We’re talking to one of the world’s most accomplished and active individuals in the world of cyber security: Dr. Diana Burley, named one of eight women to watch in IT security.

Dr. Burley is a full professor of Human and Organizational Learning at George Washington University. She’s an in -demand speaker and, prior to joining GW, Dr. Burley managed a multimillion dollar computer science education and research portfolio. She also led the Cyber Corps Program for the US National Science Foundation.

She has a terrific personal story of succeeding as a woman of color in a male-dominated field and how her family and professors helped to encourage and guide her. She and I also discussed all of the steps we can take to actively protect ourselves from the ongoing cyber threats. Well-known companies have had large breaches. And we are also targets as we shop furiously online this month. Hackers will be working nonstop to interfere. Dr. Burley has great advice on how we can stay safe.

To learn more about Dr. Diana Burley, follow her on twitter @DianaBurley.