From Table Stakes to a Team Sport: Rethinking Cybersecurity

Welcome to Speed Data: Quick Conversations With Cybersecurity Leaders. Like speed dating, our goal is to capture the hearts of CISOs with intriguing, unique insight in a rapid format for security professionals pressed for time.

Our guest today is Hal Wing, the Manager of Cybersecurity for Centuri, an infrastructure services company that helps power millions of homes and businesses across the United States and Canada. Not exactly a small feat. Hal chats with host Megan Garza about reframing cybersecurity misconceptions, embracing new technology, and his secret talent of talking Thai.

Does cybersecurity get a bad rap?

In many organizations, the cybersecurity team has earned the dreaded nickname “The Department of No.” It’s a title that reflects a common perception: the division that blocks progress for the sake of security.

But Hal Wing, the Manager of Cybersecurity for Centuri, sees it differently.

“It’s better to tackle challenges in the cybersecurity profession from a position of, ‘How do we find a solution to the problem you’re presenting?’ rather than a flat-out, ‘No, you can’t do that,’” he said. “Maybe it’s not what you’re trying to do that’s wrong, but how you’re trying to do it.”

“You want to foster engagement and build a team willing to engage you to look for solutions rather than come up with one on their own without you.”

Hal recognizes that a successful cybersecurity program is inherently collaborative.

“I am one person in a large company with 15,000 employees doing what they need to meet the demands of their roles,” Hal said. Fortunately, the culture at Centuri fosters teamwork and a one-for-all mentality.

“I’m heavily reliant on my colleagues — if your organization fundamentally operates out of transparency and a willingness to corroborate, then you’re in a really good position.”

Cybersecurity: A non-negotiable investment

Because the employees and leaders at Centuri prioritize cybersecurity, Hal rarely has to go to bat to implement the latest security features and practices.

“Getting the buy-in on the importance of cybersecurity is less challenging,” he said. “With changes in SEC requirements, reporting expectations, and legislation around privacy, you cannot not be invested in cybersecurity.”

Hal emphasizes the need for clear communication about cybersecurity’s value.

“You need to be able to distill down in a way that speaks to business impact and, ultimately, dollars and cents,” Hal said. “We can sit and talk about firewalls and the need for Nasuni, and you know, the eyes start glazing over. Instead, you need to frame it in terms of what matters from the business perspective.”

Navigating the (fun) challenges of advancing technology

Staying on top of evolving trends in tech is part of Hal’s job, and he welcomes the challenge of integrating new technologies responsibly.

“You look at advancing capabilities — things like quantum computing and AI. It’s already changing the landscape, and we’re still in the early stages of adoption. As with any new technology, we’re still figuring out all the wonderful things we can do with it and how we can apply it to make the lives around us better.”

Still, Hal approaches these challenges with curiosity and optimism.

“There’s always new technology — new things coming down the road,” he said. “But I like to lean into those challenges and embrace the areas where I may not have all the answers.”