Thomas Scott
Thomas Scott (Tom) is the CEO and Founder of CyberSherpas, a virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) cybersecurity consulting firm. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the South Carolina Cybersecurity Association and Foundation. As the inaugural Director of the SC Cyber Consortium, he has been a key leader in the cyber education, cyber workforce development, and cyber protection efforts in both South Carolina and across the Nation.
With over 30 years of cybersecurity experience in both Florida and South Carolina, Tom has developed a wealth of knowledge and experience in protecting critical infrastructure and cyber assets. He currently holds certifications in information security, information auditing, security leadership, critical infrastructure protection, and project management – he is also recognized a FEMA Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) Practitioner.
Tom is a member of the FBI’s InfraGard program and serves as an advisory board member for the Dutch Fork High School Cyber program. He has actively participated as a member of the MS-ISAC’s Executive Committee as well as the USC School of Law Cybersecurity Task Force. Tom currently serves the academic community through board service to the Industry Advisory Board for the USC Integrated IT program, and at Florence-Darlington Tech and Aiken Tech.
Session
In this insightful presentation, delivered at the 2024 Vigitrust Global Advisory Board meeting in Dublin, Tom Scott draws strategic parallels between the game of chess and the dynamics of building and nurturing cyber communities. The abstract concept of chess—wherein each piece plays a distinct role, moves are strategically planned, and the overarching goal is clear—mirrors the foundational principles required to cultivate a successful cyber community.
The talk outlines a comprehensive framework for community leaders aiming to enhance engagement, collaboration, and governance within cyber networks. Key focus areas include defining clear community objectives, understanding and utilizing the strengths of each member, establishing robust rules and guidelines, and implementing adaptive engagement strategies to respond to evolving challenges and opportunities.
This presentation not only provides a step-by-step approach to developing a thriving cyber community but also emphasizes the importance of leadership, participation, and long-term planning. The strategic insights offered aim to empower attendees to apply these principles within their organizations, fostering environments that are not only secure but also resilient and forward-thinking.