Top 25 Cyber Execs to Watch in 2020

Jim Schifalacqua, Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer, Peraton

Joining Peraton in 2018, Jim Schifalacqua has worked to integrate an entirely new infrastructure and cybersecurity architecture using a cloud-first approach. This architecture proved critical during the COVID-19 crisis, when employees were able to quickly pivot to a remote working environment, having the same secure capabilities as they had in their offices.

The Peraton approach uses high-assurance cloud services, multiple software-as-a-service security components, and integrated multifactor authentication to achieve a zero-trust architecture with private access, advanced information protection and advanced security threat detection. Peraton was able to rapidly comply with the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s 800-171 cybersecurity requirements.

Schifalacqua’s team of motivated cybersecurity experts transitioned Peraton’s SOC from a bloated proprietary managed security services provider solution with low-visibility into the environment to a high-performance, cost-effective hybrid model where in-house threat hunters easily work across the enterprise with advanced detection and response tools. Schifalacqua received a 2020 CSO50 Award for this innovative cybersecurity approach.

Why Watch:

Schifalacqua has been advancing the infrastructure for Peraton and its partners to reach least CMMC Level 4. His team is also helping Peraton’s federal customers migrate to secure cloud environments. Schifalacqua also plans to establish a standard DevSecOps environment model using Peraton’s cloud-first approach to better integrate cybersecurity into supply chain risk management.