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Montana CISO Shares State Security Actions and Priorities

Back in 2014, I first interviewed the technology and security leaders in “Big Sky Country” for this blog.

A lot has changed in the past six years, including the state’s government technology and security leadership. But what hasn’t changed is a focus on excellence and professionalism in public service that continues to surprise observers around the country.

Andy Hanks became the chief information security officer in Montana in January 2018, after spending almost 20 years in a variety of senior roles with IBM, including global security program manager and deputy sector compliance lead.

Mr. Hanks’ LinkedIn profile describes him as a “business-driven cybersecurity executive with 25 years of experience in information technology including 12 years in information security, a Master of Science in Information Systems, and multiple cybersecurity certifications. As Chief Information Security Officer for the State of Montana, Andy is responsible for managing and maturing Montana’s information security and data privacy programs to protect citizen’s data and the state’s IT assets. He partners with state and federal agencies to identify threats, mitigate vulnerabilities and reduce risks within the state; and he collaborates with cybersecurity leaders across the nation to develop and implement best practice security policies. Andy represents Montana’s cybersecurity interests in the state Legislature, State Information Technology Manager’s Council and the State Information Technology Board. He is chair of the Montana Information Security Advisory Council, a member of the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center Executive Committee, and a member of the State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Government Coordinating Council.”  

I first met Andy Hanks at a National Governor’s Association (NGA) event on cybersecurity in Shreveport, La., in 2019, and I was immediately impressed with his knowledge and humble, yet confident, demeanor. His compelling stories, funny answers and overall approach to management are unique and (Read more...)