Ira Winkler, CISO and Vice President

Professional Overview

Ira Winkler is an accomplished cybersecurity executive with over 35 years of experience in the field. As the CISO and Vice President at CYE, he is responsible for leading the company's information security strategy and initiatives. Ira is also an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where he shares his extensive knowledge and expertise with the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Experts at Glilot Capital Partners, providing strategic guidance and insights to the firm.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

CISO and Vice President, CYE (2022-01-01 to Present)

Spearheading the development and implementation of comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to protect CYE's critical assets and ensure business continuity.

Collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify and mitigate security risks, while driving continuous improvement in the company's security posture.

Serving as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership, providing expert counsel on emerging threats, industry trends, and best practices.

Adjunct Faculty, University of Maryland Baltimore County (2021-01-01 to Present)

Delivering cutting-edge cybersecurity coursework and hands-on training to undergraduate and graduate students.

Mentoring and guiding students in developing their technical skills and critical thinking abilities to prepare them for successful careers in the industry.

Actively contributing to the development of the university's cybersecurity curriculum and research initiatives.

Board of Experts, Glilot Capital Partners (2022-01-01 to Present)

Providing strategic guidance and industry insights to the venture capital firm's portfolio companies, enabling them to strengthen their cybersecurity posture and navigate complex security challenges.

Collaborating with the Glilot team to identify and evaluate promising cybersecurity startups, leveraging Ira's deep understanding of the threat landscape and innovative security solutions.

Career Progression

Ira Winkler's extensive career in cybersecurity includes leadership roles at several prominent organizations. Prior to his current positions, he served as the Chief Security Architect at Walmart, where he was responsible for designing and implementing enterprise-wide security solutions to protect the company's global operations. Ira has also held advisory roles at Aqua Security, Cylance Inc., Versive (now part of eSentire), and Encentuate, among others. Additionally, he has served as the President and Director of the International Board of Directors at the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), where he played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's strategic direction and industry engagement.

Academic Background

Ira Winkler holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, where he specialized in Computer Science and Intelligence Analysis. His academic achievements and specialized knowledge have been instrumental in his successful career trajectory in the cybersecurity field.

Areas of Expertise

Cybersecurity strategy and risk management

Enterprise-wide security architecture and implementation

Threat intelligence and incident response

Security program development and optimization

Compliance and regulatory framework management

Cybersecurity thought leadership and industry advocacy

Professional Impact

Throughout his distinguished career, Ira Winkler has made significant contributions to the cybersecurity industry. He is a sought-after speaker and has authored numerous publications, including the acclaimed book "Spies Among Us," which explores the mindset and tactics of social engineers. Ira's industry expertise and innovative approach to security challenges have been recognized through various awards and accolades, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the field.

Conclusion

Ira Winkler's extensive experience, industry expertise, and proven track record of success make him a valuable asset to the organizations he serves. As he continues to shape the future of cybersecurity, Ira remains committed to driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and empowering the next generation of security professionals to tackle the evolving threat landscape.