Bio

Chris Beal is a lecturer in the Industrial Engineering program at NC State University. He has over 25 years of experience as a cybersecurity professional. Over the years, he has seen that strong cybersecurity starts with doing the basics well. As a result, he focuses on building a positive culture around cybersecurity. He also works to show how cybersecurity can help organizations succeed. Chris cares deeply about the field and enjoys its constant learning demands.

He earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from NC State University. He also holds certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC). In 2021, the North Carolina Technology Association (NCTECH) named him “CISO of the Year.”

Expertise

• Cybersecurity Leadership and Risk Management
• Experienced in executive security roles, guiding organizations toward strong security postures.
• Security Architecture and Incident Response
• Skilled in designing secure IT environments and managing cyber threats.
• Governance, Compliance and Certifications
• Expertise in industry standards, holding CISSP, CISA, and CRISC certifications.
• Cybersecurity Education and Culture Building
• Passionate about mentoring, fostering security awareness, and continuous learning.