In the complex and quickly evolving world of cybersecurity, Cooper Leach, an Information Security Engineer III at The University of Alabama, serves a crucial role in defending critical data and safeguarding against digital threats. In a recent interview, Leach discussed insights into his professional journey, daily obligations, and the challenges in protecting a major institution from cyberattacks.
Leach wasn’t always planning on entering the cybersecurity field; originally a finance major intending to pursue banking, he found the world of finance “boring” and transitioned to IT while working at a bank in Selma. As the banking regulations required a reliable security specialist, Leach’s manager suggested he take on the role. This career pivot sparked his curiosity about the ingenuity of cybercriminals. “The ways people find to get into other systems or take advantage of things is very interesting. They’re very, very clever,” he explained. This professional interest developed into a fondness for problem-solving and defending organizations from emerging threats.
Leach’s daily responsibilities at the university include everything from monitoring suspicious activity to examining data breaches. His day typically includes reviewing emails flagged by Microsoft’s Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools containing sensitive information, such as Social Security or credit card numbers. “If someone is sending their tax return home, that’s fine. But if a professor is sending out the Social Security numbers of an entire class, we step in.” The investigative element of this position is what Leach sees as the most fulfilling factor. From tracing the digital footprints of a hacker to analyzing a compromised device for stolen data, the piecing together of the puzzle is what Leach thrives on. “The troubleshooting—finding how something happened that wasn’t supposed to—is the most fun part.”
Though Leach enjoys the investigative and technical aspects of his work, he acknowledges that one of the largest challenges is getting people to comprehend the importance of cybersecurity measures. “A lot of folks think of security as the department that says ‘no’ to everything,” he explained. “But it’s not about saying no; it’s about doing things safely.” Additionally, he noted that much of the work in cybersecurity happens behind the scenes. “If we’re doing our jobs right, you don’t see us,” he noted. “But when something goes wrong, it’s immediately obvious.” Despite these hurdles, Leach appreciates the university’s culture and drive. “Everyone here is smart and capable. They’re not just collecting a paycheck; they want to make a difference.”
When he is not examining cyber threats, Leach enjoys being active and getting outdoors. “My wife and I love cruising up and down the lake for hours,” he shared. An avid tennis player, he also serves on the board of the Tuscaloosa Tennis Association, striving to make the sport accessible to underserved communities.
As cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, Leach emphasized the commitment to staying one step ahead. “The bad guys are always finding new ways to get in, and we have to keep up,” he expressed. While the work is demanding, Cooper’s fondness for problem-solving and protecting the university makes it all worthwhile.
With a combination of technological expertise and a natural desire to help others, Cooper Leach exemplifies the essence of a genuine cybersecurity professional. His story is a reminder of the critical function technology professionals play in keeping our digital world secure.