In the SecureWorld Spotlight Series, we learn about the speakers and Advisory Council members that make our events a success. In Q&A format, they share about their professional journeys, unique experiences, and hopes for the future of cybersecurity—along with some personal anecdotes.
Walter Williams has more than 20 years of experience in Information Security, and currently resides as the CISO for Monotype. He is the author of "Creating an Information Security Program from Scratch" (2021, CRC Press) and "Security for Service Oriented Architecture" (2014, CRC Press). Walter was a member of the program committee for Metricon 8 and Metricon 10. He holds the CISSP and SSCP certifications in good standing.
Get to know Walter Williams
Q: Why did you decide to pursue cybersecurity as a career path?
A: While working with Paul Nash, Chris Wysopal, Peter Zatko, and Craig Cato at BBN, I learned how critical security was to business growth and development and that I was actually good at the kind of critical thinking that is necessary to be good at information security.
Q: How would you describe your feelings about cybersecurity in one word?
A: Challenging.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment thus far working in cybersecurity?
A: Being thanked during the annual sales kickoff for helping land the biggest customer deal of the year.
Q: If you had to choose, what's the one cybersecurity practice people can adopt that would have the greatest impact?
A: Critical thinking.
Q: What is an industrywide change you would like to see happen in the future?
A: Not dismissing the value of products that solve problems your organization doesn't solve as unimportant just to inflate sales.
Q: What encouraged you to join your current organization (employer)?
A: Two things. First, Monotype combines arts and sciences together within their fonts. Second, fonts are on every device on the planet, so ensuring their security is an exciting challenge.
Q: What do you wish more people knew about your organization?
A: Monotype will help you choose the most appropriate font, as the right font not only helps you communicate facts clearly, but also helps convey emotions. The wrong font can result in people misreading your message.
Q: What are you most looking forward to at your regional SecureWorld conference this year?
A: Critical thinking.
Q: In honor of our 2023 conference theme, CyberSonic: Security & Sound Remix, what is your all-time favorite song?
A: I don't really do favorites, as there are so many songs I love. I'll give a special call out to Jefferson Airplane's "Today," as my first kiss with my wife happened while that song was playing.
To connect with cybersecurity leaders like Walter Williams, attend one of SecureWorld's upcoming regional cybersecurity conferences.
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