The Office of Information Security (OIS) has recently welcomed Una McGarry to the team. In her role as Information Security Analyst I, Una is part of the Vulnerability Management team’s efforts to protect WashU’s data and systems from bad actors. This includes assessing daily vulnerabilities, communicating risks to stakeholders, and coordinating with business partners to eliminate weaknesses in the university’s cybersecurity framework.
Una’s interest in computers and people brought her to the world of information security. She finds its rapidly evolving landscape and the constant challenge to thwart malicious attacks intriguing. Una emphasizes the need to protect data and the people that are connected to it. She explains that while information security may not have all the answers, they will exhaust every avenue to find them. Una wants people to be aware that collaborating to find solutions is stitched into information security’s makeup, even if it may appear that areas under information technology (IT) operate as standalone components.
Una’s background includes experience in a variety of pursuits. Upon earning her undergraduate degree, Una found herself leaving the service industry for the healthcare world. She made her mark as a technical trainer on EHRs software and hardware. Her pursuit of a service desk position led her to learning about CyberUp, which provided support by sending her internship opportunities due to her already having a Security+ certification. Her journey at WashU began shortly thereafter when she applied for an apprenticeship which would allow her to do rotations in various departments. A pay decrease from leaving her MSP position did not deter Una from joining the apprenticeship. Her decision has been rewarding as it paved the path for her current role in OIS. To complement her work experience, Una will graduate with a master’s in cybersecurity from University of Missouri – St. Louis, a highly recognized program in the field.
A highlight of Una’s job is the people that she works with; they are a major reason for why she enjoys her role. Una praises her coworkers’ strong willingness to share information. She recognizes her fortune in having collaborative and supportive peers that also make her laugh. Her appreciation of her peers extends to those in the Portfolio and Project Management Office (PPMO), particularly the business analysts and project managers that make her life easier.
On a personal note, Una takes part in improvisational theatre, an endeavor she has been involved in for more than a decade. Even though musical improv makes her nervous, it is what she enjoys most. She can also be found camping during her free time. Another fact about Una is that she practices non-violent communication (NVC). She says that while there are things beyond her control in this world, her reactions are what she can influence. She invites anyone interested to reach out to her to discuss empathy and resources on NVC.
There are several resources that Una recommends for learning about information security. She advocates for Bleeping Computer and Dark Reading as reading options, and Wired as a less technical resource. For podcast lovers, she recommends Darknet Diaries.