As part of Cybersecurity month, we spoke with Ben Mayo, Vision Net’s Senior Network & Security Engineer. Learn about Ben’s role at Vision Net, and how his expertise ensures proactive and continued security options for Vision Net clients.
What is your position at Vision Net and what do you do?
My position is Senior Network & Security Engineer. I am the head of cybersecurity as well as the lead engineer for our service provider network.
How long have you worked at Vision Net?
I’ve been with Vision Net for 6 ½ years.
What made you choose Vision Net?
I had known about Vision Net for years and worked with them in prior roles. I always thought they had a good group of people and jumped at the opportunity to come on-board when it presented itself.
What 3 words describe Vision Net?
Adaptive, Innovative, Competitive
What is your favorite Vision Net perk?
Vision Net offers great health insurance.
What is your favorite thing you have learned at Vision Net?
How to bypass physical access control systems with basic office supplies. Companies spend tens of thousands of dollars, or more, physically securing their buildings with pad locks, badge systems, magnetic locks, etc. Many of these systems can be bypassed with items such as a paper clip, can of air, or piece of plastic from a 3-ring binder.
How would you describe Vision Net’s company culture?
Evolving
Are there any projects you have worked on that you’re proud of?
Building a greenfield service provider network, what we call the 3.0 Network, from the ground up with my team is something I am proud of. I drew it on the whiteboard for the first time and it is now deployed and providing a platform to land and service top-tier customers. We received great support from our board as well as our vendor-partners that allowed us to stand-up a completely new and separate network from the then current service provider network, allowing us to build the network quickly and efficiently.
What have you learned during your career at Vision Net?
Play the long game, delay gratification.
What do you enjoy most about being a part of the Engineering team?
My manager does a good job clearing the path so we can get the job done. I’m afforded a lot of autonomy. I enjoy the people I work with.
What advice do you have for prospective Vision Net candidates?
For a technical position, your thought process and aptitude are more important than what you currently know.
What is something people would never guess you do in your role?
Break into buildings; you can’t have cyber security without physical security. The latest next-next-generation cyber security tools can’t stop me from walking into your building and walking out with a server or plugging a malicious USB stick into the receptionist’s work station.
With the changes in technology, how has your job changed?
More and more emphasis on programming. The future of network engineering is designing and building software defined networks and you’re going to need an understanding of programming and programming concepts such as Python, APIs, and Open Stack, to go along with your standard network routing and switching knowledge.
What is the greatest innovation you have seen in your lifetime?
The World Wide Web.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
Watch my kids play sports, hang out with my wife, hack (legally), study, go to Griz games.
What is your favorite movie?
Top Gun
What is your favorite food?
The Mo’ Club Mo’ Burger
Do you have any talents or hobbies?
I play the drums.
How do you define success?
Providing for yourself and your family while enjoying what you do.
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