Bridging the Gap: Empowering Non-Technical Teams in Information Security
2025-06-21 , Track 3 (Moody Rm. 102)

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, information security is no longer the sole responsibility of IT departments. Ensuring robust security and compliance requires the active participation of all employees, including those who may not consider themselves technically proficient. This talk will explore strategies to secure, communicate compliance, and drive intrinsic security behaviors among non-technical staff. By demystifying complex concepts & fostering a culture of security awareness.


This session is designed for information security professionals, compliance officers, and organizational leaders who face the challenge of engaging non-technical employees in security practices. We will delve into practical approaches to make security accessible and relevant to all staff, regardless of their technical background.

Key Topics:
1. Simplifying Security Concepts: Techniques to translate technical jargon into understandable language.
2. Effective Communication: Strategies to convey compliance requirements clearly and compellingly.
3. Behavioral Change: Methods to instill intrinsic security behaviors through positive reinforcement and education.
4. Interactive Training: Utilizing engaging training modules and real-world scenarios to enhance understanding.
5. Building a Security Culture: Creating an environment where security is a shared responsibility and valued by all.

Objectives:
- Equip attendees with tools to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams.
- Provide actionable insights to foster a security-conscious culture.
- Share best practices for communicating compliance and security requirements effectively.
- Highlight the importance of intrinsic motivation in driving security behaviors.

Steven Ollek is a seasoned technology leader with over 20 years of experience in the US Public Sector and Department of Defense. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Innovation at Metronome, Steven brings a people-first philosophy to his work, focusing on technological innovation, growth strategies, product development, and customer relationship management.

Before joining Metronome, Steven held several key positions, including Delivery Account Manager for the Air Force at Defense Unicorns, where he led the Air Force Portfolio across the Delivery Segment. He also served as the Platform One Party Bus Driver at DoD Platform One, directing a portfolio of services totaling $45 million to enable value across customer organizations.

Steven's career is marked by his dedication to driving transformation and fostering a culture of innovation. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement, making him a respected figure in the tech & defense sectors.