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The National Cybersecurity Alliance is pleased to present the 14th edition of our Board Member Spotlight.
Our Board member companies are leaders in cybersecurity education and awareness and are an integral part of making the organization a successful public-private partnership.
Get to know Rusty Waldron, Vice President, Chief Business Security Officer at ADP in this Board Member Spotlight.
While ADP has served on our Board for several years, you are our newest Board Member! What’s your first impression of joining the National Cybersecurity Alliance team?
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 does ADP’s cybersecurity interests align with the National Cybersecurity Alliance mission to educate and empower our global digital society?
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/or your team proves 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.
Who inspires you?
Each day, I am fortunate enough to be around many people that inspire me. From my family – to my friends – to my ADP team. They each have a unique impact on my life and my outlook on how I approach my role.
What are you most excited about for your first Cybersecurity Awareness Month with us?
I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue educating people about cybersecurity and how we can work together to protect each other in the emerging technological world. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a great time to enlighten so many individuals who may not be aware of the opportunities and resources they have at their fingertips to protect themselves, their employers and their loved ones from cybercrime.
Have you read any good books lately?
Does the latest data breach report count? Just kidding! Lately I find myself rewatching movies and shows from the last 10 years. It feels like the creative minds were ahead of their time, foreshadowing many of the cybersecurity challenges we are facing today.
What’s something you saw recently that made you smile?
It’s graduation season which is a great time to reflect on our successes as the next generation begins their journey. Seeing kids graduate, embarking on life as young adults and contributing to the future generation is success that we can all celebrate.
