Harris brings over 20 years of experience in education and a strong commitment to advancing the cybersecurity workforce. She designs and evaluates cybersecurity programs with a focus on real-world impact. A champion of diversity and inclusion, Harris works to bridge the talent gap by fostering collaboration between industry and academia. She previously served as Assistant Dean of Technology and continues to teach in both the undergraduate and graduate cybersecurity programs at Grand Canyon University.

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‘I Quit!’ - When CISOs Need to Take Charge of Their Careers

Brandy Harris • December 17, 2025

A recent CISO resignation letter exposes a structural flaw in how organizations manage cyber risk. It shows what happens when risk is accepted quietly and accountability is enforced retroactively, and it’s a cautionary tale about why CISOs need to actively manage their careers.

Experience Really Matters - But Now You’re Fighting AI Hacks

Brandy Harris • December 10, 2025

AI-based attacks will come faster and the sequence of activities will be less predictable. Cyber defenders are skilled in network analysis, incident response and cloud or identity management, but in the face of AI-based attacks, they need new skills, tools and defensive tactics.

When ERP Systems Become the Attack Surface

Brandy Harris • December 3, 2025

When a critical vulnerability surfaces in ERP systems such as the Oracle E-Business Suite flaw, attackers can go well beyond a single compromised server. The flaw exposed the need for cyber professionals who understand enterprise architecture, secure configuration and vulnerability interpretation.

My Mathy Friends, Cybersecurity Needs You

Brandy Harris • November 25, 2025

Cybersecurity needs thinkers who can examine the logic underlying our systems, question assumptions and identify where traditional cryptography will no longer hold. The post-quantum challenge presents an opportunity for math-minded people to contribute in ways that will influence global security.

How to Overcome Latency in Your Cyber Career

Brandy Harris • November 19, 2025

Career latency is not an indictment of your ability. Understanding what creates latency in your professional life and how to address it is an essential component of long-term growth. With a diagnostic mindset and a willingness to optimize, you can restore throughput and move forward with purpose.

Starting Over in Cybersecurity: Advice I Wish I’d Had

Brandy Harris • November 5, 2025

New to cybersecurity? Start by learning how organizations work - their people, processes and priorities - before diving deep into technical stacks. Understanding how to translate technical findings into business risk differentiates a professional from a technician.

Cyber Pros Needed: Securing the Middle Ground

Brandy Harris • October 29, 2025

As large enterprises continue to strengthen their defenses and reduce ransom payouts, ransomware operators are redirecting their attention toward midsize organizations. This shift has increased the urgency for adaptable, well-trained cyber professionals who can tailor enterprise-grade protections.

Turning Experience Into Impact: Careers in Cyber Education

Brandy Harris • October 22, 2025

When I first began working in cybersecurity education, my background was in teaching, not security operations. Over time, I came to appreciate that this field attracts professionals from both directions - those who begin in education and learn cybersecurity, and those who bring years of industry experience into the...

Reading the Fine Print When Managing Vendor Risk

Brandy Harris • October 8, 2025

Risk and compliance review requires more than just checking off boxes. It involves understanding what the fine print reveals about how a vendor protects data, manages incidents and upholds contractual obligations. Professionals who review contracts become trusted voices in procurement and security.

Tool Evaluation Skills: A Cure for Shiny Object Syndrome

Brandy Harris • October 1, 2025

Shiny object syndrome is more than a metaphor in cybersecurity. Organizations that chase every new tool often discover that what looked impressive in a demo fails to meet operational needs. The cure for this common malady is a structured tool evaluation process.

Career Spotlight: White Hat Hackers in an Automated World

Brandy Harris • September 24, 2025

Automated pentesting tools offer faster visibility and robust integration with daily security operations, but automation doesn’t eliminate the need for humans in the loop. Automation raises the baseline for vulnerability management and changes what white hat hackers need to know to stay relevant.

Going Deeper in Cyber Skills: Can You Spot the Not?

Brandy Harris • September 10, 2025

In their careers, cyber professionals are expected to move beyond clicking through alerts and develop more depth in the field. The "easy button" may feel efficient, but it could be your downfall if you don’t push yourself to truly learn the ins and outs of cyber defense.

OT Security: When Shutting Down Is Not an Option

Brandy Harris • September 4, 2025

Operational technology incidents can have physical as well as digital consequences, from halting plant production to endangering lives. Training tailored to OT security is essential for protecting critical systems while maintaining operational continuity.

The Career Delta: Navigating AI, Cybersecurity and Change

Brandy Harris • August 27, 2025

Some organizations are hesitant about implementing artificial intelligence tools in their enterprises because of accuracy, security and privacy concerns. That hesitation creates opportunities for professionals who can bridge the gap between technical potential and practical deployment.

From Ladders to Lattices: Redesigning Career Growth

Brandy Harris • August 20, 2025

In 2025, professionals are abandoning the traditional career ladder for lateral moves and purpose-driven roles. Employers must adapt their advancement models or risk losing top talent, especially in critical fields like cybersecurity where flexibility matters most.