About Lori Crooks
Lori Crooks helps software companies tackle cybersecurity compliance with clarity, confidence, and zero jargon. She’s the founder of Cadra, a woman-owned consultancy that makes navigating complex frameworks like FedRAMP, NIST, and HIPAA not just doable—but surprisingly calm.
With over 15 years of experience translating regulatory chaos into clear, manageable steps, Lori brings a human-first approach to an industry known for overwhelm. She’s a seasoned compliance expert, corporate escapee, and firm believer that getting things right doesn’t have to mean losing your mind in the process.
Known for her no-drama demeanor and practical wisdom, Lori built Cadra for startups and small teams who want to meet security standards without drowning in documents. Clients say she’s refreshingly real, calm under pressure, and exactly the kind of guide you want when the audit clock is ticking.
Latest Media Hits
Scams, AI Threats & IT Security with Lori Crooks
- 04/27/2026
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem anymore — it’s a business problem, a consumer problem, and honestly, a people problem. In this episode, we sit down with Lori Crooks, Founder and CEO of Cadra, Inc., a security assessment and management firm helping organizations navigate the complex and ever-evolving world of information security.
With nearly two decades of experience across NIST, FedRAMP, HIPAA, PCI, and SOC compliance frameworks, Lori has seen it all — from enterprise-level data breaches to the everyday scams that are catching regular people completely off guard.
Cybersecurity as a Business Asset: Insights with Lori Crooks
- 04/1/2026
Richard Walsh is joined by cybersecurity expert Lori Crooks to discuss cybersecurity’s vital role in today’s business landscape.
Lori shares insights on viewing data as a profit center, emphasizing layered protection and encryption. They explore the complexities of cybersecurity audits, challenges for Department of Defense contractors, and managing security in large organizations.
Topics include continuous monitoring, strategic planning for client diversification, and profit retention. Lori also highlights delegation, training, and creating a sustainable work environment, concluding with an offer for free cybersecurity consultations.
Building a Resilient Security Posture with Expert Lori Crooks
- 04/21/2026
In this episode of Disrupt & Innovate, Lisa L. Levy sits down with Lori Crooks, founder and CEO of Cadra, to discuss why proactive information security is the only way to build a truly resilient business in today’s digital landscape.
Lori shares her entrepreneurial journey and explains why organizations—especially those navigating complex frameworks like CMMC and FedRAMP—must integrate security controls into their daily operations from the ground up. We dive into the reality that data protection isn’t just an IT issue; it’s a business growth engine.
Lori breaks down how to move from reactive “firefighting” to a proactive security posture that protects sensitive data, ensures compliance, and builds deep trust with engaged customers.
The Douglas Robbins Show: Cybersecurity with Expert Lori Crooks
- 03/26/2026
Do you ever feel like the internet is the Wild West and that no one is looking out for you? I mean how many times a day do you have to protect your identity or back accounts or be cautious of some phishing email that looks like it’s from a friend?
Ever wonder how all the phishing and spam and hackers get in?
Today I speak with my dear friend and cybersecurity expert Lori Crooks about topics ranging from data breaches to election interference to how to protect your business.
Lori is the founder and CEO of Cadra, a trusted cybersecurity & compliance company. If you run a business, they can help you protect your customers information while protecting your business from costly breaches.
Navigating Compliance in the AI Era: Lori Crooks on Cybersecurity and Risk Management
- 02/9/2026
In this episode, cybersecurity auditing expert Lori Crooks joins Glen to break down CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) and why it’s about to become unavoidable for thousands of organizations connected to the Defense Industrial Base. They explore what CMMC actually requires, how Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) drives compliance scope, and why small subcontractors and “subs of subs” are often the most at risk.
Lori walks through readiness assessments, audits, incident response requirements, and the real costs of getting compliant, including tooling, documentation, and third-party auditors. The conversation also covers FedRAMP, NIST frameworks, AI governance risks, cloud security, and why even printers, mobile devices, and ticketing systems can become cybersecurity liabilities. If your organization works with the DoD, government agencies, or sensitive data, this episode offers a clear, real-world look at what compliance actually takes and why waiting may cost you future contracts.
Navigating Compliance in the AI Era: Lori Crooks on Cybersecurity and Risk Management
- 09/30/2025
Innovation in Compliance: Navigating Cybersecurity Compliance: From Physical Audits to AI Frameworks with Lori Crooks.
