Professor Derek Fisher brings over 15 years of industry experience in cybersecurity to Temple University, where he serves as director of the
Cyber Defense and Information Assurance PSM program. In this episode, we sit down with Professor Fisher to explore his fascinating professional
journey—from his early days in hardware engineering, through software development and cybersecurity roles in healthcare, to leading security initiatives at major financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase.
Professor Fisher shares insights on how cybersecurity challenges vary dramatically across industries and discusses the delicate balance between
robust security measures and system usability. He walks us through his experience developing cybersecurity best practices for software engineers
and team leaders, work that culminated in his authoring a book titled “Application Security Program,” published by Manning. We also dive into cutting-edge topics: how AI presents both unprecedented challenges and robust solutions for cyber defense, and why quantum computing—though currently underappreciated—may have the most transformative impact on cybersecurity.
In the second half of our conversation, we take a detailed look at Temple’s Cybersecurity program. Professor Fisher explains that the curriculum goes
beyond pure technical training, emphasizing soft skills and policy exposure to prepare graduates for diverse career paths, including roles in governance and compliance. Finally, he provides a practical roadmap for students: where the hottest job opportunities are right now, and what resources are available to help you launch and advance your career in cybersecurity.
References:
Professor Derek Fisher Linkedln Page
Cyber Defense and Information Assurance PSM | Temple University | Temple University
Amazon.com: Application Security Program Handbook eBook : Fisher, Derek: Kindle Store
