Navigating Through Cybersecurity in the AI Era

Dennis Guillette, Director and Security Architect, University of South Florida

Dennis Guillette is the director and security architect at the University of South Florida (USF). With specializations in Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR), threat assessment, risk management, and network security, Guillette is on a mission to empower students with the tools and knowledge necessary for digital safety.

In an interview with Education Technology Insights, Guillette shared insights on his career trajectory, his hands-on approach to leadership and the significance of co-existing with AI in today’s world.

From a Student Worker to Security Architect at USF

I have been in the IT industry since the early 1990s. I started as a student worker at USF and then worked at a magazine in the manufacturing department for three years. At this point, I was rehired for an IT role at USF, where I worked as a Y2K manager, updating the infrastructure to avoid Y2K issues.

Just as the Y2K issue was resolved, the HIPAA Act was enforced. Based on my previous role in manufacturing and my exposure to networking and network security, I was offered the opportunity to implement HIPAA compliance at USF. This was where my journey in cybersecurity began.

Though I didn’t have a university degree in cybersecurity, I had honed a special skill set from my previous experiences. I dealt with a lot of medical data and ensured seamless cybersecurity operations. I completed my CISSP certification in the early 2000s, at which point USF implemented a centralized IT infrastructure.

Having previously worked in the healthcare cybersecurity sector and with centralized IT infrastructures, I was selected to run Security Operations and Engineering. I was involved in security investigations in IT, explored cybersecurity's technical aspects and worked with the university to develop a capable cybersecurity network. My goal was to elevate academic freedom with cybersecurity by creating a stable, secure infrastructure supporting the faculty, students, and staff.

Over the past two decades, I have worked on improving the university's security systems, designing security controls and creating security policies with the compliance director.

Advancing Cyber Security Culture in USF

There were not many threats in the IT ecosystem 15 years ago. However, with technological advancements, phishing attacks became pervasive, and the need to create and invest in better security systems was evident. Today, we have a 24/7 thirdparty Security Operations Center (SOC), similar to stringent security systems in financial companies. It was a tedious process—from getting investments and integrating technology to changing USF’s culture—but it was all worth it.

Cybersecurity is now part of the university’s culture. USF established the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing in 2024, the first of its kind in Florida and one of the pioneers in the nation to bring together the disciplines of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and computing into a dedicated college.

On the academic side, I serve as an adjunct faculty member in the criminology and business departments.

The university is offering a job-ready curriculum curated by industry experts, helping students secure in-demand cybersecurity roles. USF has a student-run SOC, a part of the Florida Center for Cybersecurity at USF, where we train them using real-world data. It’s an immense change of scope from dealing with security operations at the university to coordinating with faculty to shape students into cybersecurity professionals.

Creating a Security-Conscious Culture

Outreach is a part of our training process, where we encourage people to become educated on what we are doing and create awareness of cyber threats to ensure they are up to date with cybersecurity norms.

There’s been a surge in phishing attacks, as Large Language Models (LLMs) are being utilized to generate phishing emails that look real and professional. We, as defenders, have to use technology in similar ways to multiply our efforts to tackle this challenge.

Five years ago, if someone hacked a network, it would take days or weeks to identify the hacker. But now, hours. We realize that security is a necessity and time is of the essence, which is why we have a 24/7 third-party SOC that enables us to lock accounts immediately.

“There’s been a surge in phishing attacks, as Large Language Models (LLMs) are being utilized to generate phishing emails that look real and professional. We, as defenders, have to use technology in similar ways to multiply our efforts to tackle this challenge”

The combination of being able to move fast, talk intelligently and sell what you’re doing makes a difference. I always tell my staff, ‘We are not cyber cops, we are evangelists. We are helping the university keep its data safe.

Adapting to Technological Advancements

AI is transforming the world around us in real-time. For example, Microsoft Security Copilot is integrated with the Microsoft Security set of tools, which significantly reduces the need for manpower.

Back then, we assumed automation to be risky, but nowadays, it’s risky if you don’t adapt to rapid advancements. Embracing change fosters innovation and empowers teams to drive digital transformation.

Quickness is key. We must keep an eye on automation and AI, as they are improving daily. You can explore better ways to solve problems with AI. Through automation and AI, terabyte-sized data can be easily scanned, creating a hasslefree process.

When it comes to new technologies, AI could be a gamechanger. AI can never replace you; instead, it enhances your productivity. You can always use AI as your assistant, not vice versa.

Word of Advice for Peers

One piece of advice for new leaders is to gain the trust of their management. Work on creating lasting relationships with them. Fight your battles, get big wins, and gain trust. Gaining trust makes a huge difference.

My advice to students trying to get into cybersecurity is that the field is constantly changing. You’ll always learn new things. Don’t be afraid of technological advancements. Of course, AI will perform many tasks, but it won’t replace you anytime soon, and jobs will still be there in the security space.

It’s an exciting field, and I would never restrict anyone from getting into it. Do it because it interests you. Cultivate a passion to create secure and safe systems for your customers.

Security Systems

Microsoft

Artificial Intelligence

Risk Management

Financial

IT Infrastructure

Cyber Threats

Healthcare

Digital Transformation