Guardians of the Data

How do you get true leadership buy-in for your data security program and turn risk assessments into real action?

In this episode, AVP of InfoSec and data security leader Kenny Vu breaks down why leadership support is the biggest determining factor in whether a program thrives or fails. With over a decade of experience across engineering, consulting, and hands-on data protection work, Kenny shares a clear, practical framewor...

Is AI really the solution to your data security challenges, or is the real problem hiding in your people and processes?

Ian Kicmol, leader of a major data protection organization with more than a decade of experience, shares why the biggest challenges facing data security today have less to do with tools and everything to do with people, communication, and the ability to manage overwhelming alert volumes. Ian explains w...

Are your cybersecurity practices ready for the new era of AI-generated phishing, social engineering, and real-time deepfake attacks?

In this episode of Guardians of the Data, Dr. Sergio Sanchez, CIO of Coleman Health Services and former medical turned cybersecurity leader, breaks down the rapidly evolving world of AI-driven cyber threats. With more than 25 years in IT and security, Sergio brings a rare blend of technica...

Do you really know what your organization’s “crown jewels” are? Or how to protect them?

Bryan DeLuca, Principal Cybersecurity Engineer and self-proclaimed “Swiss Army knife” for data security programs, shares why every great security strategy starts with understanding your data. With over 25 years of IT and cybersecurity experience across a variety of industries, Bryan dives into what it really means to know your “crown...

Are you building a data security program that truly works or just checking the boxes for compliance? 

In this episode of Guardians of the Data, Matthew Gonzales, Director of Data Security Engineering, shares what it really takes to build and sustain an effective data security program. Drawing from his 20 years of experience, Matthew stresses the importance of having a structured data security strategy, incorporating bus...

In this episode of Guardians of the Data, Ward sits down with Tobias Simpson, Director of Data Security and Security Awareness at Kennesaw State University, to unpack the realities of data classification, governance, and loss prevention in complex organizations. With over 25 years in IT and cybersecurity, Tobias shares hard-earned lessons on building a data-first culture, getting executive buy-in, and using tools like Micr...

What if the key to stronger data security isn’t technology… but curiosity?

In this episode, Christian Ghigliotty, Head of Enterprise Security Engineering, joins us to unpack what it really takes to build a security-first culture in today’s AI-driven world. From champion programs to collaboration councils, Christian shares how curiosity, communication, and connection are redefining how modern teams protect data. He also open...

What happens when AI adoption moves faster than your security strategy?

Today, Ward sits down with Adrian Guevara, Chief Information Security Officer at TELUS Digital Solutions, to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing organizations today: how to secure your business in an AI-driven world. Adrian brings over two decades of IT and cybersecurity experience and a refreshingly candid take on what it really takes to lead t...

Are we so obsessed with new AI tools that we’ve forgotten the basics of security?

Kraig Faulkner, Field CTO at Infolock, joins the show to discuss the pressing challenges and solutions around data security, particularly focusing on AI and access control. Kraig elaborates on the importance of understanding business data, securing AI access, and the necessary steps organizations need to take to prevent data exfiltration. He s...

What happens when your organization doesn’t know what it needs to protect?

Today Ward welcomes Hans Vargas, Enterprise Data Protection Lead at Marathon Petroleum Corporation, who brings over two decades of experience in cybersecurity. Hans shares insights on the importance of understanding what data needs to be protected, and the challenges organizations face in this area, especially with the adoption of cloud services. He ...

What’s harder than stopping a breach? Convincing leadership your data security program is worth the investment.

Zach Luze, Data Security Advisory Practice Director at TBD Cyber joins Ward today to focus on the challenges organizations face in demonstrating the value of data security. Zach explains how the inability to show value can impact budgets and resources, emphasizing that many data security programs struggle with mea...

Think hackers are your biggest data threat? Think again.

Daley Varghese, a seasoned privacy expert, joins Ward Balcerzak to reveal why data sprawl and AI misuse may be even more dangerous, and what companies can do to get ahead. Daley emphasizes the importance of governance strategies, data mapping, and the need for cross-functional collaboration among privacy, security, and data governance teams. The episode also highlight...

How does the accidental insider pose a threat to your company’s security?

Today, Ward dives deep into data security challenges with Rick Scot, the global CISO at Elevate Textiles. With almost 20 years of cybersecurity experience, Rick emphasizes the critical importance of addressing insider threats, especially those posed by well-meaning employees unaware of their risky actions. He shares real-world experiences, the evoluti...

What’s the meaning behind the data your team is collecting?

Derek Fisher, Director of the Cybersecurity Defense and Information Assurance Program at Temple University, joins Ward to hash out the ‘why’ behind data security. Derek emphasizes the importance of understanding the integrity and proper usage of data, especially in scenarios like healthcare and financial services. The conversation also explores the differences in d...

Human risk is the most unpredictable factor in cybersecurity and insider risk.

Lisa Gunning, a counterintelligence and insider risk expert with over 18 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, joins Ward today to dive into human risk. Lisa shares her unique perspective on the human element in cybersecurity, the evolving landscape of insider threats, and the critical importance of building a strong securit...

What’s the balance between data governance and data stewardship?

Lance Fischer, Principal Security Architect at Guidepoint Security, joins the show today and dives into the complexities of data security, highlighting the differences between data governance and data stewardship. He emphasizes the significance of visibility and collaboration among stakeholders in maintaining robust data security frameworks. Lance shares insig...

How can cybersecurity professionals balance both the regulatory requirements and the fundamentals of data protection?

Today, Trevor Dolan, Cyber Security Executive Advisor at NinjaJobs, shares insights on balancing regulatory compliance with the fundamentals of data protection, designing holistic data protection programs, and the importance of strategic planning. He delves into the five main areas of developing data protect...

What are the people concerns when it comes to cybersecurity?

Today Ward welcomes seasoned security veteran and CEO of Nexasure, Rick McElroy. Rick, with over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, shares his insights on the primary challenges organizations face in data security, focusing on the often-overlooked human and cultural elements. He emphasizes the importance of education, awareness, and the need for a balanc...

How can you protect your data if you don’t know where it is?

The answer is you can’t. Rick DeLoach, Deputy CISO at ADT, joins Ward on this week’s episode to discuss the crucial aspects of data security and governance. Rick shares his two decades of experience in the field, emphasizing the importance of data discovery, classification, and the implementation of structured programs involving process, policy, and technology...