- 09/09/2025
- Innovation is present in many areas, and compliance professionals must not only be prepared for it but also actively embrace it. Join Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, as he visits with top innovative minds, thinkers, and creators in the award-winning Innovation in Compliance podcast. In this episode, host Tom Fox visits with Lori Crooks, a seasoned professional in the field of cybersecurity and audit assessments, to discuss the evolution of auditing practices from physical infrastructure to cloud and AI.
- Lori shares insights from her extensive career, highlighting key federal compliance frameworks like NIST 800-53, FedRAMP, and NIST 800-171. Lori stresses the importance of proactive compliance strategies and scalable GRC programs. As AI integration accelerates, she also addresses the challenges of adapting compliance frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements and the need to foster collaboration within organizations to effectively meet regulatory requirements.
Cyber Compliance for Visibility: Protect Your Brand.
- 09/04/2025
Entrepreneurs often think visibility means being seen everywhere, but if your systems aren’t secure, that visibility can backfire. Lori Crooks reminds us that cybersecurity is not just a tech issue, it’s a trust issue, a brand issue, and ultimately, a visibility issue. Small businesses aren’t immune to threats, and in today’s world, protecting your business is protecting your reputation. Whether you’re scaling a software startup or building a consulting brand, proactive compliance is a leadership move that positions you for growth, partnership, and long-term success.
How to Pivot Into Tech Without Experience & Find Your Voice in a Male-Dominated Industry with Lori Crooks
- 07/22/2025
- What if one bold step could launch a whole new career? When Lori Crooks left accounting for a cybersecurity role she wasn’t “qualified” for, it set her on the path to becoming a tech CEO and business owner. On From a Woman to a Leader, Lori shares how she built confidence in male-dominated rooms, created visibility as an introvert, and turned compliance expertise into a thriving consulting business. You’ll hear practical lessons on breaking into tech, finding your voice, and growing through mentorship and networking. A must-listen if you’re eyeing a career pivot—or leadership that feels a little out of reach.
UnHacked - Cybersecurity Made Simple for Small Businesses
Episode 47. Architects of Defense with Lori Crooks
- 04/03/2025
Ep 16: Lori Crooks: Cybersecurity, Compliance, and the Realities of Entrepreneurship
- 04/30/2025
On Dear Tech, Lori Crooks, Founder and CEO of Cadra, shares her journey from finance to IT auditing to building a cybersecurity consultancy that makes compliance approachable. With 20+ years of experience, she unpacks what most companies get wrong about security and why the human side of compliance matters. Highlights include:
- Leaving corporate life to launch Cadra
- Why compliance is misunderstood—and often ignored
- The real-world impact of FedRAMP, NIST, and CMMC
- How AI is reshaping cybersecurity compliance
- Leadership lessons, mentorship, and a hard drive with bullet holes.
- A candid look at building a values-driven business in a field too often buried in jargon.
Thriving In an IT Environment as a Woman with Lori Crooks
- 03/27/2024
“We can only control ourselves – we cannot control how someone responds to us.
Lori Crooks, CEO of CADRA, began her working life crunching numbers and auditing in accounting, before life as an IT auditor and working with companies to ensure that they comply with security standards and apply best practices. Many businesses are simply overwhelmed and unsure where to turn; Lori ensures that companies have the guidance they need to comply and for their IT environments to be secure. Lori encourages women to achieve appropriate education, but also to create a connection with men. The IT industry is a male-dominated one, however, connections are important and can be forged through conversation, having a sense of humor, and perhaps sometimes via sarcasm. Lori teaches that women need to believe in themselves when they sit at a table where they are the only female and remind themselves that they deserve to be there as much as any male. Never forget to have an open mind, and to seek out different opinions.
How to Keep Your Business Safe: Cybersecurity Tips for Entrepreneurs with Lori Crooks
- 10/29/2024
“Welcome to another amazing episode of Boss Your Business Podcast! Today, we’re diving deep into the fascinating and intricate world of cybersecurity with our special guest, Lori Crooks.
In this episode, Lori shares her insights on the common pitfalls businesses face when it comes to data security, offers valuable tips on user training and access control, and discusses the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity regulations. She also opens up about her personal passions, including her love for puzzles and finding balance amidst the chaos of her demanding career.
Get ready to arm yourself with the knowledge to safeguard your business and sleep better at night knowing your data is secure.”