Ryan Praskovich: A Beacon of Leadership in Cyber Security
In a world increasingly threatened by cyber-attacks, data breaches, and sophisticated threat actors, the role of cyber security professionals has never been more critical. Among these leaders is Ryan Praskovich, a senior consultant at Nationwide’s Cyber Security Operation Center, who has recently gained international recognition for his contributions to the field. This year, the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC) honored Praskovich with the prestigious North American 2024 Global Leaders award, underscoring his commitment to enhancing cyber security within the financial sector.
The Growing Importance of Cyber Security
As the digital landscape evolves, so too do the threats that accompany it. The current global cyber threat environment is marked by an array of challenges, including nation-state attacks, third-party vulnerabilities, and the ever-present risk of ransomware. Todd Lukens, Nationwide’s Chief Information Security Officer, emphasizes the complexity of these threats, stating, “Ryan’s recognition as a Global Leader highlights his dedication to safeguarding not only the data of Nationwide’s customers but the data of millions around the world who rely on a secure global financial system.” This acknowledgment reflects the urgent need for robust cyber security measures in an era where financial institutions are prime targets for cybercriminals.
FS-ISAC: A Pillar of Cyber Security in Finance
The FS-ISAC has been instrumental in advancing cybersecurity and resilience within the global financial system for over 25 years. As a member-driven, not-for-profit organization, it focuses on enhancing the security posture of financial institutions and ensuring the continuity of critical services. The Global Leaders awards program recognizes individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to improving the security and resilience of the financial sector. Awardees are celebrated for their contributions to intelligence sharing, security leadership, and resilience efforts, making the recognition of Praskovich particularly noteworthy.
Praskovich’s Contributions to Cyber Security
Ryan Praskovich’s recognition as the North American Global Leaders award winner is a testament to his exceptional support and involvement in cyber and fraud sharing initiatives. His efforts have been pivotal in preventing and defending against cyber-attacks, positioning Nationwide in the top 1% of FS-ISAC’s membership for cyber sharing and as the leading sharer of cyber fraud threats. Notably, Praskovich played a key role in developing Nationwide’s phishing awareness program, which has educated employees and customers alike about the dangers of phishing attacks.
Additionally, Praskovich serves on FS-ISAC’s Threat Intelligence Committee for the North American region, where he helps set the cyber threat level for the area. His active participation in this committee underscores his commitment to fostering a collaborative approach to cyber security, where information sharing is paramount to mitigating risks.
The Impact of Praskovich’s Work
The impact of Ryan Praskovich’s work extends beyond Nationwide; it resonates throughout the entire financial sector. His dedication to sharing cyber intelligence and knowledge has fortified defenses against cyber risks, benefiting not only his organization but also the broader financial community. As Todd Lukens aptly puts it, “Nationwide’s customers and partners are fortunate to have Ryan working for them.” This sentiment reflects the trust and reliance that stakeholders place in Praskovich’s expertise and leadership.
Conclusion
In an age where cyber threats loom large, the contributions of leaders like Ryan Praskovich are invaluable. His recognition by the FS-ISAC as a Global Leader serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration, intelligence sharing, and proactive measures in the fight against cybercrime. As the financial sector continues to navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape, the efforts of dedicated professionals like Praskovich will be crucial in safeguarding the integrity and resilience of the global financial system.
To learn more about the FS-ISAC and its Global Leaders awards program, visit FS-ISAC Global Leaders.