Entering a New Cybersecurity Era: Insights From Deltek’s CISO

In an era of accelerating digital transformation, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for organizations globally. As Deltek’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), I am proud to share my insights on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the emerging challenges we face and how we can leverage advancements like artificial intelligence (AI) to stay ahead of threats–while reflecting on our commitment to robust cybersecurity practices. 

Focusing on Continuous Improvement 

Cybersecurity is a relatively young industry, with the first CISO positions appearing in the late '90s. The field has matured significantly over the past two decades; however, the pace of change remains relentless. From my vantagepoint, one of the greatest challenges an organization faces is keeping up with this rapid evolution. Staying current with the most effective and efficient ways to protect an organization is a perpetual challenge that requires continuous learning and adaptation. 

The security environment is constantly changing due to the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024, cyber insecurity is a global risk, with threats such as malware, deepfakes and misinformation becoming more prevalent. This dynamic environment is forcing organizations to remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts. 

Focusing on continuous information security improvement involves an ongoing, iterative process of refining and enhancing security measures to adapt to the ever-changing threat landscape. No matter how good we were yesterday, we must strive to be better tomorrow. This approach requires organizations to stay ahead of developing threats by constantly updating their security protocols and practices. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, organizations can build a resilient cybersecurity posture that addresses current threats and anticipates future challenges. 

I’m proud to be part of an organization that prioritizes customer privacy and safety by implementing practical and user-friendly security measures. Our commitment to security and trust is embedded in every aspect of our operations, from product development and training to  organizational culture. 

Emerging Industry Challenges 

A few years ago, ransomware was the primary concern for cybersecurity professionals. While we have developed robust defenses against ransomware, new threats have emerged. Today, nation-state actors and sophisticated cybercriminals are increasingly targeting sensitive information. Protecting the identity of individuals and ensuring that devices and users accessing information are legitimate has become a complex challenge. 

The concept of zero trust has become a critical strategy for mature organizations to ensure data privacy and confidentiality, especially in a world where remote work blurs traditional security boundaries. It represents a fundamental shift in how we approach security, emphasizing the need for continuous verification of every user and device. That’s why Deltek has invested significantly in its information security initiatives over the last several years. We support our customers by implementing and monitoring controls that are consistent with various laws, regulations and industry standards. 

Government regulation is also playing a crucial role in shaping cybersecurity practices. In recent years, the federal government, along with many state governments, has become more prescriptive and supportive in ensuring cybersecurity measures are effectively implemented. This increased regulatory maturity has been beneficial for the industry, providing clear guidelines and, in many cases, funding for implementation. Compliance is just the first step towards maturity, but it is an essential one that helps organizations focus on more thoughtful and comprehensive security strategies. 

Keeping up with developing compliance requirements and security threats takes time and resources that may not be available to all organizations. Deltek’s product security roadmap demonstrates that we take our customers’ data seriously and that we will continue to invest in secure solutions that deliver value and peace of mind for government contractors to achieve compliance standards and win more contracts. 

Transforming the Power of AI 

The emergence of AI-generated threats, such as advanced phishing campaigns and deepfakes, has added a new layer of complexity to the cybersecurity landscape. These sophisticated techniques necessitate that organizations adopt more advanced security measures, including zero trust frameworks, to protect their data and systems. 

With AI’s increasing ability to sift through massive amounts of data, identify patterns and constantly learn about what’s happening in the industry, it has become invaluable in helping protect organizations. At Deltek, we see AI as a key collaborator, helping us detect and respond to threats more efficiently. This proactive approach is crucial in today’s fast-paced digital environment, where the speed of response can mean the difference between a minor incident and a major breach. 

As AI technologies evolve, we remain committed to staying up to date on the latest innovations and utilizing cutting-edge capabilities safely and securely to benefit our customers. AI technology is a key component of Deltek’s vision of powering project success and helping customers transform the world we live in. As an industry leader, we are actively incorporating new and innovative ways to maximize the potential benefits while minimizing the possible risks and harms of AI. We adhere to best practices and collaborate with industry experts and regulators to align our AI solutions with emerging standards and guidelines, demonstrating that security is Deltek’s top priority. 

Delivering on Our Commitment 

For nearly 40 years, Deltek has delivered scalable software and information solutions that grow and adapt to a project-based business’s needs. As your partner, we offer a platform and approach to security predicated on protecting everything, simplifying the complex, modernizing through purposeful innovation, and building trust with our customers. 

My advice to every CISO or cyber defender is to recognize that while security is incredibly important, it’s even more crucial to implement it in a way that encourages people to engage with the security program. Setting a good example is key to keeping information and the organization safe from cyber attackers. 

Looking ahead, we will continue to uphold our unwavering commitment to information security through our specialized team of certified and experienced cybersecurity professionals who deliver superior security capabilities to Deltek Project Nation.