Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Josh Defrain is an accomplished Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) with extensive experience in safeguarding critical information assets and driving enterprise-wide cybersecurity initiatives. He is a respected leader in the field of information security, with a proven track record of developing and implementing robust security strategies to protect organizations from evolving cyber threats.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Information Security Officer at Foley & Lardner LLP, Josh is responsible for overseeing the firm's comprehensive cybersecurity program. He leads a team of security professionals in developing and executing strategic plans to mitigate risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of security awareness among employees. Under his leadership, Foley & Lardner LLP has strengthened its cybersecurity posture, earning industry recognition for its robust security measures.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Josh served as the Chief Information Security Officer at Rokt, where he successfully implemented advanced security controls and incident response protocols, resulting in a significant reduction in security incidents. Before that, he held the CISO position at Flatiron Health, where he played a pivotal role in securing the company's sensitive healthcare data and streamlining security operations. Earlier in his career, Josh held leadership roles at Capital One, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, contributing his expertise in cyber security operations, security information and event management (SIEM) engineering, and penetration testing.
Academic Background
Josh holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, where he graduated with honors. His academic focus on cybersecurity and information assurance has laid a strong foundation for his professional success.
Areas of Expertise
- Information security strategy and risk management
- Security operations and incident response
- Security architecture and engineering
- Security information and event management (SIEM)
- Compliance and regulatory oversight
- Penetration testing and vulnerability management
- Security awareness and training
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Josh has been recognized for his contributions to the field of cybersecurity. He has led high-profile security initiatives that have directly resulted in the protection of sensitive data and the prevention of significant security breaches. Josh is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and actively participates in professional organizations, sharing his expertise and insights to advance the overall state of information security.
Conclusion
As a seasoned Chief Information Security Officer, Josh Defrain is committed to driving innovation and excellence in cybersecurity. With his extensive experience, technical expertise, and strategic leadership, he continues to be a valuable asset to organizations seeking to safeguard their critical information assets and maintain resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats.