San Francisco CEO Leads Mobile App Risk Management Service
With recent attacks at major retailers such as Target and Home Depot, privacy and security are on the minds of many consumers. With some of America's most famous brands under attack from cyber-criminals, demand for security analysts are especially high in San Francisco to safeguard high-profile companies such as Salesforce, Yelp and Twitter. For a brief look at the information security industry and career advice for students, Paul Stich, CEO of Appthority, a San Francisco-based company specializing in mobile device security, took time to share some of his valuable insight.
What is your background and level of education?
"I'm from Oakland and graduated from Saint Mary's College, just as the computer industry was taking shape. My first job was with Pacific Telephone as a computer resource manager, working on IBM mainframes. I later completed my M.B.A. at the University of Notre Dame and joined Peat Marwick in their management consulting practice, eventually becoming managing partner of their national telecommunications practice. During the mid '90s, I helped build IBM's consulting group.
In 1999 I left IBM to start my first company, Groundswell, an internet consulting company. Since then, I have led several early stage companies, including Counterpane Internet Security, acquired by British Telecom in 2006; Dasient, acquired by Twitter; and now Appthority, the leading mobile app risk management service."
What type of services does your company provide?
"Appthority helps organizations protect themselves from security and privacy risks by automating the discovery, analysis, and approval of apps present on employee devices. We have the world's largest global database of analyzed mobile apps, and within minutes, we're able to let an organization know which apps adhere to or violate corporate policies. Data leakage, inadequate encryption, single-sign-on and location tracking are examples of risky app behaviors that can violate a company's security policy and expose sensitive corporate data."
What advice can you share with people interested in a career in your field?
"I encourage students to pursue their interests and passion, identify large problems for businesses and address them quickly and proactively. Look for companies with strong leaders who could serve as great mentors and role models. For entrepreneurs who are looking to raise capital, I advise them to pursue the 'smartest' money they can find - focus on the top VC's or Angel investors with the best track records and highest integrity."
Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.