Choice Cyber Solution’s Alex Spigel: Bridging the gap between compliance and culture

In an industry often defined by firewalls and forensics, Alex Spigel, co-founder and COO of Choice Cyber Solutions, has built her reputation on something more nuanced: the human side of cybersecurity.

With a background that blends IT risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and a passion for people, Spigel is helping redefine what effective security leadership looks like and has been recognized as a "Woman to Watch" as part of SC Media's Women in IT Security for 2025.

At Choice Cyber Solutions, Spigel’s focus is on partnering with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to deliver top-tier security and compliance services. Her expertise in bridging the gap between technical requirements and client needs has made her a trusted voice in translating complex regulations into actionable business strategies.

“Compliance can be a competitive advantage,” Spigel said — a principle that has become a cornerstone of her leadership philosophy.

Yet cybersecurity wasn’t her first calling. “I didn’t set out to work in cybersecurity,” Spigel admitted. “But I was always drawn to the intersection of people, systems, and risk.”

Early in her career, she saw firsthand how vulnerable organizations were — not just to technical threats, but to gaps in policy and awareness. That realization set her on a mission to build programs that are as human-centered as they are technically sound.

As she advanced into leadership, Spigel leaned into qualities often overlooked in security: collaboration, empathy, and education.

“Outstanding leadership entails creating space for others to lead,” she said. That mindset has shaped both her company’s culture and her broader approach to mentorship and inclusion.

One of Spigel’s proudest professional milestones came through her work on the GTIA (formerly CompTIA) Cybersecurity Trustmark, an initiative that helps providers elevate security standards across the IT channel. “It was a genuine team effort,” she said, “but being part of something that raises the bar for the entire industry is incredibly meaningful.”

At Choice Cyber Solutions, her impact extends well beyond the company’s walls. By empowering MSPs to deliver “compliance as a service,” Spigel and her team are helping organizations navigate frameworks like CMMC and HIPAA — turning what many view as regulatory burdens into opportunities for operational improvement.

“We’re amplifying our impact far beyond our own company,” she explained. “It’s about helping others redefine how compliance is understood across the industry.”

Her journey, however, has not been without challenges. As a woman in cybersecurity — particularly one focused on governance and risk rather than hacking — Spigel has sometimes had to “prove it twice.”

Rather than change course, she doubled down on her expertise. “I earned respect by delivering results, staying informed, and showing up for others,” she said.

Today, she uses that platform to advocate for a broader, more inclusive vision of cybersecurity leadership.

That advocacy extends to her mentorship work. Spigel regularly mentors women in cybersecurity and creates learning spaces designed to be welcoming rather than intimidating.

“Inclusion isn’t optional,” she said. “It’s a strategic advantage.”

Whether through conference sessions, webinars, or internal culture initiatives, she champions the idea of “lifting as you climb,” ensuring women in compliance and policy roles are seen and supported.

Looking to the future, Spigel sees the next evolution of the industry as one where compliance, culture, and security converge.

“The most successful organizations will embed security into every part of their business, not just their IT teams,” she predicted.

At Choice Cyber Solutions, that vision is already taking shape through policies, training programs, and risk management strategies that are built for the real world.

“I view my role as both a guide and an amplifier,” she said. “My job is to translate complexity into clarity — and help others succeed along the way.”