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 / Principle Consultant

Introduction: Defining My Expertise and Journey in Cybersecurity

As the founder of 5 Star Data Systems, LLC and a seasoned information security professional, I have dedicated over three decades to championing robust cybersecurity practices, risk management, and compliance solutions for organizations across diverse sectors—with a distinct emphasis on small and medium-sized manufacturers in New England. My journey has been shaped by a commitment to empowering businesses to achieve resilience in the face of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, including threats, regulatory obligations, and operational risks.

A Career in Cybersecurity and IT Leadership

My experiences span hands-on systems administration, advanced architecture design, and executive-level strategy. Beginning with early careers in IT management and system design, I have steadily evolved into a recognized subject matter expert in information security frameworks, including NIST SP 800-53, SP 800-171, ISO 27001/2, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. I have administered complex network and server environments and led multiple enterprise-scale deployments of heterogeneous architectures. My technical fluency is complemented by scripting and automation experience, enabling organizations to modernize, optimize, and safeguard their data infrastructure.

Beyond technology, my value is anchored in program development, policy design, and strategic consulting. Whether developing tailored virtual CISO (vCISO) program structures, architecting business continuity and disaster recovery plans, or conducting vulnerability and penetration assessments, I have consistently helped clients reduce risk, improve compliance, and build enduring security cultures.

Certifications, Education, and Commitment to Excellence

My academic journey will soon culminate with an MBA, with a concentration in Finance, from Norwich University, scheduled for graduation in February 2026. Additionally, I hold an MS in Cybersecurity (with a concentration in Project Management) from Norwich University. I also hold leading industry certifications, including CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) and CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), as well as the ITIL Foundation certification, underscoring my commitment to continuous professional growth and adherence to global standards.

Having instructed CompTIA Network+ and Security+ across high school and adult learning environments, I actively invest in community education—equipping both emerging professionals and everyday users to recognize threats, understand compliance mandates, and practice safe cyber hygiene.

Vision and Mission: Advisory, Readiness, and Ongoing Partnership

At the heart of my business philosophy is the belief that security must be practical, accessible, and built to last. This principle shapes 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 deliberately designed to empower resource-constrained SMBs facing increasingly sophisticated attacks and regulatory requirements. Whether a client needs gap analysis, emergency incident support, or ongoing strategic leadership, my approach delivers measurable outcomes rooted in industry best practices and regional insight.

Adaptability and Market Alignment: The New England Advantage

With deep regional expertise, I specialize in addressing the needs of manufacturers who navigate both operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) risks. This includes restoring production after ransomware incidents, modernizing legacy systems, facilitating secure cloud migration, and guiding dual-facility operations through compliance programs such as CMMC and DFARS. I have a proven record of supporting organizations through rapid audit readiness—often turning urgent challenges into opportunities for lasting improvement and contract retention.

Leveraging actionable market research, I recognize that New England’s manufacturing sector faces chronic underservice regarding cybersecurity. This urgency informs both my consulting and partnership strategies, driving ongoing relationships with MSPs, legal advisors, and industry associations, as well as facilitating peer networking among regional practitioners.

Thought Leadership, Collaboration, and Scalability

I actively engage with the community through LinkedIn Insights, local workshops, and event participation, addressing topics ranging from regulatory updates (such as CMMC deadlines and ransomware threats) to hands-on solution demonstrations. My focus on transparent pricing, social proof via testimonials, and real-world case studies substantiates my credibility and fosters trust with new and established clients.

Recognizing the challenges of talent shortages and regulatory changes, I champion the use of automation, AI-enabled risk assessment, and scalable vCISO offerings through platforms like Cynomi. These strategic investments allow my consulting practice to serve more clients with greater efficiency, while always maintaining the high-touch delivery and personalization 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 increasingly complex, my forward-thinking approach combines hands-on experience, mature process management, adaptable service delivery, and cutting-edge technology solutions. My goal is to help New England’s manufacturers and SMBs not only survive but thrive—building real resilience, future-proofing operations, and safeguarding contracts and reputations in an era where cybersecurity is inseparable from business success.

Whether through designing secure network architectures, guiding multi-cloud migrations, or leading incident response exercises, I bring unrivaled expertise, empathy, and a results-driven focus to every engagement. My partners and clients know me not only as a trusted advisor but as an ally in the ongoing journey toward digital resilience, regulatory compliance, and lasting peace of mind.