Our mission
We strive to be the leading partner, offering CISO as a Service (CISOaaS) and serving as the foremost subject matter expert in enterprise Information Security, Compliance, Privacy, Cyber Security, and Risk Management.
Founder, CISO
Russell is an accomplished Business, Technology, Information Security, and Risk Executive with 24 years of experience operating, creating, and managing enterprise-wide information security, data, privacy, and risk management programs across diverse industries, including Technology, Retail, Finance and Banking, Insurance, Telecommunications, and Fintech.
As the visionary Founder of Cyberdiligent, an esteemed Information Security Governance and Risk Advisory firm, Russell specializes in providing strategic counsel and Virtual/Fractional CISO services to Boards, C-suites, Founders, Executives, and Corporations.
Russell’s leadership as the CISO & Data Privacy Officer at Pacific Premier Bank ranked #9 on Forbes 2023 America’s Best Banks with $22B Assets under Management, showcased his ability to navigate complex and heavily regulated financial landscapes. Before joining Pacific Premier Bank, Russell held the CISO position at Apex Fintech Solutions, a global fintech trailblazer supporting over 21M brokerage accounts and managing digital assets worth over $123B.
Previously, as Vice President and Head of IT Risk at Mr. Cooper, the largest Fitch-rated mortgage servicer in the US with over 4.2 million customers and a UPB of $937B, Russell’s leadership earned the Identity Governance team the 'Cybersecurity Team of the Year' award at the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards in 2021.
Russell’s contributions to cybersecurity have garnered global recognition. Featured alongside other CISOs in a Wall Street Journal publication and highlighted in Lacework's inaugural edition of The Modern CISO Network Board Book in 2023. Further accolades include being named a Top Global CISO by Cyber Defense Magazine in 2023.
Strategist
Align your business and Information Security risk strategies, drive innovation, and implement transformative changes to manage risk through strategic investments efficiently.
Technologist
Evaluate, architect, and deploy cutting-edge security technologies and standards to enhance organizational capabilities.
Advisor
Collaborate with your business to provide education, guidance, and strategic influence on activities with information security risk implications.
Guardian
Safeguard your business assets by comprehensively understanding the threat landscape and optimizing the effectiveness of your information security risk program.