Interview: Regine Bonneau,
Founder and CEO of RB Advisory

Regine Bonneau is a leading expert on cyber security, risk management, and compliance. Her career spans 20 years with a focus on technology and processes in the healthcare, financial, and energy sectors. Ms. Bonneau is the Founder and CEO of RB Advisory LLC, which provides cyber risk management, security assessments, compliance services, forensic audits, and privacy consultations for private sector and government clients. She is a sought-after speaker and holds leadership roles in several technology industry associations. Ms. Bonneau has been featured in the Orlando Sentinel, the Orlando Business Journal, and other prominent publications. She is a New America Cybersecurity Fellow, and a member of the International Consortium of Minority Cybersecurity Professionals (ICMCP).

Ms. Bonneau holds a Master’s in Business Administration and Finance from Keller Graduate School of Management, a JSM from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration & Finance from Strayer University.
Interview Questions
[OnlineEducation.com] You came out of school with a master’s in business administration and finance, and moved from there into cybersecurity. What was that process like?

[Ms. Bonneau] I was looking to transition into an industry to build a lasting career where I can be an instrumental part in igniting change and new ways of thinking, motivating young women and minorities, and creating a pathway that will eliminate any barriers of entry, and cybersecurity was my choice. I am always looking to be part of the solution. I spent a lot of time researching and reading about cybersecurity, and I started going to events that would educate me further, and help me incorporate my education, experience, and skills. At those events, I would ask the organizers questions, tell them about myself, and what I was looking to accomplish, and that would lead me to speak with someone else. I would go and introduce myself to that person and start the whole process again. If they could not help me, I would ask about someone in their network who could help and guide me. I joined ISSA and was invited to a chapter meeting in Tampa. This is where I found a mentor, and here I am. I was curious, passionate, determined and open to listening and being guided.

[OnlineEducation.com] When you began your career, was it your impression that cybersecurity was an unusual career choice for women? You’re involved with the International Consortium of Minority Cybersecurity Professionals, so I would also be curious to hear about your impressions of the overall attitudes and the culture you encountered in the cybersecurity community.

[Ms. Bonneau] When I started my career, it was very explicit that cybersecurity was an unusual career choice for women. Remember, those events I went to, not only could I count how many women were there, I could also count how many of these women looked like me: 0 to 1. At some events, I was the only woman there. One time, a gentleman thought that I was lost and tried his best to help me. Once he decided to accept the fact that I was registered for the correct workshop, I was allowed in. I was introduced to ICMCP, loved their vision and mission and I was eager to get involved.

A little history: when I graduated from high school, I went to a technical college to study electrical engineering. I was the fixer at home. I started the program with two other women and, by the third semester, I was the only one left. We were put through a lot by our male classmates. The other two women that left told me that they could not take the sly remarks and went into another field. I am from Haiti, with Caribbean mother and quitting is never in the vocabulary. I was determined to show them I could not be bullied. My professor enjoyed when people would pass by the class and see me. They would come back to make sure that they were seeing correct: I was the only woman in the class and I was sitting in the front row.

Fast forward to the cybersecurity field: I was familiar in being in an environment dominated by men. My attitude was and still is: “The worst you can do is say no, which is an opportunity for me to ask another question.” However, the sad part of my early entrance into cybersecurity is that I was welcomed by more men than women. I could not understand this because my thought was: we should come together and make an impact. This all changed when I attended an event organized by the ISSA Tampa Bay Chapter. I met my first mentor and other women who were actually eager to work with and guide me.

Next was my introduction to ICMCP. Finally, through ICMCP, I was able to submit my application for fellowship with New America. ICMCP started the conversation and a lot of things came about, especially when I started hearing about other women in cybersecurity, and seeing their diverse educational and professional backgrounds.

Women who are already in the field should be pioneers and provide a path for new women entering the field. Remember, there were pioneers before us that allowed us to be where we are today. We have more work to do, so let’s be part of the solution. We are stronger in numbers.

[OnlineEducation.com] My sense is that you do indeed feel there should be more women in cybersecurity professions? Do you think that there are particular barriers that have discouraged women from entering the field?

[Ms. Bonneau] From my perspective, women are underrepresented in the field of cybersecurity. I believe the barriers for entry for women are:

  • Not being promoted to senior level positions
  • Different forms of discrimination
  • Family obligations
  • Working hours
  • Skills
  • Education and training
  • Confidence
  • Attracting young women at an early age

We are actually seeing a lot of new programs and initiatives aimed at attracting more women in the field. Yes, we are still at 11% in the actual workforce; however, I expect to see a change in the percentage in the next five years due to these programs actively promoting women figures in the industry, offering scholarships to women, and implementing training programs in collaboration with corporate partners and academic institutions. We also need more women helping other women. There needs to be a shift to women mentoring and sponsoring other women in preparation to take over as the next set of leaders.

