The relentless advancements of the cybersecurity landscape throw unprecedented challenges at businesses. Safeguarding digital assets from a constant barrage of threats is a critical concern. As organizations work to build stronger defenses and navigate the complexities of cyber risk management, they’re turning to trusted experts. These experts deliver tailored solutions that address each company’s unique needs and proactively mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
One such extraordinaire—Andrew Turner is an industry luminary with a wealth of experience in cybersecurity and risk management. As the Executive Vice President of the Global Commercial Business at Booz Allen Hamilton, Andrew brings a strategic vision and fervent commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses to thrive in the digital age.
With a deep understanding of the sector’s intricacies, Andrew champions a holistic approach to cybersecurity, leveraging a diverse range of methodologies and initiatives. From wargames and executive tabletops to risk assessments and incident response planning, Andrew and his team at Booz Allen employ a comprehensive arsenal of tools to ensure their clients are protected against emerging threats.
Moreover, Andrew’s dedication to staying ahead of the curve is evident in his proactive approach to keeping abreast of the latest threats and vulnerabilities. Through meticulous research, analysis and ongoing client engagement, he remains at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, driving continuous improvement and resilience in an ever-changing landscape.
As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of cybersecurity in sustaining their operations and protecting their reputations, Andrew stands as a trusted partner, guiding organizations through the complexities of cyber risk management with expertise, integrity and commitment.
Fortune 500 to Booz Allen
With a dynamic 25-year career in cybersecurity, Andrew has traversed diverse domains. He commenced his journey in system and network engineering, seamlessly transitioning into information security during an era when ‘cyber’ wasn’t a household term. Establishing his own cyber consultancy, Andrew provided pivotal support to Fortune 500 companies worldwide, addressing global cyber threats head-on. Venturing further, he spearheaded the inception of cybersecurity business verticals and programs for industry giants like Microsoft and Visa.
His journey boasts remarkable milestones, including contributions to the Olympic Games, advisory roles on the Virginia Governor’s Cyber Commission, and collaborations with national stakeholders and the White House on cyber policy. In 2016, Andrew assumed the role of Chief Security Officer at a hyper-growth, highly regulated Fortune 500 fin-tech company. This pivotal position propelled him to lead and expand a premier commercial cybersecurity services business at Booz Allen.
Andrew reflects on his journey, stating, “Each phase brought unique challenges and opportunities for growth.” His career trajectory exemplifies resilience and innovation in navigating the landscape of cybersecurity.
Partnering for Secure Growth
For Booz Allen’s Global Commercial business, the journey begins with aligning solutions to the unique needs of each client. “We’ve never operated in the commodity aspect of cybersecurity,” Andrew emphasizes. Their approach ensures tailored solutions that resonate with clients, fostering long-term partnerships.
Each assessment or implementation is custom-tailored, reflecting the client’s mission, environment and business objectives. “It’s about more than just security—it’s about their culture,” Andrew adds. Booz Allen leverages advanced technologies and methodologies to craft robust, effective solutions aligned with industry best practices.
“Our goal is to help clients reduce risk exposure, protect assets and foster sustainable growth,” Andrew concludes. This commitment drives every aspect of their work, ensuring clients feel empowered and secure in their digital endeavors. Booz Allen aims to become a trusted cybersecurity partner by offering personalized solutions and unwavering dedication in the constantly changing cybersecurity environment.
Partnering for Progress
At Booz Allen, collaboration is key. “Partnering with our clients, who are thought leaders in their vertical markets, helps drive our strategy and innovative service offerings,” says Andrew. Working closely with some of the world’s most influential companies, the team addresses today’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges.
Active participation in conferences, events and practitioner communities keeps them abreast of industry developments. Andrew emphasizes, “We prioritize innovation by conducting research and development, encouraging collaboration across a broad network of cyber experts.” This commitment fosters a culture of continuous learning and allows them to swiftly adapt to market changes, identifying new avenues for growth and development.
Collective Ingenuity
Cybersecurity often requires collaboration across industries and sectors and Booz Allen fosters partnerships and collaboration to address the dynamic nature of cyber threats. “Collective Ingenuity is at the heart of what we do,” says Andrew, emphasizing one of Booz Allen’s core values. Collaboration is key, as they work alongside industry leaders, community organizations, academia and government agencies. With 35,000+ employees worldwide, knowledge sharing is crucial.
