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Former Department of Defense, Booz Allen & EY executive Wayne Loveless joins OnDefend as Managing Director of Strategic Services and Associate Program Director of the Independent Security Inspector program for TikTok USDS. 

Wayne Loveless is a globally recognized cybersecurity engineer, strategist, and leader with more than 25 years of industry experience across the Government and Public Sector, Defense, Energy, Oil and Gas and Healthcare industries.

He has led and supported teams in the development of National Cybersecurity Strategies, development and implementation of large-scale enterprise cybersecurity programs, research and development, and cybersecurity engineering in government and private industry.

Interview with Wayne Loveless:

Q: What is your role at OnDefend? 

” I get the exciting opportunity to support in the delivery of a key strategic project with the ISI team focusing on TikTok USDS security testing. This allows me to bring my global experience in delivering large scale cybersecurity programs in support of the overall objectives of the project, work in developing human capital, and drive high performing teams.

Additionally, I have another role in my capacity of Managing Director of Strategic Services, where I am working with the OnDefend Leadership to expand into new markets, industries, and geographies. Whether with core consulting services or new partnerships for OnDefend’s unique software and services, I get the opportunity to help supercharge the growth of services and clients on a global scale.”

Q: How did you get into cybersecurity? 

” I started my career in cybersecurity as an active-duty U.S. Military member serving in both the United States Marines and the US Army. Following my nearly decade of service, I transitioned into supporting the US Department of Defense as a Cybersecurity Analyst with the DISA Field Security Office and the rest was history.”

Q: You have had quite an extensive career, tell me some highlight roles? 

“As a consultant with leading companies such as Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte, I led strategic cybersecurity programs and security-oriented services with the DOD, US Navy, NSA, DOE, USMC, US Treasury Department, and the Department of Justice. Following my extensive government work, I moved to the Middle East where I led teams across the region in supporting cybersecurity programs in the Oil and Gas, Financial Services, and Government and Public sectors.

With Booz Allen Hamilton, I led the International Cybersecurity practice based out of Abu Dhabi, UAE and supported and led the development and implementation of National Cybersecurity Strategies, development of national cybersecurity agencies and capabilities, the development of national cybersecurity standards, and the design and implementation of cybersecurity detection and response capabilities at a national level. I joined EY MENA as a senior Partner leading the Government and Public Sector Cybersecurity Practice for the Africa, India, and Middle East region.”

In addition to working for major corporations and government agencies, I’ve had the opportunity to create numerous startups, functioned as a Global CISO and vCISO, and supported various entities as a Strategic Cybersecurity Executive Advisor. Which has led to some passion projects of mine, including being a contributor, published author, speaker, and sought out subject matter expert in the fields of cybersecurity and digital transformation.”

Q: Are there any projects you’ve worked on that stood out from the rest?

“One project I am most proud of was the development of a national cybersecurity strategy for a G20 country that established a new cybersecurity authority and regulatory scope across the public and private sector. Reporting directly to the head of state, the authority has grown to employ thousands of people in the cybersecurity field, creating new opportunities, particularly for women in the cybersecurity field as a very underrepresented group within the domain. The strategy and agency moved the country from the bottom of rankings for cybersecurity globally to one of the top 10 countries within three years, driving billions of dollars in investment and growth across the industry.”

Q: What are you most excited for in joining the OnDefend team? 

” I have a passion for growth and taking on new challenges. Growing a small business and scaling new capabilities is a lifelong motivation. With OnDefend I have a unique opportunity to open new doors, expand service offerings, and bring new and exciting opportunities with a broad range of clients in international organizations and the Federal Government. This in turn helps grow not only the OnDefend portfolio of clients and cyber experts, but also the broader Jacksonville profile as an emerging cybersecurity hub in the southeast region.”

Explore OnDefend’s array of professional services, spanning from network penetration testing to tabletop exercises, and see firsthand how the OnDefend team can invigorate your security program.