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.
Dr. Fred Kwong is VP and CISO at DeVry University and is based in Chicago, IL. He has been in the information security and technology field for the past 20 years working in education, financial, telecommunication, healthcare, and insurance sectors.
He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Roosevelt and Benedictine Universities. He received his Bachelor of Arts in psychology and professional communications, Master of Business Administration in management information systems from Roosevelt University, and holds his Doctorate in organization development from Benedictine University. He has earned several certifications including the CISSP, CISA, CISM, CDPE, PCIP, PMP, and ITILv3f.
Fred serves on the Advisory Council for SecureWorld Chicago and will be presenting at our upcoming conference on June 6, 2024.
Get to know Dr. Fred Kwong
Q: Why did you decide to pursue cybersecurity as a career path?
A: I was working in the network team when I was recruited to join the security team at a previous organization. It was a good chance for me to learn a new skillset, so I made the switch!
Q: When and why did you join your current organization (employer)?
A: I joined DeVry a little over two years ago. I felt as though at my previous organization I met all the goals that I set out to do, and DeVry came along and asked me to help build a program there. In addition, I was offered to help shape the cyber curriculum, and that was what pushed me over to join. I'm very vested in helping the next generation come out with the right skills for the cyber industry and helping to close the talent gap that we have.
Q: How would you describe your feelings about cybersecurity in one sentence?
A: An exciting field where things can change on a dime.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment thus far working in cybersecurity?
A: Getting to zero technical debt at my previous organization. This was a feat that I never thought we would ever get to, but I'm proud to say the team made it happen.
Q: If you had to choose, what's the one cybersecurity practice people can adopt that would have the greatest impact?
A: Having a cyber aware culture. Controls are not 100% guarantees that we won't be breached. Many times, the difference between getting breached and not is based on the decisions of one individual in the organization.
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the cybersecurity profession?
A: The ever-changing technology and threats that come along with it.
Q: What are the biggest opportunities facing the profession?
A: The ever-changing technology and threats that come along with it.
Q: When you tell people what you do for a living, what do you say?
A: I protect the organization from cyber bad guys.
Q: What advice do you have for someone considering cybersecurity as a career and/or someone new to the field who is looking to move up the career ladder?
A: Learn the business. You need to know the technology, as well, but having a better understanding of how the business is run and what is critical to it is key for advancing the cyber program.
Q: In honor of our 2024 conference theme, Legacies Untold: Revealing Cybersecurity's Hidden Figures, who is someone that you consider to be a Cyber Hero?
A: Arlan McMillian—now CSO at Kirkland & Ellis LLP—was one of my early mentors and helped me understand what it took to be a leader in the cyber community and profession.
Q: Lastly, what are you most looking forward to at your regional SecureWorld conference this year?
A: Networking with my peers.
To connect with Dr. Fred Kwong and other cybersecurity leaders in the Greater Chicago region, attend the eighth annual SecureWorld Chicago conference on June 6, 2024. Fred will be presenting a session entitled Deepfakes: The New Frontier in Cybersecurity or Just Hype?
Continue to follow our Spotlight Series for more interviews of industry experts.
