey will soon conclude with an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Norwich University, expected to graduate in February 2026. Additionally, I hold an MS in Cybersecurity with a focus on Project Management from Norwich University. I also possess prominent industry certifications, including CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) and CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), along with the ITIL Foundation certification, highlighting my dedication to ongoing professional development and adherence to international standards.

Having taught CompTIA Network+ and Security+ in high schools and adult learning programs, I actively invest in community education—training both emerging professionals and everyday users to recognize threats, understand compliance requirements, and practice safe cyber hygiene.

Vision and Mission: Advisory, Readiness, and Ongoing Partnership

At the core of my business philosophy is the belief that security should be practical, accessible, and built to last. This principle guides the service model at 5 Star Data Systems, which offers:

CMMC & NIST SP 800-171 compliance consulting and audit readiness
Incident response and ransomware recovery, tailored to manufacturing environments
Security awareness training—interactive, role-based, and adaptable for diverse teams
vCISO services—fractional executive leadership, strategic planning, and governance
Partner-managed Security Operations Center (SOC) and zero-trust solutions
Multi-layered ransomware defense solutions
Risk assessments, technical remediation, and ongoing compliance subscriptions

These services are intentionally crafted to empower resource-limited SMBs facing more complex threats and regulatory demands. Whether a client requires gap analysis, emergency incident support, or ongoing strategic guidance, my approach provides measurable results based on industry best practices and regional insights.

Adaptability and Market Alignment: The New England Advantage

With extensive regional expertise, I focus on meeting the needs of manufacturers who manage both operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) risks. This includes restoring production after ransomware attacks, updating legacy systems, enabling secure cloud migration, and guiding dual-facility operations through compliance programs like CMMC and DFARS. I have a proven history of helping organizations achieve rapid audit readiness—often turning urgent challenges into opportunities for long-term improvement and contract retention.

Using actionable market research, I see that New England’s manufacturing sector consistently lacks enough cybersecurity support. This sense of urgency guides my consulting and partnership efforts, fostering ongoing relationships with MSPs, legal advisors, and industry groups, while also encouraging peer networking among regional practitioners.

Thought Leadership, Collaboration, and Scalability

I actively engage with the community through LinkedIn Insights, local workshops, and event participation, covering topics from regulatory updates (like CMMC deadlines and ransomware threats) to hands-on demonstrations of solutions. My focus on transparent pricing, social proof through testimonials, and real-world case studies supports my credibility and builds trust with both new and established clients.

Recognizing the challenges of talent shortages and regulatory changes, I advocate for using automation, AI-driven risk assessment, and scalable virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) services through platforms like Cynomi. These strategic investments enable my consulting practice to serve more clients more efficiently while consistently providing the high-touch, personalized service expected by local manufacturers and SMBs.

Commitment to Results—What Sets Me Apart

Over 30 years in IT and cybersecurity, focused on SMB manufacturers and regulated environments.
Certified and credentialed: CISSP, CISM, MBA, MS in Cybersecurity, Registered Provider Organization (RPO) with CMMC Registered Practitioner (RP) training.
Breadth and depth of skills: From technical infrastructure mastery to executive advisory and educational leadership.
Practical orientation: Providing hands-on solutions to ransomware, cyber hygiene, compliance, and business continuity challenges.
Strategic vision: Scaling service offerings to address regional market gaps, regulatory drivers, and long-term client partnerships.
Community impact: Commitment to knowledge-sharing, training, and leadership in both public and private sectors.

A Forward-Looking Approach

As the digital landscape becomes more complex, my forward-thinking approach combines practical experience, mature process management, flexible service delivery, and innovative technology solutions. My aim is to help New England’s manufacturers and SMBs not just survive but thrive—building genuine resilience, future-proofing operations, and protecting contracts and reputations in an era where cybersecurity is essential to business success.

Whether through designing secure network architectures, guiding multi-cloud migrations, or leading incident response exercises, I bring unmatched expertise, empathy, and a results-oriented focus to every project. My partners and clients see me not only as a trusted advisor but as an ally on the ongoing journey toward digital resilience, regulatory compliance, and peace of mind that lasts.