Joseph Carson, Chief Security Scientist at ThycoticCentrify
- What does ‘security’ mean to you?
In the past I used to think security was all about security solutions, best practices and technology. But in recent years I have changed my opinion after many long meetings and discussions with business leaders and executive boards. Today, security is all about reducing risk and that means finding the right balance between technology, processes and people. Security is my skill but my job is to help organizations reduce the risks from cyberattacks and human error to become more resilient.
- What made you want to work in the industry?
I have been a tech geek all my life for more than 30 years now and working in the IT industry for more than 25 years, though early in my career, security was just part of the job but not the core focus. It was not until around 2000 when I had first-hand experience of a major security incident which changed my career path into becoming focused and dedicated to security.
- If you could change anything in the industry, what would it be?
I believe the industry needs to spend more time listening and understanding the business needs to find how security can help them be successful. We have no time in our industry for complexity and that means security must be usable. Security must be better than the alternative.
- Describe a funny thing that happened to you recently?
I used to travel so much I turned up at the airport and could not remember if I was actually meant to be travelling anywhere.
- What’s the most important trend you see today?
Everything is connected and that means everything is a vulnerable potential target.
- What three words define you?
Passionate, Geek and dedicated.
- If you didn’t work in security, what would you be doing?
I would be doing something with Technology as that is my passion and hobby.
- What is one thing you would make compulsory in the office and one thing you would ban?
Logging out of the computer when you walk away from your desk should be compulsory and I would ban weak passwords.
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Continuing to make the internet a safer place for everyone.
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Media contact
Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, Security Portfolio
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: [email protected]
