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.
Chris Spohr is the Information Security Officer for Republic Finance, LLC, and adds value by serving as the Head of Information Security to protect the company's data, brand, and jobs. He is a member of the SecureWorld St. Louis Advisory Council.
Chris has over 15 years of cybersecurity leadership experience spanning finance, e-commerce, multi-channel retail, warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing. He is also well-versed in what is required to develop and deliver the overall cybersecurity program: uphold information, product, and data security in conjunction with governance, risk, and compliance; and assess and meet stakeholders' needs across the ecosystem.
Get to know Chris Spohr
Question: Why did you decide to pursue cybersecurity as a career path?
Answer: A prior company needed a compliance manager to handle PCI-DSS. This started me down the InfoSec path and I found that I liked specializing in a challenging area.
Q: What encouraged you to join your current organization?
A: The opportunity to lead a cybersecurity organization and mature the company's security posture.
Q:What do you wish more people knew about your organization (employer)?
A: How we matured our security posture substantially while transforming our infrastructure at light speed.
Q: How would you describe your feelings about cybersecurity in one word?
A: Challenging
Q: What has been your most memorable moment thus far working in cybersecurity?
A: Stopping multiple ransomware attacks and recovering within 2-3 hours.
Q: If you had to choose, what's the one cybersecurity practice people can adopt that would have the greatest impact?
A: Think before you click!
Q: What is an industry-wide change you would like to see happen in 2022?
A: For cybersecurity to be seen as collaborative partners and value add instead of being viewed as showstoppers. I do my best to not be the "Chief No Officer."
Q: If you could pass or change one regulation/law in cybersecurity and data protection, what would it be and why?
A: Require all NGOs with more than 50 employees to comply with a minimum InfoSec baseline.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this year at SecureWorld?
A: Talking about topics other than ransomware and phishing.
To connect with Chris Spohr and other cybersecurity leaders from greater St. Louis, attend the SecureWorld regional conference on September 15, 2022. See the conference agenda and register here.
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