Wolf&Grayson EditorialThe landscape of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, demanding cutting-edge innovation driven by visionary leadership. Richard William Bird has spent decades of his career dedicated to cybersecurity and brings a pragmatic approach to leadership. His strategies adapt to change with a refreshing, no-nonsense perspective to an industry that is often caught up in chasing the latest trends. His insights emphasize foundational security controls, proactive defense strategies, and the responsible application of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
The Importance of Foundational Security Controls
Bird’s core philosophy in cybersecurity leadership focuses on foundational security controls rather than the distractions created by chasing the latest products and trends to hit the scene. He critiques the industry’s willingness to chase “the flavor of the day,” whether it be AI, big data, or other innovations.
“The strategy I should be focusing on without a doubt is foundational controls,” Bird asserts. “The problem is that those next cool things don’t fix the weaknesses in your foundational security. And they never will.” He stresses that security leaders need to allocate time, budget, and resources to solidifying basic defenses. “Foundational means building a concrete bulwark around and underneath your security program so that you’re never hit,” he clarified.
A Career Defined by Problem-Solving
Bird’s career didn’t take a traditional path into cybersecurity. He spent 15 years in IT operations and executive technology management before transitioning into security. Those experiences gave him a unique perspective on why many professionals are indifferent to cybersecurity.
“I always laugh because the reason I think I’m any good at security is because I didn’t care a lick about security for the first half of my technology career,” Bird admits. “So, when everybody tells me why they’re not interested in security on that side, I’m always like, yeah, I was that guy too.” Yet for Bird, cybersecurity became a natural fit, aligning with his talent for fixing complex, broken systems. He compares it with learning how to swim, stating, “Security is definitely what works for me.”
AI: A Double-Edged Sword in Cybersecurity
When discussing AI’s role in cybersecurity, Bird recognizes both its potential and its risks. “All technology, inclusive of AI, is a means of production,” he explained. “AI can grind through all kinds of information about a company’s weaknesses much faster than human beings can, which is where the real threat comes from.” AI’s ability to analyze vast data streams at incredible speeds makes it a formidable tool for both attackers and defenders. While cybercriminals exploit AI to identify vulnerabilities, Bird points out that organizations that leverage AI-driven security tools to neutralize those risks just as efficiently.
“The problem is that you’ve got to be using those tools. If the bad guys are using AI-enabled tools and you’re using none, that’s like the old saying of showing up to a gunfight with a knife,” Bird warns. “And there are a lot of companies showing up to a gunfight with a knife right now when it comes to AI-enabled security.”
Cybersecurity for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
Bird recognizes that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often feel overwhelmed by cybersecurity threats. Yet by being proactive about a handful of simple concepts, these smaller companies can greatly improve their cybersecurity measures. He notes that it starts with knowing your system inside and out. “That means you need to be really good at identity and managing the relationships of anybody outside of your organization that you’re allowing in,” Bird recommends.
The next step calls for using enterprise-grade security solutions that are designed for SMEs. “Look for solutions that are being provided by large enterprise solution providers but have been created specifically as a service for small and medium-sized businesses. There are a lot of them out there,” Bird notes.
He also notes the importance of being proactive about staying informed. “When a big news story breaks about something like ransomware, be intellectually curious and ask yourself, ‘Could it be me?’ And if the answer is yes, what do I need to do to protect myself?” He is especially concerned about the growing presence of ransomware being used against SMEs “There’s a laundry list of companies now that have clearly gone out of business because ransomware has locked up all of their assets and literally made it impossible for them to continue to operate.”
Leading the Way in Cybersecurity Strategy
Richard Bird’s cybersecurity philosophy is grounded in common sense, practical strategies, and an unwavering focus on foundational security. Particularly when it comes to AI’s influence on industry and the ways ransomware reshape the battlefield. To stay connected with his latest thoughts and recommendations, be sure to follow Richard Bird on LinkedIn.
