In the SecureWorld Spotlight Series, we learn about the speakers and Advisory Council members that make our events a success. In Q&A format, they share about their professional journeys, unique experiences, and hopes for the future of cybersecurity—along with some personal anecdotes.
Colonel Candice E. Frost is the Commander of the Joint Intelligence Operations Center at United States Cyber Command where she is responsible for providing and producing the intelligence required to support the Cyber Commander and staff, subordinate component commands, joint task forces, and the national intelligence community.
Get to know Col. Candice E. Frost
Q: Why did you decide to pursue cybersecurity as a career path?
A: My career in cybersecurity resulted as an adjacent shift from my job as a military intelligence officer in the Army. The pivot from threat-focused work to cyber threat work was complementary to the skills I built in the military.
Q: What encouraged you to join your current organization?
A: The opportunities provided to me in both the Army and at the United States Cyber Command were limitless with hard work and resiliency.
Q: How would you describe your feelings about cybersecurity in one word?
A: Developing.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment thus far working in cybersecurity?
A: Working in cybersecurity from 2021-2023 at the United States Cyber Command was one of the most impactful portions of my 25 years in the military. The work of cyber warriors who relentlessly defend the nation's networks and critical infrastructure are true heroes. Creating new opportunities and building organizations for future cyber forces was incredibly impactful.
Q: If you had to choose, what's the one cybersecurity practice people can adopt that would have the greatest impact?
A: MFA [multi-factor authentication], all the way!
Q: What is an industrywide change you would like to see happen in the future?
A: Agreed upon framework of terms in cyber terminology.
Q: If you could pass or change one regulation/law in cybersecurity and data protection, what would it be and why?
A: Standardized federal regulation and compliance for security, incident reporting, and privacy.
Q: What do you wish more people knew about your organization?
A: The opportunities provided in this field through military service are unparalleled in the private sector.
Q: What are you most looking forward to at your regional SecureWorld conference this year?
A: I am looking forward to meeting cybersecurity professionals in the Boston area and speaking to the attendees about threats in the information space.
To connect with other cybersecurity leaders like Col. Frost, attend the 20th annual SecureWorld Philadelphia conference on April 19-20, 2023, as well as any of our other upcoming regional conferences.
Continue to follow our Spotlight Series for more highlights from industry experts.
