J.R. Hurd’s Cyber Journey: Curiosity, Commitment, and Connection
In line with Echelon’s value of People with Personality, we are excited to continue our Cybersecurity Champions series, where we spotlight monthly the incredible individuals who make up our team. These features highlight the talent, dedication, and unique perspectives of our cybersecurity professionals, showcasing the people behind the work that keeps organizations secure.
Meet J.R. Hurd, a vCISO consultant at Echelon Risk + Cyber, whose journey into cybersecurity began with a curiosity sparked in high school and led him to Purdue University, and eventually, to our team. Read on to learn more about his path, the value of soft skills in a technical field, and the importance of staying connected through mentorship and community.
What initially drew you to cybersecurity, and how did that lead you to Echelon?
My interest in cybersecurity started when I built my own computer during my freshman year of high school. That project sparked my curiosity, so I began researching different fields related to computers and watching documentaries about hacking. That’s what ultimately led me to pursue cybersecurity at Purdue University. As for Echelon, a good friend and classmate of mine, Brayden Park, recommended I apply for their internship after he joined the team. I got accepted onto the vCISO team, where I spent eight months as an intern before coming on full time. It’s been almost two years now.
Are there any cybersecurity trends or emerging technology that you're particularly excited (or concerned) about, and why?
This year, a lot of vendors at conferences have been announcing AI integration into their products, which I see as a double-edged sword. It’s easily the most exciting and also the most concerning trend right now. On one hand, AI has the potential to bring significant benefits, but on the other, many companies seem to be rushing to adopt it without taking all the necessary precautions. There’s also still limited guidance available. NIST has published its AI Risk Management Framework, and ISO recently released a standard as well, but neither has seen widespread adoption yet. That leaves some real security risks on the table.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone aspiring to get into cybersecurity today?
A lot of people focus heavily on building home labs and gaining hands-on technical experience, which is great and definitely valuable. But I’d also say, don’t underestimate the importance of soft skills like communication and networking. At Purdue, I took a lot of highly technical classes that helped build my foundation, but I also took a few communication courses that I still think about today. Those soft skills can really help you get your foot in the door. For example, if I hadn’t built a relationship with Brayden over a couple of years at Purdue, I probably wouldn’t be at Echelon today.
Are there any specific resources, books, blogs, websites or communities that have been particularly helpful or inspiring in your cybersecurity journey?
One resource that really helped me early on was the Darknet Diaries podcast, I found it really engaging when I was first getting into cybersecurity. I also use an RSS feed aggregator to stay on top of the latest news, spending about 15–30 minutes a day reading up on current trends and breaches. On the community side, I recently joined the ISACA Central Indiana Chapter and got a mentor through their mentorship program. It was an easy process, just fill out your area of focus, and they match you with a mentor based on compatibility. It’s already been super helpful for my growth, and I’ve even recommended it to others on my team.
What’s something you’ve really come to appreciate about being part of Echelon?
One thing I’ve really come to appreciate about being at Echelon is the level of talent here. Everyone is incredibly smart, motivated, and genuinely committed to the company’s mission. It’s something I hadn’t experienced at other places I’ve worked, and it makes a big difference. I also really value the flexibility of remote work. For example, one of my coworkers spent a summer traveling across Europe while still keeping up with her responsibilities by adjusting her schedule. That kind of freedom is rare and definitely something I don’t take for granted.
Outside of work, how do you like spending your time? Any hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about?
I really enjoy traveling, mostly within the U.S. so far, but I’m actually heading to Mexico for the first time this October for my honeymoon in Cancun, which I’m really excited about. Outside of that, I spend a lot of my free time outdoors. I like hiking, golfing, running, and taking my dog for walks. Living near Indianapolis gives me a nice balance, close enough to a major city, but still with access to parks and trails where I can enjoy the outdoors.
What does being a Cybersecurity Champion mean to you?
It’s an honor to be recognized and to have the opportunity to share my experiences. It’s been a fun and meaningful experience, and I’m genuinely grateful for it.