Watch CBS News

Baltimore Chief Technology Officer Encourages Students To Engage

Jeff Williams, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Contrast Security in Baltimore and one of the originators of OWASP, a global non-profit focused on web application security, traces his beginnings in the field to a series of serendipitous occurrences.

BAL-Security
(Photo Courtesy of Jeff Williams)

He has a B.A. from the University of Virginia in psychology and computer science, a masters from George Mason University in human factors engineering, and a law degree with honors from Georgetown University Law Center, specializing in intellectual property and cyber law.

How did you initially get involved with cyber security and what prompted you to start Contrast Security?

"I was pushed into security. I love finding new ways to make technology do something it wasn't intended to do. I love software, but I'm not cut out to be a developer. I started finding vulnerabilities in computer systems early on and I enjoy working with clients to teach them about potential abuses from hackers. I found we could use instrumentation to discover vulnerabilities and even protect applications. Together with my team, we turned that concept into Contrast Security."

How does your educational background relate to your current role?

"With my undergraduate degree, I wanted to work in artificial intelligence, but there were no jobs in 1989 in that. So, after I received my masters in human factors engineering, I wrote a tool that completely automated the human factors job I had at the time, and I ended up in security on a research and development team."

 How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?

"All of my education provides context for whatever comes up; it helps me be more articulate and helps me better understand others. Before law school, my goal was to always be right about things. Then, I worked for a professor who said, 'Who cares about being right? You need to be compelling.' That changed my life."

What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into the field of cyber security?

"Engage! In law school, Chai Feldblum inspired me to actually think, and I started learning because I wanted to. There's no perfect way to learn security, but you absolutely need to get your hands dirty. You will never understand anything if you don't actually hack it. Contribute to open source projects; practice writing about security. Learn how to talk about security and estimate risk; learn to listen carefully to the client."

Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.