On Saturday, February 14, 2026, ControlAltProtect’s sponsored NASCAR driver, Mason Maggio, was set to compete at Daytona International Speedway in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Entering the season with more experience, stronger preparation, increased sponsorship support, and his trademark passion for racing, Mason was optimistic about his performance and the year ahead.
But racing, like business, doesn’t always go according to plan.
Just after the green flag dropped, an incident on lap one caused significant damage to his vehicle, forcing him out of the race as the first DNF. Dead last. Zero points earned. A tough start that puts him at a disadvantage heading into the next event. It was heartbreaking to watch, especially knowing it wasn’t due to lack of preparation or effort. Sometimes, the unforeseen simply happens.
And that’s exactly the point.
This story isn’t just about racing, it’s about the daily challenges organizations face in the race to defeat hackers.
Many business owners believe that mounting a strong cybersecurity defense requires taking on heavy debt, so they delay action or do nothing at all. While they may feel they’re protecting short-term margins, they’re leaving their networks exposed to data theft, ransomware, and operational shutdowns. They’re not prepared for the unexpected. And in cybersecurity, the unexpected is inevitable.
We insure nearly everything that matters: our homes, vehicles, health, and businesses. Many even carry cyber insurance. Yet when it comes to investing in actual cybersecurity controls, monitoring, and resilience, the decision suddenly feels personal and negotiable. Owners ask: “How much should I spend?” or “Will my cyber insurance even pay a claim if I’m not doing enough to protect my data?”
Too often, the answer is no.
Mason’s season isn’t over. With a full race schedule ahead, he has multiple opportunities to gain points and climb the standings. A comeback is not only possible, it’s expected.
For an unprotected business hit by a serious cyberattack, however, the road back is far more punishing. Recovery can cost enough to put some companies out of business entirely. Ransom payments (themselves legally risky), mandatory breach notifications, legal exposure, downtime, lost productivity, and revenue erosion quickly add up. Reputation damage can linger for years, and that cost is nearly impossible to measure.
Ironically, many organizations gamble on avoiding an attack to save what might equal the annual cost of a single employee, only to face remediation bills that can exceed a quarter of a million dollars or more.
With the right investments in cybersecurity, business continuity, backup, and disaster recovery, much of that damage can be prevented or dramatically reduced. Strong security doesn’t just reduce risk, it becomes a competitive advantage. It signals to customers that their data matters and their trust is valued.
In the race to defeat hackers, the starting line should be a Technology Threat Assessment — a true consulting and engineering engagement, not a sales pitch. It establishes your current security posture, identifies gaps, and builds a practical, prioritized strategy forward.
The goal is resilience.
Be more like Mason: prepare seriously, expect the unexpected, and have a strategy that keeps you in the race. Able to continue doing business without missing a beat, even when conditions change. Check out our racing page: https://www.controlaltprotect.com/mason-maggio-racing/