Security DNA

Redefining Security in 2025 Part 1: Breaking Leadership Barriers with GMR CEO Mary Gates

 
Technology isn’t the only aspect of the security industry that’s evolving. The very definition of “security” is changing, so the way practitioners approach security must change with it.
SecurityInfoWatch Associate Editor Samantha Schober brings Mary Gates, CEO of GMR Security Consulting Group, to the table to discuss the company’s rebranding effort, the rise of human-centric security strategies, and the unique strengths female security leaders bring to the table.
Mary Gates is a seasoned industry veteran with over 35 years of experience in corporate security management. Previously President and now CEO at GMR Security Consulting Group, Mary directs the company’s strategic vision and growth trajectory, leads expansion into new markets and service areas, and works to develop and implement enterprise-level risk management strategies tailored to each client’s needs. Prior to GMR, Mary spent nearly 25 years at JPMorgan Chase & Co., where she most recently served as Executive Director.
Gates is certified as an ALICE Instructor, CPTED, CFSSP, and CHPA-III. She has served on several boards, most recently as Advisory Member for the ASIS Banking and Financial Services Committee, and is a recognized international speaker at events hosted by ASIS, ATMIA, the American Bankers Association, and more.

The Critical Case for Cybersecurity Training with MyComputerCareer's Russ Munisteri

As the physical and digital worlds increasingly merge, cybersecurity has become a critical component of organizational defense. The rapid growth of IoT devices has expanded the average attack surface, making businesses more vulnerable than ever--a single employee clicking on a malicious email can compromise an entire organization.
To protect against these evolving threats, companies must prioritize cyber threat awareness, understand emerging attack vectors, and implement proactive cybersecurity strategies. Knowledge is the first line of defense in preventing costly breaches and maintaining digital safety.
In this episode of Security DNA, SecurityInfoWatch Associate Editor Samantha Schober sits down for a chat with Russ Munisteri, Lead Instructor at MyComputerCareer, to discuss the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the challenges facing cyber workforce development, and the critical role of training in defending against today’s threats.
Russ Munisteri is a seasoned IT professional boasting over 25 years of experience in systems administration, cybersecurity, and technical education. As Director of Education at MyComputerCareer, he leverages his extensive industry background and teaching expertise to prepare learners for success in IT and cybersecurity. 

Visual Intelligence and the Future of Security Tech with Wesco’s Tara Dunning

In this episode of Security DNA, host Steve Lasky sits down with Tara Dunning, Vice President of Global Security and Network Infrastructure Sales and Strategy at Wesco, to explore how AI, IoT, and cloud technologies are transforming the role of today’s security integrators.
Discover how cameras are evolving from simple surveillance tools to powerful visual intelligence assets, why platform aggregation and data-driven security are redefining situational awareness, and what the next generation of digital transformation means for integrators, manufacturers, and end users alike.
Tara Dunning originally joined Wesco as VP of Global Security in 2021, where she scouted and evaluated new go-to-market opportunities and met emerging trends across verticals, segments, and geographies. She is currently Wesco’s VP, Global Security and Network Infrastructure Sales & Strategy.
Dunning has delivered transformative growth in the IT and OT industries over the course of her career. She has held multiple sales and strategy leadership positions at various distributors, manufacturers, and service providers across the globe. In addition to her work on SIA’s Board of Directors, Dunning has given back to the industry through over 15 years of service to various organizations that uplift female and multicultural voices.

Countering Drone Threats at Critical Sites with Echodyne's Leo McCloskey

Drones are reshaping U.S. critical infrastructure—but not always for the better. While they streamline inspections of power lines, pipelines, and bridges, rogue or malicious drones pose a real threat to airports, energy grids, and government sites. As these incidents rise, protecting vital systems has become an urgent priority.
Rodney Bosch, SIW Editor-in-Chief, invites Echodyne’s VP of Marketing, Leo McCloskey, to SecurityDNA to discuss executive orders, the critical role of radar in counter-drone operations, how easy drones are to buy (or build), and how to fortify our most critical sites against them.
As VP of Marketing, Leo leads Echodyne’s brand and marketing efforts, serving as the company’s representative on the Federal Aviation Administration’s Advanced Rulemaking Committees for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and Detection and Mitigation (383 D/M). He previously built and led marketing and product marketing teams throughout the U.S. and Europe at several companies ranging in size from small startups to established brands.
Leo is best known for his work with connected and autonomous vehicles, enterprise software, networks and cloud services, and end-user experience management. He has a BA in Russian and Soviet studies from Dickinson College and boasts a strong educational background in history and political science.

Bridging Architecture & Security for Smarter Enterprises with The Consulting Group's Michael Niola

Join host Steve Lasky and Michael Niola, Principal and Co-Founder of The Consulting Group LLC, as they explore the future of integrated systems, AI in security, and designing safety into spaces from day one.
From “one card” access control to the challenges of data center speed-to-market, Michael shares insights on turning security from a cost center into a value driver, and why early collaboration with architects is key.
With over two decades of physical security industry experience developing master plans, system designs, and consultant teams, Michael Niola is a seasoned security veteran and frequent speaker at trade shows, most recently at HxGN Live Global. He is an expert in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and holds Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification.
Michael is Co-Founder of The Consulting Group LLC, where he currently serves as Principal, bringing deep technical mastery to projects in healthcare, data centers, education, transportation, and corporate settings. He is passionate about the intersection of physical security, safety, and emerging technology.

