Isaac Straley named CISO of the year

Isaac Straley, the University of Toronto’s chief information security officer (CISO), has been named CISO of the year at the CISO Forum Canada 2021.

Straley, who joined U of T in 2018, oversees the university’s information security program, working in partnership with tri-campus leadership to ensure that networks, information, and people are protected.

He is also the CISO for CanSSOC, the Canadian Shared Security Operations Centre, which serves universities, colleges, polytechniques and CÉGEPs across Canada.

“Isaac is an innovative and collaborative leader – so it’s great to see him receive such an important recognition from his peers,” says Bo Wandschneider, U of T’s chief information officer. “Information security plays a crucial role in enabling and supporting the university’s academic mission and Isaac’s contributions – his strategic and tactical direction at U of T and CanSSOC – deserve to be celebrated.”

“Information security is one of the defining issues of our time and we have a chance to really think differently, to innovate,” says Straley. “My goal is to build trust and resiliency, not barriers. But my role is more than just a person, it is the team of hardworking professionals at U of T and across the country.

“We’re better when we work together and this recognition celebrates the power of our community.”