Billy Rios
Co-Founder
QED Secure Solutions
Portland, OR USA
“Pick those places that you love and you’re most curious about, and just go for it!”
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By Roadtrip NationBilly Rios
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
When I was growing up, cybersecurity wasn’t its own field of study yet but I still dabbled in it, tinkering with things, exploring networks, and breaking into video games.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in business and information systems from the University of Washington, followed by a master’s degree in information systems from Hawaii Pacific University.
I also earned my MBA from Texas A&M University as well as a master’s degree in military operational arts and sciences from Air University.
I’ve built my career in cybersecurity working for a variety of organizations, including the government, the military, Microsoft, and Google.
I eventually started my own cybersecurity company, which taught me a lot about how to run a business—the company was ultimately acquired.
I co-founded a second cybersecurity company, QED Secure Solutions, and have been here since.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Business and Information Systems
University of Washington
Business and Information Systems
University of Washington
Graduate
Information Systems
Hawaii Pacific University
Information Systems
Hawaii Pacific University
Graduate
Military Operational Arts and Sciences
Air University
Military Operational Arts and Sciences
Air University
Career
Co-Founder
I run a cybersecurity company working on systems, including medical devices, airplanes, and military weapons.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Technology
Business
Problem Solving
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
It certainly helps to have an academic foundation in cybersecurity. A degree can be very useful but it's not necessarily required. I think the most important thing to have in this field is curiosity. If you have the curiosity to explore, learn about the field, and try things out, you don't necessarily need the degree to succeed. I also recommend looking into certifications. They're a great way to explore a variety of things and they show prospective employers that you have formal education.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Bachelor
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I'm struggling and I'm the only one that this is happening to."
Challenges I Overcame
Veteran
Interviewed By
Chip In
Discover the world of microelectronics
