17 Jun 2019 Spotlight on Forward Security

Describe your company and its product.

Forward Security provides cybersecurity/information security services, with a focus on Application and Cloud Security, security automation, and training

What year did your company start?

2018

Which city (or cities) are you located? 

Vancouver

Describe your company culture in three words.

• Experts
• Passionate
• Family

How do you celebrate company or employee wins? 

We celebrate through public and/or internal acknowledgement, as well as having a celebratory meal (lunch, snacks, etc.).

What is the problem that you are trying to solve?

We deliver software and infrastructure security solutions by those who have built applications or systems and have a fundamental understanding of how things work. While many security firms can help with general security needs, our team of experts can help with the more difficult and challenging cases where a higher level of expertise is required, particularly with all things “code” related (e.g. Application and Cloud security).

What is your biggest milestone to date?

Creating Eureka, a single tool that simplifies the process of integrating complete application security coverage within a CI/CD pipeline in a short period of time.

What is your biggest challenge?

Adding to our A-Team roster of passionate security experts.

What is your motto?

Making security straightforward; leading Cybersecurity ahead.

How are you making an impact?

Ensuring private information remains that way, and digital assets belonging to organizations and individuals remain protected from harm.

What is your hope for the future of tech in BC?

To increase visibility, grow the footprint, and deliver products and services that are recognized worldwide.

Lightning Round with Farshad Abasi, Chief Security Officer of Forward Security

What excites you about your job?

Building a team of world-class information security practitioners and solving the more challenging problems.

What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome?

Educating clients and making sure they understand the difference between how the same service is provided by us vs. our competition as many security firms do not provide the same level of depth or expertise.

If you can give advice to your 20-year-old self, what would you say?

Everything you dream about and work towards hard enough will become true.

What are your pet peeves?

Organizations who provide marketing fluff about their product and service, where a visit to Wikipedia is required in order to understand what they are about.

Words of wisdom to other tech CEOs or founders?

Grow your network, hire only the best, and have a strong vision with a strategy from the start.

Favourite city you visited?

Berlin

What is your formula for success?

Working hard and smart, while enjoying life to the fullest.

Name one book that everyone should read.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

How do you decompress?

Listening to or playing music, as well as exercise.

Favourite movie?

Gattaca