With the digital world expanding at an unprecedented pace, few have dared to tackle its vulnerabilities with the determination of Charles Dray, founder and CEO of Resonance. His vision for cybersecurity is as ambitious as it is personal—combining cutting-edge technology with human understanding to create a safer digital future for individuals and organizations alike. For Dray, cybersecurity is more than a business—it’s a calling rooted in a life shaped by challenges and self-discovery.
“My upbringing—growing up in a difficult family situation—shaped my perspective,” Dray explains. Originally pursuing biochemistry in college, he shifted his focus to psychology to better understand his struggles with depression and identity. This newfound understanding of human behavior became the foundation for his unique approach to protecting digital systems.
Parallel to his personal journey, Dray nurtured a lifelong fascination with technology. From an early age, he explored computers and gaming systems, dissecting their inner workings and testing their safety. 
“I loved figuring out how things worked—finding cheat codes, taking apart computers, and investigating security vulnerabilities,” he recalls. Dray’s professional journey began at JP Morgan, where he started integrating his understanding of human behavior with the technical complexities of digital systems. It was there that he saw how psychology could help address weaknesses in cybersecurity. Around the same time, Dray delved into the emerging world of blockchain technology, drawn to its potential as well as its risks.
“I wasn’t the first to discover blockchain, but I was pretty early,” Dray says, reflecting on his exploration of blockchain’s security implications and possibilities.”
Dray’s entrepreneurial instincts soon took hold. An early adopter of Decentraland, he turned affordable plots of virtual land into digital art galleries, demonstrating a knack for identifying trends ahead of their time. During this period, he forged a friendship with Keir Finlow-Bates, a prominent blockchain expert known as “Blockchain Gandalf,” who now serves as an advisor to Resonance. But success didn’t come without sacrifice. To fund Resonance, Dray liquidated nearly all his assets, including cryptocurrency holdings, equities, and much of his 401(k).
“This wasn’t about comfort or luxury—it was about trust in my vision,” Dray explains. Unlike tech leaders who misuse investor funds for personal gain, Dray reinvested every dollar into building Resonance from the ground up. “Every dime I’ve made has gone into creating a company that prioritizes its mission over personal indulgence,” he emphasizes.
Launched with just four employees, Resonance has grown into a dynamic organization with a team of 17 and a client base spanning industries like government, education, entertainment, and sports. Resonance’s reach is as broad as its mission, with a clientele ranging from high school students to NFL players, musicians, celebrities, and even government officials.
What sets Resonance apart is its holistic approach to cybersecurity. Unlike traditional solutions that focus solely on technology, Resonance integrates proactive defense, user education, and multi-layered protection to create an all-encompassing shield against cyber threats.
“We don’t just protect your devices—we empower you to recognize and avoid threats,” Dray explains. Resonance’s services include proactive defense, real-time monitoring and protection that prevents breaches before they happen; education and training, teaching users to identify and combat phishing, malware, and other threats; and multi-layered protection, offering cyber insurance with coverage of up to $500,000 for worst-case scenarios.
One of Resonance’s standout features is its user-friendly application, which provides real-time security for both mobile devices and workstations.
“Even if you accidentally click on something malicious, our tools will step in to protect you,” Dray explains. Dray likens this approach to his passion for kayaking. “When I’m out on the ocean, I rely on redundancy to stay safe—life jackets, extra paddles, radios. The same principle applies to cybersecurity: you need multiple layers of protection to handle the unexpected.”
Resonance has made waves in industries ranging from education to entertainment. For example, the company has partnered with Conference USA, helping safeguard the digital lives of college athletes now receiving compensation for their work. Resonance has also extended its services to high school students and school systems, ensuring young people are equipped to navigate the online world safely. In the entertainment industry, Resonance protects the digital assets of music artists, celebrities, and sports figures, offering personalized solutions for individuals with high-stakes exposure. Government entities, including the Department of Homeland Security, have also turned to Resonance for cybersecurity strategies tailored to politicians and officials. This wide-ranging impact reflects Resonance’s versatility. Whether serving Fortune 500 companies or individual users, Resonance ensures that cybersecurity is accessible, effective, and adaptable.
Resonance has quickly established itself as a leader in the cybersecurity field. Ranked as the top cybersecurity company on LinkedIn, Resonance gains over 3,500 organic followers every 90 days, a testament to its growing influence. Competing with industry giants like Google-owned Mandiant, CrowdStrike, and niche players like BlackCloak, Resonance stands out for its innovative yet approachable solutions.
“We take things a step further,” Dray says. “Our goal is not just to protect, but to build trust. Cybersecurity is about creating an environment where people feel safe to innovate and connect.”
As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, Dray is unwavering in his commitment to innovation, trust, and purpose-driven leadership. His dedication has built more than just a company—it’s built a legacy of resilience and empowerment. Dray’s journey from a difficult upbringing to becoming a cybersecurity pioneer underscores the transformative power of determination and vision. By blending human insight with technical expertise, he is shaping a future where individuals and organizations can thrive in a safer digital landscape.
“Cybersecurity isn’t just a service—it’s a commitment to making the world safer,” Dray says. Resonance’s success is proof that with heart, innovation, and purpose, the digital future can be both secure and empowering.
As cyber threats evolve, the need for trustworthy and innovative solutions becomes ever more critical. Under Charles Dray’s leadership, Resonance has become a beacon of hope in the digital age, proving that resilience and creativity can overcome even the most daunting challenges. Trust, innovation, and resilience—Resonance is leading the way toward a safer tomorrow.
