Five-Minute Feature: Todd Myles, Information Security Officer

Get to know the Empire State University community through this rapid-fire interview series that bridges professional accomplishments and personal interests. What makes Empire State University exceptional? The unique people behind the work. Five minutes—starting now!

What led you to your career path?

I’ve been in higher education for about 27 years now with 15 of those right here at Empire State University, and I’ve had the chance to wear a lot of different hats along the way. When I first started, cybersecurity wasn’t really a thing yet. Over time, as technology became a bigger part of how we work, I found myself more and more interested in how we could keep that environment safe. One opportunity led to another, and before long, I was in the information security field as an information security officer.

What’s kept me in it is the purpose behind the work—protecting the systems that make remote learning possible for our students and faculty. And, during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s a great reminder of how important it is for all of us to stay informed and engaged in keeping our virtual campus secure.

What is your favorite thing about SUNY Empire?

What I love most about SUNY Empire is how effortlessly it embraces remote learning. The university has created an incredibly flexible and accessible environment where students can thrive no matter where they are. It’s amazing when education adapts to fit our lives, rather than the other way around. As someone in cybersecurity, I’m proud to safeguard these virtual spaces so students can focus on their studies without worrying about digital safety.

What’s one moment in your career you’re especially proud of?

I am proud to have led initiatives that strengthened the university’s cybersecurity posture while simplifying online security for students and staff. I’m proud to be part of building a culture where individuals feel confident their data is protected. Each time someone reports a phishing email instead of clicking on it, that’s a win.

Based on your observations, what are the biggest cybersecurity threats the university is facing, and how is ITS evolving to address them?

The most significant cybersecurity threats we face today are not purely technical but human. Phishing, social engineering, and data breaches often begin with someone being deceived into clicking on a malicious link or sharing sensitive information. As technology advances, so do the attackers, making higher education a prime target due to the vast amount of valuable data we possess.

At Empire State University, we are proactively addressing these challenges. Our Information Technology Services (ITS) department employs a layered security approach, integrating advanced tools like threat detection and multi-factor authentication with robust user education. During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we emphasize the importance of awareness and training, helping everyone understand their crucial role in safeguarding our digital community.

Ultimately, cybersecurity is not just about firewalls and passwords; it’s about people, culture, and collaboration. We continuously evolve to stay ahead of threats while empowering our campus community to be the first and most vital line of defense.

Can you share your favorite quick and easy tip for internet safety?

Pause before you click. It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most powerful habits you can build. Most cyberattacks start with something that looks routine: an email, a link, or a message that feels urgent. Taking just a few seconds to slow down, verify the sender, and think before you click can stop a major security issue before it starts.

 Cybersecurity isn’t about being an expert—it’s about staying alert, asking questions, and looking out for one another online.