Thomas Alonso, cyber threat intelligence director at Hitachi Systems Security, recounts that his interest in technology was piqued as a youngster when he received his first Apple II computer. Since then, Alonso has been deeply passionate about technology, stating that “computers are a part of my life.”

Alonso’s interest in technology also deepened during his formative years, primarily through video games and movies. He recalls watching WarGames, a film about a young hacker preventing a nuclear war. Intrigued with the tactics displayed in the movie, Alonso decided that he also wanted to learn how to protect people from the “bad guys” through technology, thus nurturing his passion for cybersecurity. He also quickly learned and intensely appreciated cybersecurity’s use and value through connecting people or making day-to-day activities easier to execute. Back in the 90s, Alonso learnt the nuances of how to both protect and hack systems. He also learned a great deal by exchanging information and participating in groups on Internet Relay Chat (IRC), a popular instant messaging platform. Alonso also recounts that in the 2000s, when Matrix (movie) premièred in theatres, people sought his expertise to hack MySpace and e-mail accounts. However, staying true to his mission, he opted to help persons most vulnerable to cyber attacks, such as reputation harassment.

Alonso’s career evolved as he assumed roles such as security architect and security manager, in which he had the opportunity to be a part of a start-up and develop the cybersecurity technology intelligence (CTI) activity. This experience broadened his scope and allowed him to become well-networked in intelligence and criminology. In 2018, Alonso began working at Hitachi, where he connected with team members whom he believed shared the same vision for CTI. Alonso was encouraged to execute the Managed Security Services (MSS), which sparked his “inner-geek”. Alonso develops tools and solutions to reduce instances of cyber criminality, especially threats that are increasing and becoming more complex and undetectable.

Alonso is thrilled to be involved in simplifying complex issues and making them useful for people. He insists on numerous ways to prepare and protect your systems against data breaches and hacking exists. Looking back 10 years ago, he observed that people were thinking, “this will never happen to us, yet today, with the increase of cyber-criminality, clients are investing in regular penetration tests on websites and applications. Alonso noted that people are now more appreciative of the importance of cybersecurity.

“When you drive in your car, you don’t ask about the security functions or security functions on the road; it’s all automatic,” he asserted.

As Alonso sees it, cybersecurity is an integral piece in the digital transformation agenda because security is necessary where technology exists, especially with unethical activity on the rise.

“Where cybersecurity was once seen as invasive, constraining, expensive and complex, it is now proactive, efficient and necessary. With our lives closely intertwined with technology, we see how cybersecurity is a preventative measure that saves lives, money, and time,” Alonso said.

Ultimately, Alonso is a light-hearted and fun-loving person whose passion for technology and cybersecurity has made society safer.