Daily Mail and General Trust : 60 seconds with... Arkadiy Goykhberg

04.01.18

This week we caught up with Arkadiy Goykhberg DMGT's Chief Information Security Officer and talked about cyber security and the book that inspired his career.

What is your role and what does it entail?

My role is Chief Information Security Officer. On a day to day basis I work with CEOs, CFOs, CTOs/CIOs and the heads of security at each of DMGT's businesses. I help develop effective and efficient security programmes and technology roadmaps which address increasing cyber threats. These help keep us on the right side of regulations and avoid the potential issues that may result from a breach.

What are your current goals as Chief Information Security Officer?

My main goals are to drive improvement in the overall security posture and maturity of the DMGT portfolio companies. I also help them to archive and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements relevant to the market and jurisdictions they operate in.

What was your career path running up to DMGT?

Over the last 20 years I have had a variety of roles at companies ranging from small 40-person startups to large 300,000 person multinational conglomerates. My responsibilities have differed with each job and position but they have always had a technology and cyber security element.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in technology, and specifically cyber security?

I am one of the lucky few who found their passion early in life! I started playing with computers when I was 12, programing at 13 and when I was 15 I read The Cuckoo's Egg: Tracking a Spy Through the Maze of Computer Espionage which was when I knew what I wanted to do. 30 years later I still love what I do and still have fun doing it!

Why is cyber security so important and what are some security 'basics' that everyone should be aware of?

Simply put cyber security is a business problem. Every employee, contractor and vendor has to clearly understand their security responsibilities. Attackers will always target the weakest link in the chain, so a mistake made by anyone in this chain can result in a data breach or business-impacting malware outbreak.

What was it about DMGT that made you want to work for the company?

I was attracted by the size and scale of the company and the entrepreneurial nature within the Group. Decisions are made after thoughtful deliberation and in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, but this process doesn't slow down project development. People are passionate about what they do here - it doesn't feel like a typical corporate culture.

So far, what's the best thing about DMGT? How would you describe our culture?

I've only been with DMGT for about 6 weeks, so I still have a lot to learn and many people to meet, but the culture seems to be highly collaborative and the environment is fast paced. I love it and I can't see myself getting bored anytime soon!

Is there anything about you that may surprise us?

So nothing about me or my hobbies is that unusual anymore, but when my daughter was younger she was involved in multiple debate teams. As such I would spend my weekends going to, and judging multiple tournaments. It was very demanding and exhausting, but a rewarding activity to be a part of. She's still involved in debate tournaments but now she's older they're judged by teachers, so my services are no longer needed!

Finally, what's the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Be humble and open-minded. It's very likely you know less about a subject or situation than you think.