As an executive in ADP’s Global Security Organization, Rusty brings more than 20 years of experience as a technology and transformation leader recognized for award winning global programs in Service, Technology, Client Experience and Security.
At ADP, a global provider of comprehensive payroll services and human resources management solutions, Rusty is responsible for driving and enforcing proactive business ownership and accountability within the domains of data privacy, information security, compliance, business resilience, incident management and disaster recovery.
Rusty leads by example in the development of the technology and security industries through practitioner excellence. He’s a regular speaker at events and forums sharing best practices, case studies and future trends. As a local community leader, he takes time to give back through volunteering with homeless organizations, community outreach programs and as a crisis incident responder.
Get to know Rusty Waldron
What was your first impression of joining the NCA Board of Directors?
I truly appreciate the warm welcome I received from the existing NCA Board members and staff and am honored to be serving on the Board of Directors. It is refreshing to see how NCA’s mission bridges the gap between the public and private sectors to improve cybersecurity practices. This is particularly important today where the ever-changing digital landscape – which brings limitless possibilities – can also bring new and complex security risks.
At ADP, security is of utmost importance to us and is integral to our provision of products and services, our business processes and infrastructure. We use advanced services and technology to embed data security, data privacy, fraud prevention and crisis management in our offerings while providing the tools and resources our associates and clients need to remain educated on how to protect themselves and their business.
How do ADP’s cybersecurity interests align with NCA’s mission?
Similar to the NCA’s mission, we continuously provide opportunities and education for our associates and our clients to help them protect themselves and their organizations from cybercrime.
At ADP, our Security Training and Awareness Program is a continuous, dynamic and robust initiative, designed to develop and maintain a security-focused culture. The program empowers our associates and contingent workers to make responsible, secure decisions and to protect our most valuable assets. We employ a variety of tools, techniques and programs to embed security safeguards into our day-to-day professional and personal lives.
When you first started working at ADP in 1998, did you know that you wanted to become the Chief Business Security Officer one day?
Since joining ADP, I always knew this was an organization I wanted to continue to be a part of, not only to grow personally, but to continue driving the mission of our business forward – always designing for people. The Chief Business Security Officer role was a natural evolution building upon 20+ years of experience in business operations and technology and leading numerous initiatives to continue to strengthen global security across ADP.
What energizes you at work?
I am a connector. I truly enjoy meeting new people, identifying their core strengths and finding ways to collaborate. Connecting with our associates allows me the opportunity to bring our subject matter experts from multiple disciplines together to ensure that ADP is able to meet our commitments to our clients and their employees around the world.
What kind of misconceptions about security professionals do you think you and your team prove wrong?
Security is more than technology, some hidden figure, or a “solo” job – it’s a team sport. My team collaborates very closely with the business, functioning as security representatives within each of our business units. Communication skills are crucial in their roles, as they leverage their relationships and influence within the organization to address security concerns and opportunities. It’s certainly important to be a talented and skilled security professional, but connecting with people and working as a team goes a long way to building a successful security organization.
What is something you find both challenging and rewarding about your work?
The challenge lies in keeping up with the ever-evolving security landscape and being able to translate those risks to the business so that we can all continue to provide robust protection in the face of exponential change. The most rewarding experience is when the education we provide resonates with our audiences. It is amazing to see people connect how implementing security best practices into their daily lives can truly make a difference without causing friction in their day-to-day activities. This realization can help to empower every person to make responsible, secure decisions.