Chris Parker MBE has taken up the role as Visiting Professor of Cyber Security at the University of South Wales (USW).
With a background of 30 years in the military and senior corporate roles, Chris is now Director Government Strategy at Fortinet UK, a leading cybersecurity business.
He is an expert in strategic cybersecurity collaboration, serving as Co-Chair of the UK Cyber Resilience Committee, Industry Co-Chair of the MOD’s Integration Working Group since 2022 and was Chair for the Department of Energy Security Supply Chain Cyber Resilience Group.
Chris is a Fellow of the Tällberg Foundation, a Chartered Manager, and holds a Technology Masters Degree with two postgraduate diplomas in strategic planning.
Chris said his appointment as a Visiting Professor is a ‘wonderful privilege’ and he is looking forward to sharing his expertise in Critical National Infrastructure security and Industry integration, which will support two of the University’s core themes.
“I believe in being able to give something back and assisting the University will allow me to do that,” he said.
“I really want to give something back to the next generation. Tell them what I’ve learned from my mistakes, how I navigated difficulties, and what I found as good ways of achieving success.
“I have a passion for the importance of good governance in cybersecurity. People with more technical computing skills may not realise how important this is to deliver success; we need both aspects today and ahead.
“I’m aiming to help enhance Cyber Governance in the University and highlight how organisational requirements are vital to a successful career in the cyber sector.”
Diversity in cyber is something Chris is also aiming to improve.
“I am very keen to see people from a wide variety of backgrounds come into the cyber arena,” he said.
“I’d like to see more females in the sector, I have a daughter in digital now so I have a vested interest.
“I’d also like to support more neurodiversity in our sector. I'm particularly passionate about welcoming and attracting into our digital world people who will be very comfortable to thrive there. In cyber we can use unique skills and ways – it is a place where people should welcome a different way of thinking.”
Professor Jill Stewart, Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science at USW, said Chris will bring welcome expertise to the university.
“A key part of our cybersecurity courses and research is bringing real-life and expert experience into the university, and what better way to do that than having someone at the forefront of the sector sharing valuable experience and insight,” Professor Stewart said.
“Chris’ past and current roles put him in an invaluable position to give those studying at USW access to years of expert knowledge, and I’m really looking forward to adding his knowhow to our award-winning cyber department.”
