Cyber security
in business & society

What is your primary job?

I really enjoy consulting in a wide variety of projects, e.g., creating new security documentation. The field of security architecture decisions is very exciting in all its facets. In addition, I spend time independently drafting protection requirement classifications for customer data, work I find to be very diverse. It keeps me in constant contact with customers as I determine solutions that function to the customer’s specific needs. What I have also found interesting is mentoring a fellow employee who has joined the team from another discipline, as it allows me to reflect on my actions and work.

Why do you enjoy working at msg?

While I was a student, I spent six semesters at msg as a student employee. The atmosphere and the friendly, unbiased and unconventional teamwork impressed me from the very first day. Anytime complications arose in a project, the team rallied together to help and support each other.
I am very pleased that I can continue growing as part of the msg family now that I have completed my studies. My work is recognized and appreciated, which allowed me to quickly move up from Associate IT Consultant to IT Consultant.
It is always a great feeling to successfully complete a project when the customers is happy with the service we provided. That kind of recognition encourages me to take on new challenges, to keep learning and to assume even more responsibility.

What sort of personal items would we find on your desk?

Right above my “cheat sheet” there is a photo from my last diving trip to Egypt. Every time I look at it, I start looking forward to the next time I can visit the underwater world and move weightlessly through the water.

What is your primary job?

On the one hand, I work on the creation and optimization of information security management systems, cyber security management systems in compliance with ISO 21434 or GDPR-compliant processes for customers. On the other hand, I also advise our customers on security architecture topics and the implementation of security measures in procedures (IAM, software development, DevOps, etc.) or on specific IT products. Particularly interesting to me are the glimpses I gain into the field of e-Mobility, the vehicle technologies of the future and other interesting technical topics outside the realm of information security.

What technologies fascinate you the most and why?

Most fascinating to me are new technologies since you can actively shape them and solutions are not readily available.

Although it is challenging always having to stay on top of things, working in teams that use the latest technologies is exactly what is most fun for me. Within that environment I often meet colleagues who are on the same wavelength as I am.

What made you decide to work in a field of consulting that focuses on information security?

In contrast to an IT position at a customer site, IT consulting offers more diversity and insight into a wide variety of industries and my work allows me to ask questions about the industry that have always interested me. The different people you can meet and the different perspectives about the same topic that you encounter through conversations with a variety of people at different levels of management, all give me important insight that I would not otherwise get.

What is your primary job?

I advise and support our customers on topics related to data protection, compliance and information security. My extensive experience as a project manager means I have the opportunity to manage teams within customer projects. My career in the German Armed Forces (twelve years as a professional soldier working in the field of IT) further means I am very familiar with the public sector. In addition, the experience I gained during that time is easily transferable to the areas of employee management, crisis management, project management and international exercises. What I find particularly interesting about my field is advising customers from a variety of industries (e.g., public sector, banking, insurance, consumer products, automotive, healthcare) and the versatility of the topics that change depending on a customer’s situation.

How did you end up at msg?

Through a fellow student and longtime, very good friend. He knew I was looking for something new and connected me to someone at msg. Five months later, we were on the same year-long customer project in Munich where we worked to advance the Europe-wide data center consolidation.

What made you choose the msg security advisors division?

Even back during my time with the German Armed Forces, the topic of information security was everywhere and I was in regular contact with the information security officers. As a result of my lengthy experience in IT operations and the associated experience of knowing where the “pain points” were, I am able to easily understand a customer’s concerns as well as those of their IT department. After leaving the German Armed Forces, I spent a few years working as a project manager and found that my knowledge in the field of information security always came in handy. That is why I decided to make a change and switch my specialty to information security. In hindsight, it was the right choice as the mix of the two fields is precisely what fascinates me.

Stefan, what route did your career path take and what is your primary job at msg?

I joined msg in 2016 as part of the Public Sector Security Consulting where I worked as a Lead Business Consultant promoting information security, data protection and compliance as serious business fields in the public sector. Since 2018, I have been shaping these issues as part of the management and am responsible for team development, employee development and acquiring new orders. In 2021, Security Advisors became its own unit and we offer consulting services in the field of cyber security to a wide variety of industries. Together with my team, I am currently developing an IT compliance risk management method for companies.

Why have you stayed at msg for so long?

Following my time as a business consultant in a company led by Americans, I received an offer in the spring of 2016 to help develop the Security Consulting business field at msg. I particularly liked the fact that msg was an owner-run and self-financed company as that allows for long-term development and sustainable planning. What I especially appreciate about my own job is the amount of freedom I have, the autonomy I am given and the high degree of collegiality. This “package” based on the company’s strong foundation and the personal opportunities at msg motivates me and is a secret to success.

How did you end up at msg back in the day?

The contact was established through a former colleague who had recently joined msg. He told me about the opportunities msg had offered him. I was impressed.