In Focus: Dennis Barnes

Dennis Barnes

Name: Dennis Barnes

Job title: Manager, Cyber Security

Department: Technology Services

How long have you been at Mohawk: 17 years (I started as a student in 2000 and have been a staff member since 2007)

Tell us what you do at the College?

As the Manager of Cyber Security at the College, my team and I work collaboratively across all departments to implement best practices in leveraging technology. We develop and enforce security policies and standards for IT systems and networks, and we install and maintain security platforms and tools to monitor and protect our systems. We continuously assess, scan, and review IT systems for cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and suspicious activities, staying updated with the latest cybersecurity technologies and trends.

Cyber security is everyone's responsibility, with education and awareness being our first line of defense. As technology is integral to our lives inside and outside of work, it is crucial that we all make diligent and informed decisions to protect ourselves and the College community. Each day brings new challenges, often involving incident response activities, such as managing cyber incidents, investigating potential data breaches, and implementing corrective measures.

What is the one thing that makes you want to come to work each day?

 I would say it's my co-workers, our students and the ever-changing challenges we get to work on each day.  No two days are the same.  In an education setting, every day brings new challenges and puzzles to solve. I get to make an impact, helping keep our digital ecosystem secure and ensuring everyone can safely access the technology they need to be successful.

 What is your favourite thing to do outside of work?

When I'm not on camping adventures with my family, you'll find me out on the disc golf course year-round. I started competing in tournaments a couple of years ago, and I absolutely fell in love with the sport. There's nothing quite like spending time outdoors, surrounded by nature, with friends and family. It’s my ultimate way to recharge!