Cumberlands Cybersecurity Professor Elyson De La Cruz Named Top 10 Information Security Professional by OnCon Icon Awards

At University of the Cumberlands, students learn from faculty who are actively shaping their industries. That commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world experience is evident across campus, including in the School of Computer and Information Sciences, where students study alongside cybersecurity leaders working at the forefront of the profession.

One such faculty member is Dr. Elyson De La Cruz, adjunct professor at University of the Cumberlands and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Imagine Believe Realize (IBR). Recently, De La Cruz was recognized as one of the Top 10 Information Security Professionals worldwide by the prestigious OnCon Icon Awards, a global awards program that recognizes excellence in cybersecurity leadership, innovation, governance, and professional impact.

The OnCon Icon Awards are determined through peer and community voting and recognize leaders who demonstrate exceptional contributions to their industries, organizations, and professional communities.

"Being named among the Top 10 Information Security Professionals is deeply meaningful because it reflects recognition from people who understand the demands of this field," said De La Cruz. "To be listed alongside other accomplished global leaders is humbling and reinforces my responsibility to continue contributing to the profession, mentoring others, and representing the University of the Cumberlands community with excellence."

Recognized Leadership in Cybersecurity and Information Security

As Chief Information Security Officer at IBR, De La Cruz leads cybersecurity strategy, governance, risk management, compliance, and security operations for a software and systems engineering organization serving government and commercial clients.

His responsibilities include:

• Leading enterprise cybersecurity and information security initiatives
• Managing governance, risk, and compliance programs
• Supporting secure software development practices
• Advising executive and technical leadership teams
• Strengthening organizational resilience against emerging cyber threats
• Mentoring cybersecurity professionals and future leaders

"I spend a great deal of time connecting policy, technology, and people so that security is not treated as an isolated function, but as an enabler of trust, resilience, and responsible innovation," De La Cruz explained.

Beyond his executive leadership role, De La Cruz serves as a researcher, mentor, reviewer, educator, and thought leader in cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and information systems.

"I see the award as recognition not only of individual achievement, but also of the collective work of teams, colleagues, students, and professional communities that continue to advance the field," he said.

How Industry Experience Benefits Cybersecurity Students at Cumberlands

For students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity, information technology, computer science, and related fields, learning from active industry leaders provides valuable insight into current challenges and opportunities in the profession.

De La Cruz brings real-world cybersecurity expertise directly into the classroom, helping students understand how concepts learned in coursework apply to today's rapidly evolving security landscape.

"Cybersecurity changes too quickly for students to rely only on static materials," he said. "Students need strong academic foundations, but they also need exposure to how the field is evolving in practice."

Faculty members who remain actively engaged in the profession help students develop a deeper understanding of:

• Emerging cyber threats
• Security technologies and frameworks
• Compliance and regulatory requirements
• Cybersecurity career pathways
• Risk management and governance
• Leadership in technology organizations

"This connection between theory and practice helps students become more adaptable," De La Cruz explained. "It also helps them understand that cybersecurity is not just about tools. It is about protecting people, data, systems, organizations, and public trust."

Preparing Future Cybersecurity and Information Security Leaders

De La Cruz believes successful cybersecurity professionals must develop both technical expertise and leadership skills.

When students leave his courses, he hopes they carry with them confidence, curiosity, discipline, and a commitment to ethical decision-making.

"Technical knowledge matters, but it is not enough on its own," he said. "Cybersecurity professionals must ask good questions, write clearly, communicate risk effectively, act ethically, continue learning, and remain calm under pressure."

He emphasizes that long-term success in cybersecurity comes from continuous growth and a willingness to serve others.

"I want students to know they do not need to know everything on day one, but they do need to develop the habits of lifelong learners and understand that leadership begins when they start taking ownership, serving others, and making sound decisions."

Advice for Students Pursuing Careers in Cybersecurity

For current University of the Cumberlands students interested in cybersecurity, information security, cloud security, or technology leadership, De La Cruz encourages them to focus on mastering the fundamentals.

"Start with the fundamentals and build from there," he said. "Learn networking, operating systems, cloud, identity, secure coding principles, risk management, governance, and incident response."

He also encourages students to pursue hands-on learning opportunities through projects, internships, certifications, research, and professional networking.

"Build a portfolio through labs, projects, research, writing, internships, certifications, and professional networking," he said. "Do not limit yourself to tools. Learn how organizations operate, how leaders make decisions, and how to explain risk in plain language. Seek mentors, stay humble, and remain consistent."

According to De La Cruz, the most successful cybersecurity professionals are not those who know everything from the beginning, but those who remain committed to learning, adapting, and serving throughout their careers.

His recognition as a Top 10 Information Security Professional reflects that philosophy. Through his leadership in the cybersecurity industry and his work at University of the Cumberlands, De La Cruz continues to demonstrate how expertise, innovation, and servant leadership can shape the future of cybersecurity while preparing the next generation of technology professionals for meaningful careers.

Learn More About Cybersecurity at Cumberlands

Cybersecurity programs at University of the Cumberlands help students build practical skills in areas such as network security, risk management, information security, and emerging technologies while learning from faculty with real-world industry experience.

Explore graduate programs at University of the Cumberlands and discover how Cumberlands can help prepare you for your next step in the field.