Steve Gentry

Security is not about technology! My passion for data protection started in the 90s without me realizing that was the path I was headed down. I found it fascinating that lengths people would go to skirt around IT controls. I found myself asking questions to understand why they did what they did. This is what formed my belief that my primary role in Security & Privacy is to be an educator and helped me focus on meeting business objectives instead of checking a security box.

My passion has led me to take on new challenges including public speaking engagements and starting my own security practice years ago. I wanted the opportunity to learn from others while sharing the lessons I have learned over the years without requiring others to reinvent the wheel. I also believe it is my responsibility to mentor the next generation of security and privacy professionals to meet the needs of the companies they work for, teaching them to be business professionals first, data protection practitioners second.