In the SecureWorld Spotlight Series, we learn about the speakers and Advisory Council members that make our events a success. In Q&A format, they share about their professional journeys, unique experiences, and hopes for the future of cybersecurity—along with some personal anecdotes.
Bryan Bechard is the CISO for Flagship Credit Acceptance, the largest independent auto loan company in the U.S. He has been working in cybersecurity for the last 20 years and teaching the next generation of InfoSec professionals.
Get to know Bryan Bechard
Q: Why did you decide to pursue cybersecurity as a career path?
A: After a job ended with a company, I had to find another specialty within a software company. They had an information security division and working on anti-virus, SIEM, and other security products seemed like a cool skillset to have.
Q: What encouraged you to join your current organization?
A: They were a small but growing organization that needed cyber expertise, and it has been a great journey.
Q: How would you describe your feelings about cybersecurity in one word?
A: Compared to what it was when I started, the field has exploded in breadth of concerns and the depth of knowledge required to secure "everything."
Q: What has been your most memorable moment thus far working in cybersecurity?
A: At a previous company, we discovered a breach because the attacker was bragging about it on Twitter and at the same time did not know what to do next with the access they had. We kicked them out before they did any damage, and they were mocked by other attackers on Twitter.
Q: If you had to choose, what's the one cybersecurity practice people can adopt that would have the greatest impact?
A: A healthy paranoia to always question if what is being offered is a con or genuine assistance.
Q: If you could pass or change one regulation/law in cybersecurity and data protection, what would it be and why?
A: Change in regulation that does not punish victims of cybercrime but focuses on the criminal.
Q: When you tell people what you do for a living, what do you say?
A: I usually start with IT guy. If they press more, I will describe my security responsibilities.
Q: What are you most looking forward to at your regional SecureWorld 2023 conference?
A: Seeing all the security tribe in the area. Some I only get to see at the conference.
Q: In honor of our conference theme, CyberSonic: Security & Sound Remix, what is your all-time favorite song?
A: "Ain't It Fun" by Paramore
To connect with Bryan Bechard and other cybersecurity leaders from the greater Philadelphia area, attend the 20th annual SecureWorld Philadelphia conference on April 19-20, 2023. Bryan will present a session on "Taking a Proactive Approach to a Theoretical Incident." See the conference agenda and register here.
Continue to follow our Spotlight Series for more highlights from industry experts.
