Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business 1220: The entrepreneur delivering a cybersecurity engineer in a box straight to YOUR home WiFi w/ Erik Barnett
Cybersecurity isn’t just for big businesses anymore—it’s something every entrepreneur, household, and solopreneur needs to think about. In this eye-opening episode, Erik Barnett, founder of HomeSirens, breaks down why we’re all vulnerable and how he created a plug-and-play cybersecurity solution that anyone can use. With a background in the U.S. Marines and deep experience in enterprise security, Erik’s entrepreneurial journey is grounded in mission, impact, and innovation. His insights are essential for anyone building a tech-driven or customer-focused business.
💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business
- 🔐 How to turn a technical skill into a mass-market product
- 💡 Why educating your customers can become a major brand differentiator
- 🧠 How curiosity and creativity fuel entrepreneurial innovation
- 🛡️ What hacking-as-a-service is—and why it’s an emerging threat to small businesses
- 📦 The power of simplifying complex tech into a “plug-and-play” experience
- 🌐 How to think like a hacker to future-proof your business
- ⚙️ Why AI is both a powerful tool and a cybersecurity risk
📝 About the Guest
Erik Barnett is the founder and inventor of HomeSirens, an AI-powered cybersecurity device designed to protect everyday people from real digital threats. With a background in military cybersecurity and enterprise consulting for Fortune 10 companies, Erik brings a unique blend of technical mastery and user empathy. He created HomeSirens to make security as simple as plugging in a device—no technical skills required. His passion for tech and people makes him a rare and compelling voice in cybersecurity.
🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
“Don’t stop. If you believe in the impact you’re creating, everything else will fall into place.”
Key takeaways from Erik’s advice:
✔ Stay mission-driven—purpose will outlast challenges
✔ Focus on serving people, not chasing money
✔ Pay attention to the details; execution is everything
📢 Memorable Quotes
- “Hackers don’t care that you’re a nobody online. If you have an identity, you’re a target.” – Erik Barnett
- “If I can help someone protect their home just by sending a text that updates their firewall… why wouldn’t I?” – Erik Barnett
- “AI doesn’t understand emotions—and that’s why it can’t always make the best decision.” – Erik Barnett
💡 Actionable Takeaways
- ✅ Audit your home or business for smart devices without built-in protection
- ✅ Don’t rely solely on VPNs—especially for smart TVs, appliances, or security systems
- ✅ Educate yourself on phishing and text scams (not just email threats)
- ✅ Use AI in your business, but know what data you’re feeding into it—and who can access it
🔗 Links & Resources