Through cross-industry events and roundtables, they facilitate discussions on emerging threats and best practices. “Our workshops cover a range of topics,” Andrew notes, from Operational Technology to Artificial Intelligence, Zero Trust, and Insider Threats. With several more planned for the future, the exchange of expertise remains ongoing and vital in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.
Setting the Pace
“Executing our growth strategy, VoLT, is our priority at Booz Allen,” says Andrew. They advance with Velocity, investing ahead of emerging technology waves and expanding market positions through strategic partnerships. Leadership is redefined with a focus on scaling hypergrowth businesses at the intersection of mission and technology.
In the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, velocity is paramount. Andrew stresses, “Moving with velocity is of the essence,” whether responding to cyber incidents or assessing new threats. Building collaborative partnerships is key, with a focus on positioning Booz Allen as a leader in the cybersecurity space.
Their work on emerging technologies sets them apart. Andrew emphasizes, “We deliver cutting-edge AI, Zero Trust and Post-Quantum Cryptography solutions,” aiding influential companies with their critical missions. With a commitment to innovation and agility, Booz Allen remains at the forefront of addressing the evolving needs of cybersecurity in today’s advancing landscape.
Safeguarding the Future
“Booz Allen’s Global Commercial business stands out as a pure-play cyber solutions provider,” affirms Andrew. Their vision is clear—to tackle the toughest cybersecurity challenges for the world’s largest companies. This includes securing critical systems for major pharmaceutical providers and developing cutting-edge cyber analytics platforms for global manufacturers.
Expertise in incident response and resiliency is central to their approach. “We help clients navigate cyber crises and build resilient cyber programs,” Andrew explains. Strong cybersecurity practices are viewed as essential for business success, enabling clients to thrive amidst complexity.
Their position is fortified by extensive experience supporting the U.S. Government on critical cyber missions. Andrew emphasizes, “Coupling this with our deep knowledge, we are truly leaders in cyberspace.” Booz Allen’s commitment to excellence and innovation ensures they remain at the forefront of addressing the evolving cybersecurity landscape providing robust solutions for their clients’ most pressing challenges.
Adapting to the Connected Battlespace
“Cybersecurity threats are ever-evolving, demanding constant vigilance,” states Andrew. From ransomware attacks to securing operational technology and cloud services, the challenges are vast. Companies must embark on their Zero Trust journey promptly and bolster resilience to minimize downtime in the event of a breach.
The threat landscape is interconnected with bad actors targeting various sectors indiscriminately. “To adversaries, it’s one connected battlespace,” Andrew emphasizes. Booz Allen’s extensive experience spans governments, critical infrastructure and Fortune 500 companies. Staying ahead of the curve is significant to understanding the latest threat actor tactics, trends and technologies to assist clients in overcoming their toughest challenges.
As digital reliance grows, proactive cybersecurity measures are imperative. Andrew underscores, “Starting the Zero Trust journey early is key.” By prioritizing resilience and leveraging advanced technologies, organizations can mitigate risks and safeguard against evolving threats, ensuring continuity and security in an increasingly digital world.
Strategic Insights
“Innovation and cybersecurity are inseparable,” asserts Andrew. Booz Allen leverages its partner ecosystem and incubation labs to access emerging technologies on demand, assembling bespoke solutions for complex challenges. “Our culture of innovation empowers us as creative thinkers,” he emphasizes, bringing unparalleled value to clients.
By investing in startups, Booz Allen provides both technical and strategic support. Andrew highlights their focus on Artificial Intelligence, Zero Trust and Post-Quantum Cryptography, delivering innovative solutions that outmaneuver cyber threats. This commitment to innovation ensures Booz Allen remains at the forefront, equipping clients with critical advantages in cybersecurity.
Proactive Cybersecurity
“At Booz Allen, we employ a range of methodologies and initiatives,” Andrew explains, “such as wargames and executive tabletops, risk assessments, product and data security, CISO advisory and transformation, incident response planning, and more.” This comprehensive approach ensures clients receive tailored solutions to protect their assets and operations effectively.
Staying ahead of the curve is crucial. “We remain up-to-date on the latest threats and vulnerabilities,” Andrew asserts. Through continuous research, analysis and ongoing client work, Booz Allen remains at the forefront of cybersecurity, equipped to address emerging challenges head-on. This commitment to staying informed and proactive underscores their dedication to delivering the highest level of security and resilience to their clients.
