Fred Kwong
VP, CISO
DeVry University
Fred Kwong has been in the information security and technology field for the past 20 years working in the education, financial, telecommunication, healthcare, and insurance sectors. Fred is a member of several advisory boards and is a frequent speaker at national security forums on cyber security and information technology and is often asked to consult on matters of security and leadership.
Fred also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Roosevelt and Benedictine Universities. He received both his Bachelor of Arts, in psychology and professional communications, and Master of Business Administration, in management information systems, from Roosevelt University, and holds a Doctorate, in organization development, from Benedictine University. Has earned several certifications including the CISSP, CISA, CISM, CDPE, PCIP, PMP and ITILv3f.
When it’s time to unplug, he dives into anime or co-op gaming (yes, full "Otaku" mode), giving his brain a total break from threat intel feeds and celebrating the importance of mental-health resets.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I started in technical support, fielding endless password resets and printer jams. That early front-line exposure taught me empathy and plain-spoken communication skills that now resonate in board presentations and executive briefings.
I am an award-winning thought leader in security and currently work at DeVry University where I serve as the VP and Chief Information Security Officer. Before leading the security program at DeVry, I was the CISO at Delta Dental Plans Association.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Build “psychological-safety zones” where teammates can pitch ideas, fail safely, and learn fast. A mix of backgrounds (technical, cultural, even academic) ensures every risk is viewed through multiple lenses. Clear roadblocks, secure resources, and let the team own the mission.
What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
The ever-changing technology and threats that come along with it. Need to be versatile and willing to think outside the box to stay ahead of threat actors.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
Meet every business leader, learn what keeps each of them up at night, and translate cyber risk into their language. When security goals line up with strategic objectives, and you can explain them without jargon, you move from being the department of “No” to the partner of “Go.”
How do you measure success as a leader?
Collective vigilance is a real superpower. We all know that it only takes one person to "click the link" and bad things can happen.
What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?
Being part of this professional network helps to commiserate with other CISOs and share the "pain" together.
Gartner C-level Communities Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.
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