UNC-CH Information Technology Services

A conversation with Cameron

William Cameron doesn’t want to see the bad guys win. As the new Assistant Vice Chancellor for Information Security, he is determined to protect the integrity, confidentiality and availability of the University’s data assets against cyber criminals.

According to Cameron, there’s big money in cyber crime, which is really just traditional crime with a technology spin. As organizations and individuals have migrated to do more online, so have the cyber criminals.

As Cameron sees it, his job is to keep the bad guys out of the University’s information systems.

“It will take a collaborative effort across the entire campus to really address the challenges facing us. Collaboration is essential,” said Cameron.

In recent years, organized crime circles have also started arming themselves with automated tools that run day and night trying to find a way to exploit vulnerable systems. Their objectives are to break into systems, steal data, extort money and commit fraud.

“We even have to deal with foreign governments exploiting vulnerabilities in information systems to collect intelligence, commit economic espionage and steal research,” said Cameron.

Cameron, a graduate of North Carolina State University, is known by his last name only, thanks to a long line of family members also named William and a stint in ROTC.

Why did Cameron choose information security as a career?

“I enjoy taking on new challenges. In this field the threats are constantly evolving. As cyber criminals adjust their tactics, so must we. There’s rarely a dull moment. I also don’t like seeing people become victims of cyber crime. I chose Information Security to try and make a difference,” said Cameron.