Meet the IAM Disruptors: Robert Block
Today, we announced the latest addition to SecureAuth’s executive leadership team: Robert Block! Robert has joined SecureAuth as the senior vice president of identity strategy, bringing 19 years of results-oriented information technology experience.
In his new role, Robert will interact with customers, other vendors and leading analysts on the transformation of the authentication industry being led by SecureAuth. He has an impressive resume, most recently having served as VP of client solutions, IAM at Optiv Security. Robert has also held executive leadership positions at Fishnet Security and Logic Trends.
Robert’s impressive background and thought leadership in IAM speak for themselves, but here’s a deeper dive into his favorite technology, his career motivations and his personal take on the cybersecurity industry:
Favorite Technology
What is your favorite personal gadget?
My iPhone for sure! It’s like an extension of my arms and brain.
Do you have a favorite piece of personal software?
It would have to be Facebook – the combination of news, personal opinion, family, shopping and business is fascinating. I’m astounded by the way it permeates its way into my day-to-day life.
What was the first piece of technology you got really excited about?
The first piece of technology I got really excited about was an updated IBM ThinkPad in the early 2000s. It was slim, and was also my first introduction to the “eraser” in the middle. I can’t stand the mouse pad.
What device improves your life most at work?
My Microsoft Surface. I have my PC plus my tablet in one – plus, I don’t have to shut it down on airplanes.
What software keeps you most productive at work?
Office365 in general. The synchronization between all my devices online and off is tremendous!
Career Motivations
Why did you decide to pursue a career in technology and cybersecurity?
I could tell that IT was going to be a lucrative and long-lasting career. Cybersecurity was more about right place, right time when I was working for the government.
What was your most interesting job?
My new job with SecureAuth is my most interesting job. I am finally in a place where I am at the intersection of customer, analyst, executive and visionary interaction. This position makes me feel I can do the most to transform the industry I have called “home” for so many years.
Where does your passion and drive come from?
My passion comes from solving problems and leaning forward in an industry that seems to have no timetable for every slowing down.
What is the most personally difficult aspect of being in technology for you?
Being my family’s IT support guru for all things technology.
Who or what motivates you?
My motivation stems from knowing that each day will have different demands, different problems to solve, different challenges and successes.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career to date?
I have two – 1) don’t have a complaint unless you have thought through at least one option to solve it; and 2) when planning, have a plan B and C, because adaptability is the strongest skill required in technology.
Cybersecurity Industry
What are your thoughts on the next transformation in the cybersecurity industry?
The prevention of stolen credentials is a farce. Protecting 100 percent is unachievable, so understanding the usage at the point of authentication and working to prevent against the misuse of stolen credentials is the next transformation. To coincide with that, a philosophy has begun that you shouldn’t buy more to be secure; instead, you should take what you own and have it work together for the total sum good of being more secure.
What is the greatest transformation in cybersecurity you’ve witnessed in your career?
The greatest transformation I’ve seen thus far is the movement from the laptop to the mobile device. I can do more on my phone than I could on any other device at any point in my lifetime, and I can do it seamlessly from almost anywhere.
Want to learn more about Robert? Get the full scoop here.
