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Forrest Bennett
Cyber Security Advisor at FedEx Services
Professional Background
Forrest Bennett is an accomplished Cyber Security Advisor currently employed at FedEx Services, Inc. With over 30 years of robust experience in the realm of network security, Forrest has established himself as a trusted leader in digital transformation, specifically focusing on the security of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and hybrid cloud workloads. As businesses increasingly shift from traditional Layer 3 networks and conventional data centers to modern cloud environments, Forrest plays a pivotal role in ensuring security throughout this transition. His extensive expertise allows him to effectively consult on various IT projects across multiple operating companies under the FedEx umbrella, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of the industry.
In his current role, Forrest leads the Network Security team, which is responsible for safeguarding email and Microsoft Office 365 security for the entire enterprise. He is also instrumental in supporting crucial security measures concerning Wi-Fi intrusion prevention, identity management, and authentication. His proactive approach to network security is a significant asset to FedEx Services, enhancing their operational security and integrity.
Education and Achievements
Forrest is an alum of the University of South Carolina, where he studied a curriculum that laid the foundation for his extensive expertise in both networking and security. His commitment to professional development is further evidenced by his certifications in the field—Forrest holds the Global Security Exercise Certification (GSEC) and the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) designation, both of which affirm his knowledge and proficiency in cybersecurity practices.
Throughout his career, Forrest has held numerous pivotal roles that enriched his understanding and skill set in network security. Starting as a Programmer/Analyst at Lexington County S.C. MIS, he laid the groundwork for his career in information technology. He subsequently moved on to various senior roles including Senior Network Administrator at Orkand Corporation and Manager of Customer Engineering at Enron Broadband Services. At Raymond James Financial, he served as both Senior Network Security Engineer and Senior WAN Engineer, significantly contributing to their network infrastructures.
His experience also includes a significant tenure as a Senior Network Engineer at ServiceMaster, where his impact on network design and security was felt acutely. His role at NDS/SAIC for the City of Memphis further solidified his reputation as a top-notch security engineer, providing insights and strategic direction on city-level network strategies. Each of these positions equipped Forrest with unique insights and formulations necessary for today’s digital security landscape.
Achievements
Forrest’s career is marked by countless achievements that highlight his dedication to network security and IT excellence. His specialties encompass a wide array of crucial areas including network security architecture and design, Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) architecture, as well as a comprehensive understanding of Cisco IOS and Microsoft Active Directory/Exchange architecture. His depth of knowledge in telecommunications, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) architecture, RF WAN architecture, and solid-state DWDM/SONET architecture has made him a go-to expert in the field.
Forrest’s aptitude for navigating complex security frameworks and his leadership abilities have fostered a collaborative team environment at FedEx Services. Under his guidance, the Network Security team has achieved significant milestones in securing the organization’s infrastructure against emerging threats, ensuring that FedEx’s digital transformation is not only successful but also secure. His long-standing commitment to enhancing cybersecurity measures has positioned him as a respected authority in the field and a valuable asset to any organization he represents.
Overall, Forrest’s outstanding career trajectory and accumulated expertise make him a remarkable leader in the cybersecurity domain, with a passionate commitment to advancing the safety and security of networked environments.
tags':['Cyber Security Advisor','Network Security Engineer','FedEx Services','SDN security','Hybrid-cloud workloads','IT projects','Network Security architecture','Cisco IOS','Microsoft AD/Exchange','VoIP architecture','Digital transformation','Information Security','Network Security team','IT security expert','30+ years experience','Leadership in cybersecurity'],
questions':['How did Forrest Bennett develop his expertise in cybersecurity and network security throughout his extensive career?', 'What strategies does Forrest Bennett implement to secure SDN and hybrid-cloud workloads for FedEx?', 'Can Forrest Bennett share insights on how he leads the Network Security team at FedEx Services?', 'What are the biggest challenges Forrest Bennett has faced in transitioning to digital security for enterprises?', 'How does Forrest Bennett’s educational background influence his approach to cybersecurity?']
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