Jonathan Ruf

Cyber Risk Executive with Extensive Financial Industry Experience

Professional Overview

Jonathan Ruf is a seasoned Cyber Risk Executive with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. He currently serves as the First Vice President - Cyber Risk Executive at Apple Bank, where he is responsible for leading the organization's cybersecurity strategy and risk management initiatives. Additionally, Ruf is a Member of the Board of Directors at the Cyber Risk Institute (CRI), leveraging his deep industry expertise to drive cybersecurity standards and best practices.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the First Vice President - Cyber Risk Executive at Apple Bank, Ruf is responsible for developing and implementing the bank's comprehensive cybersecurity program. He oversees the identification, assessment, and mitigation of cyber risks, ensuring the organization's systems, data, and assets are protected from emerging threats. Under Ruf's leadership, Apple Bank has strengthened its cybersecurity posture, earning recognition as an industry leader in digital risk management.

Career Progression

Prior to his current role, Ruf served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Cyber Leaps Global, LLC, where he was instrumental in building the company's cybersecurity practice and advising clients on complex risk management strategies. Before that, he held various leadership positions at The Bank of New York Mellon, including Vice President - International Information Risk Management, Vice President - Global Head of UDT Risk Assessments, and Vice President - Head of Application Security, Secure Code Training, and IT Risk Vendor Management. Ruf's career began at JP Morgan Chase, where he honed his skills as an Information Risk Specialist.

Academic Background

Ruf holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he graduated with honors. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and has completed numerous industry-leading certifications in cybersecurity and risk management.

Areas of Expertise

Cybersecurity strategy and risk management

Financial industry regulatory compliance (e.g., GLBA, NYDFS 500, FFIEC)

Enterprise-wide risk assessment and mitigation

Vulnerability management and incident response

Secure software development and infrastructure security

Vendor risk management and third-party oversight

Professional Impact

Throughout his career, Ruf has led high-profile cybersecurity initiatives that have significantly improved the resilience and security posture of the organizations he has served. He has spearheaded the implementation of advanced security technologies, developed comprehensive risk management frameworks, and fostered a culture of cybersecurity awareness. Ruf's contributions have been recognized by industry peers, and he is frequently invited to speak at renowned cybersecurity conferences and events.

Conclusion

With his exceptional track record of driving cybersecurity excellence in the financial sector, Jonathan Ruf is a respected leader in the cyber risk management field. His deep expertise, strategic mindset, and commitment to innovation make him a valuable asset to Apple Bank and the broader cybersecurity community.