Mari Galloway (she/her)

Mari (she/her) is the CEO and a founding board member for the Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu (WSC), one of the fastest growing 501c3 non-profit cybersecurity communities dedicated to bringing more women and girls to cyber.

Mari began her cyber career with Accenture, where she excelled as a Network Engineer. With over 9 years of Information Technology experience, 8 of which are in cybersecurity, she has an understanding in areas that span network design, risk assessments, incident response, and policy development. She holds a variety of technical and management certifications (CISSP, GIAC, CCNA, etc), as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Columbus State University and a Master of Science in Information Systems from Strayer University.

Mari is currently a resident of Las Vegas, working to secure the gaming industry of the Southwest as a Sr. Security Architect. She regularly contributes content to security blogs, trains companies across the country, and serves as an Adjunct Professor for UMUC. Outside of being a geek, Mari enjoys art, puzzles, and legos! You can find her online at @marigalloway.

1. What do cybersecurity and crypto mean to you?

To me, cybersecurity means protecting data from being destroyed, stolen, or misused. It means gaining the trust of your users to keep them safe. It also means implementing tools and applications that are secure but don’t disrupt the business.

Cyber security is a challenge that will never go away. As long as we are connected virtually, we will have to face the challenges of security. And that’s the fun part!

2. If you could wave a magic wand and solve one problem in tech, what would it be?

The hiring and recruiting process. There are so many talented, passionate, hungry women, men, minorities, whatever that don’t get the opportunity because they aren’t “cut from the right cloth”. Companies tend to revert to traditional ways of bringing in talent, but that talent pool is tapped. You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Reach outside those networks and go places unexpected to find the talent.

3. What is a piece of advice that you have found especially useful?

I have been fortunate to have a few people in my life provide some great advice without even realizing it. For example: people will be negative no matter what. No matter how happy or positive you are, someone will try and negate that. I have learned to take that negative energy and use it to fuel my growth in- and outside of cyber and tech. I am in control of my journey and negativity is just a stepping stone along that journey.

4. What’s a challenge you’ve faced, and how did you deal with it?

While I can talk to anyone about anything, I am an introvert at heart. Large crowds make me nervous. To overcome this, I make a point to speak to at least three new people no matter where I go. It helps me meet new people, and could even potentially help that person. You never know what people are going through; your saying hello could totally change their perspective.

5. What is your favorite source of inspiration?

YouTube — whenever I need to get motivated or have something to learn, it’s the perfect place.

6. What is your favorite book or movie?

Teen Witch, the original movie. :)

Mari is a Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) member.