Stories from our security stars (and their top tips for data safety)

Quick game: when we say “data security,” what’s the first word that comes to mind?

If it was “technology,” you wouldn’t be alone (or wrong!)… but did you know that “people” should have been on the tip of your tongue as well?

Ask practically any security expert, and they’ll tell you that the human element of information security is just as critical as the tools. Whether you’re a data-protection pro or simply someone who’s engaging with the systems put in place to keep your information safe, everyone has a role to play.

Today, we’re getting to know four of our very own rising stars in the information security world. Payworks is proud to offer global expertise from a Canadian team whose experiences and areas of focus may vary, but who each used the same word when describing why they’re passionate about their work: “curiosity.”

Find out what else drives them – and their top tips for protecting yourself and your data – below!

"People are always the first line of defense." 

 Photo: Ernest Anamalu, Senior Information Security Analyst.

After Ernest Anamalu completed his Master of Science degree within the University of Manitoba’s Electrical and Computer Engineering department, he found himself debating his next move. But rather than mull it over alone, he reached out to an expert – specifically, the author of the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) material he was reading at the time.

“I ended up just contacting him through his website!” he recalls. “My master thesis was on protecting data on a wireless sensor network, and I knew deep down that I was most interested in security, but I wanted a second opinion on the best paths within the field. Ultimately, he told me that if this was my passion, I couldn’t second guess it; I needed to go for it.”

And “go for it” he did, joining Payworks shortly thereafter in December 2017 as the third member of our Information Security team (which has grown into double digits!). He describes his day-to-day as a mix of defense and offense: active threat monitoring alongside proactive threat hunting to see if there are any opportunities to further strengthen our protections. This balance suits him just fine, as he enjoys the variety of doing something fresh each day.

This curiosity has been lifelong: even as a kid, he was interested in technology, which led him to complete his Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Warsaw University of Technology before moving from Poland to Winnipeg to continue his education.

These days, when he’s back in Poland it’s as the coach of his oldest son’s developmental soccer team, which travels across North America for summer tournaments and participates in a soccer academy overseas! He’s a proud dad to two boys and an active learner, always looking to up his game both on the clock and on the field.

• Why Payworks?: “Oh, that’s easy: the people. Even when I had just started with the company, [Payworks Past President & CEO] used to see me on the stairs and ask, ‘How are you? How’s your family?’ It gave me a sense of belonging right away. I also really appreciate the opportunities through our Learning & Development team, because the security landscape is always changing.”
• What have you learned about security that you’d share with your younger self?: “Stay calm during a challenge! When I was younger, I used to panic… but that keeps you from focusing enough to think it through. I think I’d just tell my younger self to take a deep breath.”
• What’s the #1 security tip you’d like to share with our readers?: “People are always the first line of defense. Don’t be in a rush to click things just because they’ve been sent to you! And also: don’t reuse passwords on different applications; use a password manager to keep them all straight! Oh, and use multi-factor authentication. I guess that’s more than one tip, but they’re all important!< laugh >"

 “Every day there’s a new mystery to solve.” 

Photo: Shaveta, Information Security Analyst.

It wasn’t until after she had already completed her Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering at RIMT University that Shaveta realized she wanted to specialize in information security.

As she tells it, “I started my career on a different path, but was always intrigued by what that team was up to!”

Shaveta decided to further her education and career by moving from India to Winnipeg, where she completed the Information Security program at RRC Polytech and then found her way to Payworks through the program’s co-op option.

The timing was certainly… interesting: Shaveta was hired full-time as an Information Security Analyst in January 2020 – just two months before the COVID-19 pandemic made remote work the status quo. But despite the distance, Shaveta felt the warmth of the Payworks team right away.

“Even though I’m an introvert, everyone helped me feel comfortable,” she shares. “You learn on the job from the people around you, and everyone’s so collaborative – combining a bunch of unique perspectives to find the best possible solution. Every day there’s a new mystery to solve.”

These days, Shaveta describes herself as a security generalist who’s curious to learn more about auditing as she continues her career, and who’s proud to manage our annual Cyber Security Awareness Month education and events. She now lives near Toronto with her brother, two cousins and an orange cat named Simba, and enjoys spending time with extended family all across the GTA.

