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Earlier this month, the University of New Haven�Ӱ�ԭ��s Connecticut Institute of Technology launched its Cyber Legends Series. Hosted by Karl Kispert, president and CEO of and a member of the University�Ӱ�ԭ��s Cybersecurity Advisory Board, the monthly webcast series will feature lively discussions with some of the world�Ӱ�ԭ��s leading chief information security officers (CISOs) and cybersecurity legends who have made a tremendous impact on the industry.

Kicking off the series in honor of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month was Roland Cloutier, the global chief security officer for and . With more than 25 years of experience in the military, law enforcement, and commercial sectors, Cloutier is one of today�Ӱ�ԭ��s leading experts in corporate and enterprise security, cyber-defense program development, and business operations protection.

As part of his talk, he examined the skills needed to be a productive member of a team, how to promote an effective working atmosphere, and the responsibility he believes he has as a leader in cybersecurity.

"Cyber isn�Ӱ�ԭ��t what is was five years ago or, even, two years ago." Roland Cloutier

�Ӱ�ԭ��One of my jobs as an executive is to create the next generation of leaders,�Ӱ�ԭ�� he said. �Ӱ�ԭ��We have to ensure that people have the skillsets to become leaders in a new workforce, in a new career field. Cyber isn�Ӱ�ԭ��t what is was five years ago or, even, two years ago.�Ӱ�ԭ��

He also talked about the importance of a diversified skillset.

�Ӱ�ԭ��If you are going to lead other people in the technical space, you better understand business because that is what you are protecting,�Ӱ�ԭ�� Cloutier said. �Ӱ�ԭ��You have to get opportunities to learn leadership, learn business skills, learn technology skills �Ӱ�ԭ�� your own craft �Ӱ�ԭ�� and you�Ӱ�ԭ��ll need to understand the people that are going to be working for you. The greatest thing I ever did in the area of mentorship was a reverse mentorship to understand what the next generation of leaders need and how they view technology. It was an eye-opening experience that changed my leadership skills.�Ӱ�ԭ��

�Ӱ�ԭ��Study your craft, and study it well�Ӱ�ԭ��

Technologies, tools, intent, and strategies are constantly evolving, and diversity of thought, personality, and knowledge, paired with highly developed skills are needed to create a pipeline for the next generation of leaders, explained Cloutier.

To do its part, the University of New Haven created the Connecticut Institute of Technology (CIT) earlier this year as a way to foster collaboration by bringing together different disciplines of engineering to build a more well-rounded individual and create more attractive candidates for the workforce.

During a lively discussion with Kispert, who was also later joined by Dr. Abe Baggili, director of CIT, Cloutier discussed four main aspects of a successful candidate in the field of cybersecurity. He emphasized understanding the technology one works with, analytical skills, data skills, and an understanding of operations that are critical in creating a functioning and productive ecosystem.

Cloutier left students with an important tip.

�Ӱ�ԭ��Study your craft and study it well,�Ӱ�ԭ�� he said. �Ӱ�ԭ��Focus on business and be diverse and well rounded.�Ӱ�ԭ��

The Cyber Legends Series will continue on Monday, November 16, with a celebration of women in cybersecurity. The event will feature Marene Allison, global CISO of ; Marci McCarthy, CEO and president of ; and Patricia Titus, CISO and chief privacy officer for . The webcast will begin at 4PM EST and is open to anyone who is interested. To watch: .

Sarah Kispert �Ӱ�ԭ��22 is a forensic science major at the University of New Haven and a cybersecurity marketing intern. She is the daughter of Karl Kispert, host of the Cyber Legends Series.