Cyber Experts Tackle Information Security, Cyber Defense and Innovation at Fall Cyber Forum

This month, in recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the University of Dallas hosted the Fall Cyber Forum to help UD students and alumni stay up-to-date on the topics most relevant to the field of cybersecurity. The event, sponsored by the Ellis Endowed Lecture Series, also provided an opportunity for students to network with an executive panel of cybersecurity professionals across several industries and corporations.

This year’s panel included three cybersecurity experts: Angel Hutchinson, VP, Cybersecurity Awareness and Engagement, Fidelity Investments; Shawn Irving, VP, Computer Information Security Officer, Michaels Companies; and Brian Wrozek, Managing Executive Director Advisory, Optiv. The panel was moderated by Sandra Blanke, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Cybersecurity and Director of the Center for Cybersecurity Education.

By 2020, the global cybersecurity market is expected to be worth $170 billion. Not only is cybersecurity one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide, it’s also one of the fastest-changing industries.

“In an industry that’s changing as fast as cybersecurity it’s important to stay current on the latest trends,” said Blanke. “Our cyber professors and our panelists are some of the top cybersecurity talent in the area and the experience they bring to our students is invaluable.”

During the forum, the cybersecurity panel members responded to a range of questions regarding the roles and responsibilities of cybersecurity experts, the types of cyber skills that are most important to companies, and how the panel of executives recommend individuals prepare themselves to start a career in cybersecurity.

Interested in a career in cybersecurity? The University of Dallas’ cybersecurity program is ranked in the top 5 nationally.