[OnlineEducation.com] What advice would you give to young women considering career in cybersecurity, or to women who may be thinking about switching their career track to a particular area within cybersecurity?

[Ms. Bonneau] The advice that I would give someone who is considering or preparing for a career in cybersecurity is:

  • This field is not about getting a paycheck, you have to love the idea of being part of the solution
  • Be curious
  • Have passion
  • Be coachable
  • Be genuine
  • Have a thirst for learning
  • Do a lot of research in each field
  • Know which field complements your skills, education, and knowledge
  • Know what you love to do and what will make you happy
  • Be ready to ask for help
  • Rejection is a part of life, take the good part and turn it positive
  • People are more receptive when you already have a plan – it shows that you take initiative and all they need to do is help you modify and guide you in the right direction
[OnlineEducation.com] Are there areas or specializations within cybersecurity that appear to be more accommodating to women? Or, are there areas within the field in which women simply appear to be making greater headway?

[Ms. Bonneau] To answer both questions, I have found the following areas of specialization within cybersecurity to be accommodating to women, and these are areas where women can make great headway.

  • Privacy
  • Risk Management
  • Law
  • Auditing
  • Policy
  • Research
  • Healthcare

These fields complement many women’s innate ability to multitask, to be open to suggestions, to be able to formulate different outcomes for the same issue, and to be adaptable.

[OnlineEducation.com] While it feels a little presumptuous to assume that so-called “work/life” or “work/family” balance is only a consideration for women in any field, it is a topic that does come up in relation to cybersecurity. What is your perspective on this issue?


[Ms. Bonneau] It is not presumptuous to assume the so-called “work/life” or “work/family” balance is only a consideration for women in any field. It is a hot topic that comes up in relation to cybersecurity. Cybersecurity requires a lot of reading, thinking, and traveling. It takes a lot of time away from family and friends. However, the reward is great.

I am the proud mom, best friend, of an intelligent and energetic 4 year-old boy. Need I say more. I place great value in work/life/family balance. Traveling is a must for me and I greatly appreciate Facetime. It makes it a little easier and I always have to plan my travel properly and have discussions with my son prior to leaving. When I return, I always make sure that I spend a day with him.

My perspective on this issue is that cybersecurity is just another industry. Your career goals determine which path you will take and the sacrifices necessary to achieve that goal. You need to have a supportive family, children, spouse, or significant other who understands and support your plan. Yes, cybersecurity can be harsh, especially if you are part of an incident response or disaster recovery team, where you can spend between 72 hours or more away from home.

[OnlineEducation.com] Is there anything else you’d like to add that you feel would be helpful to women who are considering a career in cybersecurity?


