The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2024 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 20, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 21.
Next is Ron Moore, chief information security officer at General Dynamics Mission Systems, and finalist in the Cybersecurity Executive of the Year, Public Company, category. Here, he talks about recent achievements, shares career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2024?
I’m fortunate to work with a team of top-notch cybersecurity professionals committed to keeping our company and nation safe. Three key achievements for us in 2024 include the transformation of nearly 15,000 accounts from legacy remote connectivity to an advanced, remote zero trust solution.
In addition, we successfully implemented advanced security frameworks mandated by government contracts, ensuring compliance, while incorporating stringent security protocols from inception following the concept of secure-by-design.
Finally, we successfully implemented a remote turn-key solution that provides secure access to internal applications for remote users, which significantly reduces dependencies on riskier solutions, like VPN, meeting and at times exceeding compliance requirements along with remote workers’ productivity needs.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
Enhancing Protection and Detection: We aim to increase operational productivity and strengthen our cybersecurity defenders’ capabilities through AI-assisted operations. This approach will not only streamline our processes but also provide a robust defense mechanism against evolving cyber threats.
Improving Organizational Resilience: In our regulated and constantly evolving digital world, it is essential to adopt better risk management practices. This will ensure that our organization remains resilient and can effectively navigate the complexities of the digital landscape.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
As for career advice for those aspiring to follow in my footsteps, I would emphasize the importance of embracing mistakes as learning opportunities. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; instead, be afraid of repeating them. Make it a habit to incorporate lessons learned into your routine, and you will find yourself continuously growing and evolving.