Miami’s Virden hailed as one of Ohio’s Cyber25
AVP of security, compliance, and risk management and chief information security officer featured on list of prominent cybersecurity leaders selected by Ohio Tech News and OhioX
Miami’s Virden hailed as one of Ohio’s Cyber25
AVP of security, compliance, and risk management and chief information security officer featured on list of prominent cybersecurity leaders selected by Ohio Tech News and OhioX
As Miami University’s assistant vice president of security, compliance, and risk management and chief information security officer, John Virden is tasked with mitigating the institution’s cyber risk.
Virden addresses any issues or vulnerabilities in the university’s cybersecurity, while also formulating response plans. A 1990 graduate of Miami, Virden has held his current role for the past seven years, as he and his team have built on a solid foundation and grown in areas like processes and technologies in an effort to provide more robust cybersecurity.
Recently, Ohio Tech News recognized Virden as one of the 25 leaders protecting Ohio’s digital future as part of this year’s Cyber25. Ohio Tech News and OhioX collaborated on the list, and Virden said he was surprised but “grateful and happy to be among such esteemed compatriots.”
“My very favorite part of Miami is working with our information security office,” Virden said. “They are amazing professionals. My name would not be on that list if we didn’t have them in place.”
After nearly 30 years serving in the Navy, working as a contractor in Afghanistan, and as the chief information security officer at the University of California, Riverside, Virden had an opportunity to return to his alma mater.
Initially, though, he was under the impression the position was in that other Miami – Florida. A quick conversation with David Seidl, Miami’s vice president of information technology and CIO, cleared things up, though, and Virden was soon headed back to Oxford from the West Coast.
“I couldn’t have been more elated and happy to hear the opening was in Ohio,” Virden said. “No way was I going to say no to the job if it was made available to me.”
Working with students is particularly gratifying. There are about 10 employed in the university’s Information Security Office.
“I do love the mission of Miami University,” Virden said. “Love and Honor rings true. You see it in the faculty. You see it in the staff. And you see it in the students. We have the opportunity to work with such sharp students.”
Intended to be an annual honor and presented by Advanced Technology Consulting, an independent consulting and professional services firm, the Cyber25 features representation from industry, government, education, and workforce development.
According to the Cyber25 list: “Cybersecurity leaders are protecting sensitive data, strengthening critical infrastructure, responding to incidents and helping organizations understand and manage risk. Others are developing new security tools, shaping public policy and preparing students for careers on the front lines of digital defense.”
Beyond existing security programs and measures, Virden and his team are also looking toward what lies ahead in the field.
“The future of cybersecurity will certainly require more attention to artificial intelligence, protecting our identities, protecting our data, and the third parties we work with,” Virden said. “The famous saying is that cybersecurity has to protect 100 percent of everything 100 percent of the time. A bad actor only has to find one open door to get in. Technology will continue to evolve. It will remain critical to protect our communities, protect our people, and to be able to respond when those challenges arise.”