Basement to boardroom: how F12 became a cyber powerhouse

The F12 key inspired the name—and launched a national IT powerhouse. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

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From a humble basement operation to a national leader in IT and cybersecurity services, F12’s story is a powerful case study in resilience, foresight and evolution. In a deep-dive conversation, founder Alex Webb shares defining moments, industry insights and his vision for the future of Canadian cybersecurity. 

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Humble beginnings, unexpected growth 

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Founded in 1996, F12 began with a simple mission: to help people use technology to improve their lives and businesses. What started in Webb’s basement under names like Systems and SSI, quickly outgrew its modest roots. “Started in my basement really just providing basic IT services,” he says. “We didn’t even plan for it to be anything that would come out of the basement.” 

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The F12 name: function meets identity 

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The rebrand in 2011 marked a turning point. Inspired by the inert F12 key on a keyboard, the name now triggers F12’s client portal, becoming both a brand and a utility. 

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“I really wanted a name that was simple, easy to remember,” Webb says. “Now F12 launches our support portal.” 

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Early, difficult moments 

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From tax lessons to capital raises, the early years were full of trials. A pivotal shift came in 2001, when Webb envisioned a managed services model, a single monthly fee covering hardware, support, and monitoring. “What if I could just do this for one monthly payment?”… It just included everything.”  

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The idea caught on. His first investor, a client—believed in the vision and is still a partner today. 

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Managed services: ahead of the curve 

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Before it became mainstream, F12 was already pioneering the managed services model. This pivot to recurring revenue enabled consistent growth and deeper client partnerships. “This really gave us a leg up,” Webb says. “We could take over IT and do it all for one price.” 

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Today’s edge: AI and cybersecurity 

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Webb now sees AI and security as inseparable pillars. While AI boosts productivity, it also enhances threats, demanding next-gen tools and faster response systems. “The bad guys are using AI,” he says. “We need better security and tools. We need to demystify AI.” 

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Advice for cyber newcomers 

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Curiosity, strong networking fundamentals and real-world thinking are key for anyone entering the cybersecurity space, says Webb. Credentials are helpful—but hunger and problem-solving matter more. “Candidates should be asking: Do I really have an appetite for this? Having a very strong network background is also key.” 

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Industry red flag: MDR confusion 

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A warning to buyers: MDR (managed detection and response) is often misused. Many tools claim the title without providing real-time response, human oversight, or true accountability. “Who is managing the alerts? Who’s taking on the job of remediation?” Webb asks. 

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Resilience and recovery are back 

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Modern breaches are compromising backups, triggering a return to holistic disaster recovery planning. Prevention is no longer enough; resilience is the new priority.