Ethically Hacking Your Surveillance System With i-PRO's Will Knehr

The “streamlining” of video surveillance via unified systems and network-connected devices has taken the weight of alarm fatigue, manual video monitoring, and more off of the shoulders of security professionals.
It has also dramatically increased their attack surface.
Sit down with host Steve Lasky and i-PRO Americas’ Senior Manager of Information Assurance and Data Privacy, Will Knehr, to discuss how threat actors can hack cameras to breach networks, why AI analytics are becoming another attack vector, and what “ethical hacking” can do to harden your security systems on this week’s episode of SecurityDNA.
Will is a cybersecurity expert, with master’s degrees in cybersecurity and business as well as numerous certifications, including CISSP, PMP, CEH, CNDA, CASP, CMMC RP, and more. A prominent figure in “ethical hacking” communities, he actively engages in demonstrations and discussions showcasing techniques and security exploits that are utilized by threat actors in real-world breaches.
His career, which began in cryptologic warfare, saw him conduct critical cyber defense missions for agencies like the NSA, DoD, and DISA. Will’s later work with Northrop Grumman involved building virtualized environments, malware analysis, data brokering, and cybersecurity program management to support special NSA and DISA projects.
In his current role at i-PRO, Will leverages his decades of cybersecurity experience to oversee the company’s product and network security.

When Video Investigates Itself: The Rise of GenAI with March Networks' Jeff Corrall

Video tools aren't just evolving: they're getting smarter. Once limited to passive recording, video systems are now emerging as intelligent tools capable of detecting threats in real time, interpreting human behavior, and even predicting incidents before they occur.
In this week's episode of SecurityDNA, host Steve Lasky sits down with March Networks Chief Product Officer Jeff Corrall to explore one of the most transformative forces in video surveillance today—generative AI.
Jeff Corrall is Chief Product Officer at March Networks, where he leads product strategy, R&D, and strategic partnerships. Since joining in 2001 as a software developer, he has held key roles in product management, overseeing several portfolios, including transit, video management software, network video recorders, and edge devices across global offices in Ottawa, Milan, and Seoul.

From Cop to CEO: HiveWatch CEO Ryan Schonfeld's Mission to Modernize Security

When Ryan Schonfeld began his security career as a D.C. law enforcement officer, he quickly became frustrated with traditional security methods. Tired of operational inefficiencies and determined to close longstanding security gaps, Schonfeld opted to drag the security industry into the modern day.
Join host Steve Lasky on this episode of SecurityDNA for an exclusive interview with Ryan Schonfeld, CEO of Hivewatch, on his security industry journey and the critical problems facing the leaders and practitioners of today, from scalability to interoperability to convergence.
Following his time in law enforcement, Ryan Schonfeld became an instructor for the U.S. Department of State's Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program and later transitioned into an executive role with a Fortune 500 company's Global Security & Safety Technology Group. This sparked his vision for RAS Consulting & Investigations, whose RAS Watch solution would eventually evolve into HiveWatch's GSOC-as-a-Service offering.
As a former security officer and now co-founder and CEO of HiveWatch, Schonfeld offers a unique, on-the-ground perspective for both integrators and security leaders.

Unmasking the Silent Threat Targeting Your C-Suite with Chuck Randolph and Trinity Davis

Today's tense geopolitical landscape, coupled with the silos of social media, has made it easier than ever for people to not only become radicalized but to make violent moves in service of their views—sometimes to widespread acclaim online.
 As high-profile assassination attempts—successful or otherwise—continue to dominate U.S. headlines, many executives are forced to contend with the reality that today's world is not safe for underprepared leadership.
On this week's episode of SecurityDNA, Steve Lasky joins 360Privacy execs Chuck Randolph and Trinity Davis to explain the dangers faced by organizational leadership, from the top brass to the small business owner.
Charles "Chuck" Randolph is the Senior Vice President for Strategic Intelligence and Security at 360Privacy. Over the course of his 30 years in the industry, Randolph served in an executive capacity at companies like Microsoft and AT-RISK International and on several boards, including the Corporate Executive Protection Leadership Council and the International Protective Security Board. Randolph is also a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, recognized for valor during combat operations in Afghanistan.
Trinity Davis is Managing Director at 360Privacy, where he leverages his 18 years of industry experience to protect executives across the industry spectrum, including FinTech and even social media. He specializes in cultivating and leading robust cross-functional teams to ensure high standards of safety and confidentiality.
 

ESX Exclusive: What Security Integrators Need to Know About M&A with Kelly Bond

 
Security Business Editor-in-Chief Paul Rothman catches up with Kelly Bond, Partner at Bridgepoint Advisors, on the ESX show floor for an inside look into the security M&A process as tariffs reshape our economic landscape.
Bridgepoint Advisors rose from Davis Mergers and Acquisitions Group in February 2025 to serve the electronic security industry. Bond, who co-founded Bridgepoint with fellow industry veterans Steve Rubin and Jason Grelle, helps guide alarm, integration, and fire company owners, as well as Central Monitoring Station operators, through the process of buying or selling their businesses.