As some of the most innovative and dedicated people in Alberta's Information Security, (ISC)² Alberta members represent the current and future leaders of our businesses and local communities.
We're proud to take this opportunity to highlight our members and the differences they are making in their professions. Explore their success stories below.
Q) Tell us about what inspires and motivates you to pursue a career in InfoSec / Cybersecurity?
"This is a highly in-demand career to pursue and needed in almost every facet of IT. It is a constantly evolving and essential skill, and I personally enjoy critical thinking and the ability to adapt in this dynamic field. A career in cybersecurity will always be highly in demand and can never be boring. In our digital age, cybersecurity plays a vital role in ensuring online safety, and to defend internet-connected devices from malicious attacks. With the increasing number of users and devices combined with an increased deluge of data, the need for online security is growing at a rapid pace. Today’s criminals are well educated, highly skilled and sophisticated, and the chance of cyber-attacks is at its peak. Cyber security skills are instrumental in preventing attacks that aim to disrupt our systems. Security is an essential ingredient in every information system and should be baked in, rather than bolted on when designing and building software or hardware both from a functional and technical perspective. These skills provide me with a well-rounded knowledge of all aspects of Architecture."
Q) Talk about your history in the IT / InfoSec / Cybersecurity world.
"I have over 22 years IT experience in the private and public sector across North America working with complex, highly integrated ERP systems for most of my career. Currently, I am a Lead Architect at the University of Calgary with their Finance & Supply Chain ERP application. My roles have required providing high level technical expertise and leadership in the development, architecture, and sustainment of very large and advanced critical business systems. I have also been engaged as an instructor with the University of Calgary’s Continuing Education to develop materials and teach new cyber security courses that will be launched in early 2023. I have held the Director Membership position at (ISC)² Alberta since June ’22."
Q) What brought you to join (ISC)² Alberta and do you currently hold any (ISC)² certifications?
"The (ISC)² Alberta Chapter has provided me with the wonderful opportunity to learn, share and engage with recognized leaders in the security community. (ISC)² is arguably the most globally recognized and respected security family of IT security professionals. I have the honor to serve as a board member with (ISC)² Alberta and help with engagement. I hold the CISSP, PMP and PSM professional certifications. I strongly recommend anyone interested in cyber security to join this Chapter. The opportunities to network, mentor and grow your skills are significant."
Q) What do you see as the toughest challenges facing society, business, and your community when it comes to InfoSec and Cybersecurity?
There is a huge workforce shortage and not enough people with cyber security skills to fill open jobs. The gap is increasing fast. Gaining skills and certifications can be expensive and time consuming, and more organizations should plan to train their staff. Organizations need to invest in existing personnel. Protecting systems can no longer be a reactive tactic. We need to understand that having InfoSec skills is needed in all aspects of IT today, and across all phases. While there is always a need to compete on the market for some positions, organizations should be open to cross training and providing more opportunities for growth internally. Organizations need to be more agile and evolve unconventional career paths, promote cross training and leverage untapped sources of cybersecurity talent.