Doing business with David Higgins of WatchGuard Technologies

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David Higgins

Title: ANZ Regional Director, WatchGuard Technologies

Twitter handle: @dav_hig

How long have you been in your current role? 12 months

What business technology issue is your organisation focusing on? Network visibilityshould be a priority in securing an organisation’s network. The threat of cybercrime, hacktivism, cyberfraud and data loss is affecting organisations of all sizes at a global level. Monitoring and visibility is a key issue in both protection and detection of malicious activity. Troubleshooting or managing network issues without the use of visualised platforms and detection systems can be costly, time-expensive and sometimes impossible. Larger organisations which suffered breaches such as Targetin the US experienced a lack of visibility in their network, resulting in considerable breaches.

Give people a forum for expressing concerns, ideas and suggestions for improvement.David Higgins, WatchGuard Technologies

What are your interests away from work? I’ve spent time backpacking all across South America. Aside from travel, I’m interested in technology, food, red wine, music, travelling, surfing and swimming, bush walking and coffee.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Have a clear direction, an open mind and don’t be afraid to try something different. Professionally, who do you admire most? The Dalai Lama – Amazing ability to maintain his sense of goodwill given the challenges he has faced.

How long have you been working in IT? How did you get into IT? I have been working in the technology industry for more than 30 years, specifically in the channel. Ten years of this experience has been in network security including time spent at global security organisations such as Trend Micro and Sophos. I discovered IT was my calling after I was working out in the outback as a geologist and decided that I was more of city goer and became a programmer. My first computer was a GE265 with 10 MB hard drive. If you weren’t working in IT, What would you be doing? I would be a National Park Ranger, outdoors and exploring nature. I enjoy the city but I still love the bush.

Can you share a key pointer for fostering an innovative culture in the organisation? Give people a forum for expressing concerns, ideas and suggestions for improvement.

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