Ron Sharon is one of the quieter defenders, the work he conducts in the realm of Cyber Security is not often posted in glamour lights above a business, but without it, the business would surely falter. The world of Cyber Security is one of constant and consistent movement, oftentimes it’s the absence of problems that signify the efficacy of someone in Ron Sharon’s position.
While it hasn’t always been a neat and tidy road for Ron Sharon, he has still managed to focus his attentions on the matter at hand, crafting a business model that has seen him become an essential aspect of modern security infrastructure for his clients. Ron Sharon answered a few questions posed to him surrounding his own journey to this point, as well as the common misconceptions and issues in modern infrastructure setups and the ways in which people can follow in his footsteps.
Question: Hi Ron, thanks for taking the time to speak with us, let’s start with what inspired you to become a Cyber Security and Technology Expert?
A: My love for technology developed from my love of tinkering with electronics. When I was a small child. My father brought home my family’s first computer when I was only 9 years old. It was a white box with a 286 processor and 8 megabytes of RAM. I remember getting on the internet for the first time, I was hooked on this technology ever sense. I became interested in Information security after noticing the lack of even basic protections in business I used to work with, they just didn’t think that cyber security was important or that their data needs to be protected.
Question: How do you keep with current IT technologies issues and innovations?
A: Technology innovation moves in faster than light speed, it has no time zone and news can brake any time of day or night. It’s can be a challenge to keep up with all the technology and cyber security news. I personally dedicate 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes after work to scan through the news that came out, when I find an interesting article, I tag it to read later in the evening. I also have several Telegram groups I subscribe to the surface interesting cyber news.
Question: What would you say is the primary mistake a lot of businesses make with their IT infrastructure?
A: Most businesses have the same fundamental flow in the way they see technology, they view technology as a cost center, an expense a “necessary evil” they need to spend money on. Board of directors, senior leadership teams, executives and business owners need to shift that perspective and invest in Technology as the main tool that will help lower costs and increase revenue, and unless you are a non profit that’s what the business purpose is. Companies need to invest in technology from minute one.
Question: What do you think makes you different from other cyber security and technology professionals out there?
A: I have a saying, don’t think out of the box, throw the box away. I always like to find non-standard solutions to difficult business needs where standard way of thinking did not get the results that were needed. I work in the future, I know it sounds funny when I say it like that, but when I work for a company, if there are 300 people, I tell them to build their technology stack, create policies and procedures and think like they are a 1000 people because it would be much easier to implement changes now then later. It’s easier to turn a dinghy then an airplane carrier
Question: There are a lot of people trying to get into the Cyber Security world, what’s your best advise for them on how to get started?
A: There are a lot of resources out there for aspiring Cyber Security professionals, but before you dive into Cyber Security you need to know the basics, how a computer works, how networks move data around. I would start with online courses on computers and networks like CompTIA A+ and Network + then I would take a basic Security course like CompTIA Security +. You can take the courses and the certification to show employers you have the necessary knowledge for an entry level Cyber Security position, don’t be afraid to apply for jobs that you’re not a perfect fit for and most importantly never give up.
Question: You have been in the technology business for a while, what’s next for you
A: Just continuing to do what I do best, closely working with business leaders to align the business with technology and security needs in a way that accelerates the company growth.
Thank you Ron for your time!
You can follow up with Ron Sharon at www.ronsharon.com or connect via LinkedIn @ron-sharon and follow on Twitter @RealRonSharon
