OnDefend Welcomes Terin Williams as Associate Program Director of Strategic Policy Initiatives

Terin brings a rare perspective to cybersecurity—blending national defense experience with a passion for growing cyber talent and resilience at every level. In this interview, she shares how her work with the Army National Guard and CISA fuels her mission to make cybersecurity a true national priority.

 Learn a little more about Terin and the expertise she brings in this one-on-one interview:   

Q: Your most recent role as Special Assistant to the Director of the Army National Guard for US Army Cyber Matters and your leadership at CISA and the National Guard Bureau gave you a unique perspective on national cybersecurity priorities. As the government’s role evolves and public-private collaboration becomes more critical, how do you see that experience shaping your work at OnDefend to help organizations build real-world resilience in the face of growing threats? 

I have had the privilege of engaging cybersecurity from multiple perspectives. At the national level, my experience includes working within the Department of Defense (DoD) and the broader federal government, providing insights into large-scale national security operations. 

While state and local governments may not typically focus on national security at this scale, my role in the National Guard has offered me a unique vantage point on state-level cybersecurity initiatives. Additionally, serving as a Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) advisor to the state has deepened my understanding of local cybersecurity challenges and strategies. 

In the private sector, my position within the OnDefend ecosystem has allowed me to appreciate the industry’s approach to both cybersecurity and national security concerns. It’s refreshing to see that some private sector entities are taking national security seriously and, more importantly, are willing to do something about it!

Q: How did you get started in cybersecurity? 

This is a two-part answer, really:  

Part I: I was originally following the medical path, but the military kept pushing me towards information technology. I got my CISSP, and while I hated the exam, I realized my medical aspirations of helping people could be fulfilled on a computer (another passion of mine).

Part II: I started my Master’s in cybersecurity during one of my military mobilizations and got put in charge of standing up cyber in the Ohio National Guard when I returned. I attended Cyber Shield 2013 (a defensive cyber operations exercise in the National Guard) and fell in love…I credit Cyber Shield with most of my growth throughout my cyber career. 

Q: Can you walk us through some career highlights?

Honestly, the highlight of my career has been all of the phenomenal people I have had the chance to work with and learn from. But I am always ecstatic about any progress we can make towards national security.

 Q: What excites you most about joining OnDefend?

The mission and the people. While I am no longer a public servant, I get to continue to improve national security in the private sector with an amazing and extremely talented team!  

 Q: Is there a project or accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?

My kids are my greatest accomplishment and I am extremely proud of them! However I am also proud of the many people I have had the privilege to lead throughout my career. The credit is all theirs, but I have benefited from just having the opportunity to work with them!   

Q: What’s something people should know about you?

I am the least photogenic person of all times!  

Q: Where do you hope to see the state of cybersecurity in five years?

I would like the nation (and even the world) to treat cybersecurity like they do physical security. They will need to with AI and quantum, but I haven’t seen evidence of that yet. More importantly, I would like more people (everyone would be better) in the United States to understand their role in national security when it comes to cybersecurity!  

Q: Looking ahead, what would you like your legacy at OnDefend to be?  

The leaders and the talent that I help build in others AND the team effort of advancing national security for this great country.

Explore how OnDefend is reimagining security programs and going beyond compliance with experts like Terin Williams, bringing advanced threat emulation and real-world testing to protect organizations around the globe.

About OnDefend

OnDefend, established in 2016, stands at the forefront of preventative cybersecurity testing and advisory services, a reputation further enhanced by the introduction of its advanced Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, BlindSPOT. OnDefend is a trusted partner, empowering organizations globally to proactively combat real-world cyber threats. From ensuring compliance with industry standards to building out mature security programs, our mission is to ensure that the security resources our customers invest in are well-utilized, effective, and provide tangible results. For more information about their services and solutions, please visit http://www.ondefend.com/

OnDefend Media Contact:

Lauren Verno, Media@ondefend.com

904-299-3669