[Ms. Bonneau] In everything that you do in life, you must research and plan. You must know what you want. Be prepared when you are going somewhere, because it shows initiative and care. Invest in yourself. If you have to go back to school, get a certification, do an internship, start at the bottom, that’s okay. Keep your eyes on the prize. Cybersecurity is a great industry to be in because it is fairly new and your skills are needed no matter what you see in job descriptions. Don’t stop knocking on the doors and asking for help. The door will open. Make and keep connections. Be ready to give before you start receiving. Get involved in organizations like ICMCP, ISSA, ISACA, IAPP, ASIS, etc… ICMCP has been an instrumental part in the start and success of my career in cybersecurity.
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RB Advisory LLC, a cybersecurity advisory firm that assists public and private businesses with IT security and compliance issues, celebrated its five-year anniversary in March. A leader in cybersecurity, RB Advisory has shown that it has delivered sustainable strategies, best practices and a proven methodology to ensure clients have successful outcomes for cyber security protection, risk management and compliance. With a global impact, clients have entrusted RB Advisory to serve as their cybersecurity partner for these specialized services. This minority, woman-owned small business has much to celebrate. Formed in 2016 by Regine Bonneau, CTPRP after she transitioned from years in the risk management and compliance industry, Bonneau focused on cybersecurity as new regulations involved security controls. Her expertise draws upon her background spanning more than two decades with a concentration on people, process, and technology in the healthcare, financial, legal, government and energy sectors ranging from small to large enterprises. "I founded RB Advisory because after years of working in corporate America and being told that I have great ideas, I decided after many struggles and lessons learned to start my own company," says Regine Bonneau, CTPRP, founder and CEO, RB Advisory." She adds, as Amelia Earhart once said, “The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity.” Bonneau is an immigrant from Haiti and raised in New York City. She is fluent in four languages – English, Creole, Spanish and French. She is highly educated with a master’s degree in law from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from Strayer University and a degree in electrical engineering from Technical Career College. She is a sought-after speaker within the cybersecurity industry and holds leadership roles in several technology industry associations, as well as fellowships. Bonneau has been featured in the Orlando Sentinel, the Orlando Business Journal and other prominent publications and digital media platforms. As a black woman, immigrant turned U.S. citizen, single mother, engineer and business owner in an industry that is only 20% women — and only about 3% are black men and women, Bonneau is sets an example. She is passionate about paving the way for females of all races to have a seat at the table in this industry. She refers to the saying, “success is not achieved alone,” stressing its importance. “I’ve been very fortunate to have many mentors who have helped me along the way, especially as an entrepreneur, so it’s important to find mentors and surround yourself with the right people who can help you reach your goal,” says Bonneau.
Regine Bonneau with Son Elyh at an Industry Event — Winter Park, FL — RB Advisory
By websitebuilder 25 Mar, 2021
When Regine Bonneau, CTPRP, walks into a room, she commands attention. With her signature Fuchsia stilettos and accessories, she’s makes a statement with her poise and confidence. What sets Bonneau apart is that she’s a leading industry expert in the cybersecurity industry – a field mostly dominated by men, where only 20% are women. Hailing from Haiti, Bonneau emigrated to the United States when she was ten years old, escaping the coup d'état at that time along with her family’s desire to create a better life filled with more opportunities. Her family settled in New York City, where she was driven by her natural curiosity and zeal for learning. It was in junior high that she first became interested in robotics and coding in a computer programming class that was led by an inspiring female teacher. “That was where I first learned how to code and what sparked my interest in robotics and cyber technology. I found it so fascinating that I was able to create mechanical objects and then program them to complete different tasks and movements. After that, nothing electronic was safe. I fixed everything from the television to the radio to old printers laying around my house. Luckily my mom was supportive every step of the way,” says Regine Bonneau, founder and CEO of RB Advisory LLC. Taking advantage of the opportunities she was afforded as an American, Bonneau pursued three degrees, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration and finance, as well as a master’s degree in law with a concentration in financial services. Adding to this impressive list, she also is fluent in four languages: English, Creole, Spanish and French. What led Bonneau to pursue the path of an entrepreneur was the freedom to innovate. After more than 20 years leading financial services, including risk management and compliance services for employers in the health care, financial and energy sectors, Bonneau applied her knowledge and expertise to form RB Advisory adding cybersecurity services. This leads full circle to the impact Bonneau has on women in technology, especially black women. Over the last five years since the formation of her company, Bonneau has risen to prominence on a national scale, based on her expertise and outgoing style. Of the 20% of women being represented in cybersecurity, only 3% are black including, men and women. Bonneau represents the model of success that comes with hard work combined with a passion to succeed. While underrepresented, women, especially women of color, are part of the technology sector and they’re here to stay – for that Bonneau is unapologetic. “While we have come a long way in the last five years or so, there is still work to be done to ensure the industry is more welcoming for women. We