MCC Hires Information Security Officer to Ramp Up Online Safety

In a world where online presence is almost as prevalent as in-person, cybersecurity is key. Middlesex Community College takes it seriously.

Cybersecurity promotes healthy online practices and protects against attacks, such as spam, viruses, disruption of systems and theft of identities, data and other sensitive information. MCC hired Dr. Davis Mirilla as Information Security Officer to spearhead the college’s protection plan against these outside online forces.

He’s excited to dive in.

“We are particularly grateful for the support of improving our cybersecurity posture that we enjoy from President Mabry and members of the executive management,” Mirilla said. “With these buildouts, we will create a proactive and resilient cybersecurity program for MCC.”

“My role as CIO is to work with President Mabry and his Cabinet to ensure acceptable levels of risk are established regarding Information Security,” said Joseph Patuto, MCC’s Chief Information Officer. “In the past, this was a part-time responsibility of the CIO, but to maintain an acceptable level of risk, you need an expert on your IT Team. I am pleased to work with Davis as he develops and promotes the college’s Information Security Management program.”

At Middlesex, Mirilla will review, develop and implement information security tools and controls, such as emails, anti-malware and log/monitoring. This will enhance the protection and reduction of the overall risks associated with the college’s data and network infrastructure.

In an effort to remain cost-effective, Mirilla is reviewing and evaluating existing equipment to integrate with newer technology. He considers the implementations to be “best of breeds” to “give us greater flexibility in proactively responding to the cyber threats out there.”

Another project includes working with HR to rollout Cyber Awareness and Education programs to benefit students, faculty and staff, in an effort to teach how to safely engage and manage personal online activities. As Mirilla said about the internet, “it’s really wild out there.”

Working collaboratively with MCC cybersecurity faculty, Mirilla will help create relevant professional opportunities for students to enhance skills and knowledge. These opportunities provide students access to and training in the infrastructures MCC uses to protect the college.

Middlesex students gain an edge in the employment market to be prepared immediately after graduation for roles like Security Operations Center Analyst or Digital Forensics Technician. Mirilla is appreciative of “the unique opportunity of living my passion for helping and mentoring students in the exciting field of cybersecurity practice.”

Mirilla emphasizes that maintaining an effective cybersecurity program and participating in these cybersecurity practices at MCC is the responsibility of all. Some tips to help the community protect themselves include limiting the amount of information put out on social media and being wary of emails that come from unknown sources or include suspicious attachments.

He said, “The flip side of the convenience and quality of life we enjoy is the dangers posed by the predominance of determined online crooks taking advantage of the anonymity which the internet provides and wreaks havoc on less savvy users.”

Mirilla comes to Middlesex with a strong IT and cybersecurity background in both the operational and consulting areas. He has worked for several important companies on their cybersecurity programs, such as Joslin Diabetes Center, Charles River Laboratories International, AON Cyber Solutions and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

He also has a vast educational record, holding a bachelor’s in Business Administration and Management from Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, Nigeria; a master’s from Boston University in Computer Information Systems, with a concentration in Security, and a doctorate in Computing from Pace University in New York — he is also a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.

At MCC, Mirilla hopes to build an exemplary program for other higher education entities to reference.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, we educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners. MCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – on our campuses in Bedford and Lowell, and online. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!