The Information Security Office has named Alex Everett as information security operations manager.
In his new role effective January 10, Everett will help manage ISO’s Operations and Incident Handling team and the Network Security team. He previously led ISO’s IT Security Architecture team for two years and has worked for the University for 15 years. Everett replaces Larry Fritsche, who left in October.
Responsibilities of role
As manager, Everett will support ISO’s day-to-day operations and lead a team of subject matter experts who provide network security services, endpoint security services, security awareness, threat management and incident management. He also will participate in strategic initiatives by the chief information security officer and assist with updating policies and procedures, managing security awareness for campus, and supporting escalations.
The Operations and Incident Handling team and the Network Security team provide essential services to campus including administering the firewalls and working with people when a potential loss of confidentiality, integrity or availability for an information system or important data has occurred.
Getting the right people
“Initially, my goal is to make sure we have the right people involved on the unique challenges that emerge over time,” Everett said. “So, I expect you will see more of our subject matter experts both on design and emerging risks.”
Leads Liaisons program
In his new role, Everett also oversees the University’s Information Security Liaisons program. He hosted his first meeting of the group — still virtual because of the pandemic — on January 20.
“Part of this role is to ensure that we continue to have a high level of engagement across campus on important information security issues,” he said. UNC-Chapel Hill has a successful information security program in large part, he said, because of the work of all the IT staff across the campus.
No place like Carolina
Everett sought the manager role for many reasons, one of which was “seeing what a great leader Larry was and how much he enjoyed what he did.”
This new role also enables Everett “to continue with a field I am passionate about, work with a really strong team that supports campus, develop more as an information technology professional, and to continue to work for this amazing organization that is UNC,” he said. “There are a lot of places to work, but there are not a lot of special places like Carolina.”