cannot settle for a handful of women in a room of 1,000 technology experts,” says Bonneau. In her signature style, Bonneau is reinforcing the hashtag #unapologetic. She says it stems from a conversation with a mentor who once urged her to stop describing the technology industry as “male dominated” because it implies women don’t belong. Instead, she said, women in technology must be audacious and unapologetic because they do belong; those who are already here are here to stay. And that is precisely what Bonneau intends to do. With five years under her belt and a growth rate last year of more than 30%, she is on a trajectory toward continued success. In March, she announced that the company has been authorized to represent the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB) as a Registered Provider Organization (RPO). RPO status ensures that RB Advisory has agreed to the CMMC-AB code of professional conduct, can deliver non-certified CMMC consulting services, and is listed on the CMMC-AB Marketplace. As part of the ecosystem support to secure the nation’s supply chain, RB Advisory will help government contractors working with the United States Department of Defense (DOD) determine the required CMMC maturity level, become audit ready, and maintain compliance post certification. CMMC compliance services include Risk Assessment, GAP analysis, technical solutions, and documentation development. Since October 2020, RB Advisory has already been working with several companies in the Florida High Tech Corridor’s robust aerospace and modeling, simulation and training industries to ensure compliance. As a community leader, Bonneau believes in giving back and leading by example. She serves on many advisory boards and is a member of several business organizations. She is a frequently sought-after industry thought leader and subject matter expert. She represents diversity and inclusion, and she mentors all who seek her support. Her energy is contagious, and her spark lights up a room. Bonneau underscores the importance of mentoring as a factor that impacts success. “We are all aware of the power of mentorship — if you are a woman in technology and aren’t already giving back as a mentor, I encourage you to do so. We also need to change the conversation with parents of young women. I grew up with a mother who constantly asked when I would become a doctor, so I know what it feels like to be influenced to pursue a certain career path. We need parents to understand the diverse career opportunities available in technology that are just as fulfilling and well compensated. This field is not just for their sons,” says Bonneau. To inspire and encourage other entrepreneurs, especially women, Bonneau says, “Be passionate and don’t be afraid to show it. This is important for everyone, but especially for women. If you do not show up to meetings with enthusiasm and the desire to learn then why are you there? Be passionate and excited about what you do, then people will admire that in you and be more interested in the ideas you bring to the table.” With a winning attitude and approachable demeanor, it’s no wonder Bonneau has been awarded by the community as a “Deeva in Tech” by Women on the Rise, 40 Under 40 by the Orlando Business Journal and more recently its award program, Women Who Mean Business. Bonneau has been named by The National Business Journals as one of the Top 100 Influencers in the Nation: Rising Stars in 2019, she was also featured as one of the Top 12 most influential Black Leaders in Cybersecurity by rThreat and her company was recognized by the African American Chamber of Central Florida as the “Emerging Company of the Year” also in 2019. She hosts a cybersecurity column in the Sanford Herald , recognized as “Regine the Cyber Queen.” Bonneau holds leadership roles in several technology industry associations, is a New America Cybersecurity Fellow, and member of the International Consortium of Minority Cybersecurity Professionals (ICMCP). Bonneau is active in the community and is currently involved in several charitable organizations. She served on the Advisory Board for Arnold Palmer Medical Center (Champion’s Circle) and as a Board Member for NAWBO Orlando, Howard Phillips Center (Champion’s Circle), and Boys Scout Council of Central Florida. She is a member of Women in Defense and the National Defense Industrial Association and currently serves on the advisory boards for Florida Polytechnic University, University of South Florida MUMA College of Business and ECPI University. To learn more about Regine Bonneau, CTPRP, please visit her biography on our team page.
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Since the start of Covid-19, many companies have switched to remote work-from-home operations. The increase in remote working has contributed to a rapid growth of cyber security incidents and vulnerabilities for companies. Companies can strengthen their cybersecurity systems by taking these five steps: 1. Evaluate the effectiveness of your company’s current security measures. 2. Invest in a scalable, high-bandwidth network infrastructure. 3. Upgrade security protocol. 4. Organize a phishing training course. 5. Conduct phishing simulations within your company. Cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. Make sure to stay current with cybersecurity changes so that your company does not fall victim to a cyber attack. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation!
By websitebuilder 02 Dec, 2020
