Cyber Experts Tackle Information Security, Cyber Defense and Innovation at Fall Cyber
Forum
Date published: Oct. 30, 2017
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.