Network Security

Richard Stiennon, chief research analyst, IT-Harvest

What was your first job?
I was a welder at Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. We built and launched the Edwin H. Gott, the last of the 1,000 ft. Great Lakes oar carriers.

What do you think most people imagine your job as?
Traveling the world and eating well after speaking gigs. Actually that is pretty accurate.

If you were to describe yourself as a household object, what would it be?
A vacuum cleaner. I Hoover up all information! 

What would your last meal be?
The lamb ribs from The Meat and Wine Co. on Darling Harbor in Sydney. 

If the battle between IT security pros and cyber threats were to be embodied in comic book characters, what classic super hero/nemesis match-up do you think would be most fitting?
Desert rats versus Nazis of course! 

If you had to have an occupation other than the one you're doing, what would you do?
Whisky distiller. 

What is the most important personality trait for a successful cyber security professional?
Puzzle solver. 

What technology did you used to rely on, and are now happy is obsolete?
Fax machines!

What is the best career advice you ever received?
Pick your battles, from my first boss at Hoover Universal, a car seat manufacturer.

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