Every Day Matters
Andrew shares, “I can’t think of many industries evolving as quickly as cybersecurity, but that also carries the burden of getting it right 100% of the time.” He adds, “When I was in the payments business, we used to say, ‘Every Transaction Matters.’ Now, as the leader of a global cybersecurity services business that supports critical infrastructure, we say, Every Day Matters.” Leading a team that supports critical infrastructure requires swift adaptation and efficient response.
Andrew’s approach centers on cultivating high-performing teams with diverse expertise. “Daily touch points with leadership are crucial,” he notes, particularly in today’s hybrid or remote work environments. This ensures clear priorities and agile decision-making.
Creating a culture of stability amidst the pressures of cybersecurity, Andrew emphasizes common goals and collaborative teamwork. Prioritizing well-being and work/life balance is key. “We can’t tackle tough challenges or lead effectively if we’re not at our best,” he underscores.
Investing in Talent
Assembling a strong team is vital. “A strong technical background in cybersecurity and a deep understanding of the latest security threats, trends and technologies are essential,” asserts Andrew. Integrity is equally vital—team members must uphold high standards and hold others accountable. Valuing teamwork, communication and problem-solving, Andrew emphasizes adaptability in the face of evolving threats.
Nurturing professional growth is a priority. “Regular training and development opportunities keep employees updated,” Andrew notes. This includes client engagements, industry conferences, certifications, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Rotational programs like immersion in new areas such as AI enhance skill sets and foster innovation.
Creating a positive work culture is foundational. Andrew stresses that recognizing and rewarding contributions is key. Competitive pay, flexible work environments and acknowledgment of achievements motivate and retain talent. By prioritizing professional development and fostering a supportive culture, Booz Allen cultivates a strong team equipped to address clients’ cybersecurity challenges effectively.
Diversity at the Core
Booz Allen champions diversity and inclusion through a robust agenda comprising four pillars:
- “Lead By Example: We are transparent and model inclusion.”
- “Empower Potential: We drive equitable access and outcomes.”
- “Inspire Belonging: We are a safe place where people are seen, heard, valued, and cared for.”
- “Use Our Voice: We are a force for advancing equity and resilience.”
Diverse perspectives foster better problem-solving and innovation. Initiatives like employee resource groups, diversity training and mentorship programs attract and retain diverse talent.
In every industry, prioritizing diversity and inclusion is paramount. It ensures solutions represent and benefit all individuals and communities. Moreover, a diverse workforce helps bridge the skills gap in cybersecurity, contributing to a more secure digital landscape. Booz Allen’s commitment to diversity and inclusion underscores its dedication to excellence and innovation, making it a leader in the field.
Cyber Defense in Action
Booz Allen’s Digital Forensics and Incident Response team operates globally, collaborating with a diverse range of organizations to tackle cybersecurity intrusions. Their mission—to swiftly identify, contain, eradicate, and investigate suspected breaches. With a focus on minimizing business disruption, they deploy highly skilled personnel equipped to handle the entire incident response lifecycle.
The team’s expertise extends across industries from Fortune 500 companies to the middle market. Handling a significant volume of incidents annually, exceeding 1,000 cases, they derive valuable technical and operational intelligence. This wealth of insights is shared with staff, partners and clients, enhancing collective cyber resilience.
Booz Allen’s cases provide deep industry-specific insights and technical knowledge, particularly concerning prevalent threat groups exploiting ransomware and other malicious cyber activities like business email compromise.
Offering advice to readers, Andrew stresses the importance of swift response, clear communication channels and well-prepared incident response plans. “Building resilience is crucial,” he emphasizes. Effectively containing incidents, minimizing damage and swiftly returning to normal operations are imperative for business continuity post-attack. Booz Allen’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to helping organizations fortify their cybersecurity defenses and effectively respond to evolving threats.
The Imperative of Adaptability
Based on my own experiences and the evolving nature of the industry, Andrew shares, “Reflecting on my experiences cybersecurity today differs greatly from a decade ago and will continue to evolve.” Skills in this field have a limited shelf life, demanding adaptability.
“Cybersecurity is now integral to business,” Andrew emphasizes. Leaders must prioritize business acumen alongside technical expertise. This dynamic landscape requires continuous learning and a forward-thinking approach to stay ahead in the ever-changing realm of cybersecurity.