The holiday season is here, and we can expect to see online traffic sore as shoppers stay home and search for gifts from the comfort and safety of their homes. Unfortunately, this can leave consumers vulnerable to identity thieves and fraudsters that are ready to take advantage of the accelerated e-commerce boom. Thankfully, we are here to give you some cybersecurity tips that consumers can use to help protect their data and information for a merry holiday season. 1. Keep An Eye Out For Phishy Behavior — Watch what comes into your inbox. Phishing is a social engineering attack that tricks users to steal their data, including login credentials and credit card numbers. It occurs when an attacker, masquerading as a trusted entity, dupes a victim into opening an email, instant message, or text message. Remember to review all emails closely, don't put any of your credit information in an email, and do not open any attachments or click embedded links. 2. Use Alternative Payments — When it comes to cybersecurity, think about using an alternate payment method such as a credit card or a third-party online payment system like PayPal or Venmo instead of a debit card. Thanks to the Fair Credit Billing Act, consumers are liable only up to $50 in fraudulent charges. Completing purchases using PayPal and Venmo are also good alternatives to debit cards as the store never directly receives your financial information through these third parties. 3. Diversify Your Passwords — The more diversified passwords you have, the more difficult it will be for your accounts to be hacked! 4. Spot A Shady Website — There are several signs that you may not be on a reputable site. Check to see if "https" appears in the URL. The extra "S" ensures that the website is secured by an SSL (secure socket layer) certificate, making the connection secure and safeguarding the sensitive data that passes from you, the customer, to the retailer. Overall, make sure to review the site for misspellings, grammar mistakes and even low-quality images. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with online shopping, and with these easy to follow cyber tips we hope you are able to stay cybersafe while still making sure the stockings are stuffed! Read the original article here .
By websitebuilder 02 Dec, 2020
Hello friends, it's me, Elyh! Today I am sharing the last part of my three-part series review on the Center for Cyber Safety and Education’s comic books ‘Garfield’s Cyber Safety Adventures’! So far Garfield and his friends have shown us how to keep our private information secure online and how to safely post on social media. Now for the last topic.... Cyberbullying! You may have heard of cyberbullying before but if not, that’s okay! Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. Even if YOU may think something is funny, it can hurt someone else's feelings. Garfield and friends run into this dilemma when they realize Nermal is taking part in cyberbullying when he jokingly posts an embarrassing picture of his friend. A good rule to follow when tagging or posting pictures of your friends online is to ask them beforehand if they are comfortable with you making the post. It is important to be kind to each other online and not do something you wouldn’t want done to you! If you see cyberbullying happening or it is happening to you, politely ask for the post to be taken down immediately and report it to an adult you trust. We need to all stick up from one another and stay cyber smart! Well friends, I hope you enjoyed my three-part review on the Center for Cyber Safety and Education’s comic book series ‘Garfield's Cyber Safety Adventures’! If you would like to get your own comic books from Garfield or are interested in more cyber safety tips visit: https://iamcybersafe.org/s/ To watch my video review of Garfield's cyberbullying comic, go here . Preview this lesson on the Center for Cyber Safety and Education’s YouTube Channel . Read more articles from Elyh in the Sanford Herald !
By websitebuilder 02 Dec, 2020
Hi everyone, it’s me Elyh! We are going to talk about cybersecurity on the Internet. What is cybersecurity? Cybersecurity is protecting your personal information from being hacked or taken by the “bad guys”. I’ll give you some tips on staying safe when you go on the internet: Number 1: Don’t give out personal information such as your full name, address, phone number, family names, and date of birth. Number 2: Don’t accept any invite for personal chat rooms from anyone even if you know them. Tell your parent first and they will need to accept it. Number 3: Don’t trust anyone or any links sent to you Number 4: Don’t accept face to face meetings with anyone Number 5: Don’t download any applications or games without your parent’s permission Until next time, stay healthy and be cyber safe! Read more articles from Elyh in the Sanford Herald !
By websitebuilder 02 Dec, 2020
All Hail, Regine, the Cyber Queen, and take heed!! 60 seconds is all they need! Did you know? Did you even know how much can be collected in 60 seconds? How many records can be leaked? How many millions scammed? How many phishing sites established? In 60 seconds, your legacy and everything you have worked for can be lost…..can you afford to lose 60 seconds of time with catastrophic results? Cyber security is not a fancy way of saying anything…it is what it is, it is the securing of cyber activity and protection of the most critical and valuable asset to your business: your DATA! It is not only for certain industries, or for jobs that pay a certain amount. It is now a universal necessity in a COVID and post-COVID workplace. Whether or not this virus persists, we are inevitably changed in terms of workplace. Most employees have been sent to remote locations or are now part of the WFH generation. This alone predestined a huge market for cyber security and risk management. There are far too many risks these days to think that just because your business is small you aren’t being targeted. Or that you have such a small role, no one would give you access to anything that could cause a breach. But being reactive in terms of protecting your data is a costly mistake. Every minute a Million dollars is siphoned out of a business by cyber breach. Can you afford to be reactive? Can your business sustain a breach? It doesn’t have to be scary, if you take the proper steps to keep an expert eye on what you can’t see or what you didn’t even know existed. Here are some tips: Seek expert consultation and come up with a plan for educating your workforce Train your employees on cyber safety based on roles and responsibilities Employ proper firewall and VPN protection for the type of work you are doing Be proactive! RB Advisory is a locally-based, cyber security and risk management consulting firm that would be happy to create a custom plan to train and educate your workforce to protect your assets, your employees and your legacy! Call us today for a FREE 20 minute consultation when you mention this article! As always we want to team up with you on all of your cyber needs! Be healthy and be cyber safe! Read more articles from Regine the Cyber Queen in the Sanford Herald !
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