• Why Payworks?: “The working culture is very different compared to what I was used to in India. I love the work-life balance and flexibility here. People come first in this organization.”
• What have you learned about security that you’d share with your younger self?: “You don’t need to be online all the time and tell everyone on social media what you’re doing and where you’re going!” < laugh > “For the sake of your own security, be particular about what you share with others online.”
• What’s the #1 security tip you’d like to share with our readers?: “Security is everyone’s responsibility. Never trust and always verify.” 

 “As soon as new technology exists, someone’s trying to figure out how to breach it.” 

Photo: Yuri Ferreira, Cloud Security Architect.

As a teenager, Yuri Ferreira found himself learning how to use video editing software – not out of any great desire to edit video himself, but so that he could be hired as a tutor to teach others how to use it!

“My dad worked in electronics repair, and my uncles were really into computers, so I was always around technology,” he says. “I think I was only 13 or 14 when I started getting hired to teach others how to use different programs.”

This entrepreneurial spirit brought Yuri from his hometown in Brazil to a larger city for college, where he completed Computer Networks and Information Systems courses and an internship in the security field before moving to Canada in 2014.

“Once I left home and started exploring, and got to know different people and companies and opportunities, I realized ‘I want to experience everything I possibly can,’” he explains.

He attended the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology and honed his skills in the field before joining Payworks in February 2021 as a Security Analyst. In the past four years, his role has evolved to that of a Cloud Security Architect, where he’s pleased to blend strategic planning with technical depth.

“On any given day, I might be designing cloud security architecture, investigating threats, or working with other teams to secure something new that we’re developing from the ground up.”

He’s also completed GCIA certifications as in Cloud Security Architecture and Design and as a Defensible Security Architect and Certified Intrusion Analyst.

His personal motto is to “stay curious, stay learning, stay ahead – because as soon as new technology exists, someone’s trying to figure out how to breach it.”

Off the clock, he’s seeing this curiosity developing in his young son at home in Calgary (who’s been dipping his own toes into computers and tech), as well as feeding his own with different investigative projects.

• Why Payworks?: “I’m so appreciate of everyone’s great attitude here – so willing to help and approachable; very friendly.”
• What have you learned about security that you’d share with your younger self?: “Everyone’s responsible for security, and creating awareness and opportunities for people to learn is just as important as the technology itself. Remember to keep the human factor in mind.”
• What’s the #1 security tip you’d like to share with our readers?: “Security can feel abstract and conceptual, but it’s part of your everyday life, so you need to try to stay aware and curious. Be engaged, not passive.” 
  

 “Always be curious!” 

Photo: Michael Baldon, Information Security Analyst.

What does Michael Baldon like most about information security? Embracing his inner Sherlock Holmes.

“I became really fascinated with cyber security because you’re always problem solving, like a detective!” he says.

After completing his Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at Mapua University, he worked for three years as a system integrator before deciding to make the leap into the security realm. He moved from the Philippines to Canada and pursued further education (including Cisco and Comptia), which opened the door to a role where he served as tech support for firewalls and other security devices like web proxy, email proxy and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM).

This combination of education and experience made him a great hire for Payworks. Joining the team in November 2023, Michael triages and investigates threats, collaborating with the rest of the team to stay calm and further evolve his understanding.

“With these threat investigations, you’re not just investigating the threat’s validity; you’re also learning about what’s going on out there, because the threat landscape is always changing, so your skills need to as well. It’s constant learning; lifelong learning.”

He’s particularly curious to understand more about threats driven by artificial intelligence: how they’re happening, what they look like, and – most importantly – how to combat them most effectively.

Another item on his “to learn” list is… pickleball (Michael, we’ll see you on the HQ sport court)! But that’ll have to wait; these days, he’s navigating life as dad to a brand new baby.

• Why Payworks?: “The culture really helps you feel at home – my team is very supportive. You feel like you belong and someone’s always got your back. Payworks takes care of its people.”

• What have you learned about security that you’d share with your younger self?: “Always be curious. If you see something suspicious, keep that curiosity to dig deeper – not just ‘what’s happening?’ but ‘why is it happening that way?’.”

• What’s the #1 security tip you’d like to share with our readers?: “Use multi-factor authentication everywhere you can. Like – everywhere. Always take the option. And even then, make sure to think before you click!”

Does this sound like a team of pros you’d like to get to know better – but as colleagues? When it comes to great people, there’s always room for one more. Explore current career opportunities at: https://www.payworks.ca/about-us/careers.