CyberVoices

In a world where cyber threats evolve faster than regulations can catch up, Canadian cybersecurity professionals are standing as the nation’s quiet protectors. Among them is Darryl Macleod, a respected cybersecurity leader from Sydney, Nova Scotia, who has transformed an unconventional career path into a platform for mentorship, innovation, and forward-thinking leadership in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC). This article is part of the Faces of Cybersecurity  series, spotlighting Canadian cybersecurity experts who are redefining resilience, pushing the industry forward, and building a stronger digital Canada.

An Accidental Start, a Purpose-Driven Path

Macleod’s career didn’t begin in cybersecurity, it began behind the soundboard as a recording engineer for the CBC. But an opportunity to work on Novell Netware networks set his trajectory in motion. “It kind of fell into my lap,” he recalls. That hands-on entry, followed by time as a network administrator, exposed him to firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and eventually to Trustwave and PCI assessments after earning his CISSP, which became the launchpad for his security career.

Today, he’s a sought-after vCISO and a pioneer exploring the evolving space of GRC engineering, helping organizations build compliance-ready security programs with a modern, automated approach.

Cybersecurity Is Community

Macleod doesn’t just believe in community, he credits it for his career. “Every job I’ve had since then has probably been directly related to contacts or networking,” he says of his involvement in Atlantic Security Conference (AtlSecCon). Even after a layoff, he was re-employed in a week thanks to a connection made through the conference. For Macleod, the benefits of community go far beyond jobs: it's a support system, a place to bounce ideas, grow confidence, and lift others up during challenging times in the industry.

AtlSecCon itself is a model for community-driven success. What began with 60 attendees has grown to 1,700, yet Macleod says it retains its “relaxed,” “approachable,” and mentorship-driven feel. “It’s one big mentorship space,” he says, praising its active encouragement of student and women participation.

AI, GRC, and the Human Imperative

While the buzz around AI continues to dominate headlines, Macleod urges caution and clarity. “AI is a great tool when used properly,” he says, “but people are assuming it can solve all their cybersecurity issues. It can't.” He stresses that human oversight is critical, for curating AI-generated policies, validating penetration test findings, and ensuring compliance frameworks are properly applied. In GRC, he sees AI and automation as powerful allies, not replacements. Through GRC engineering, Macleod is using tools like ChatGPT to write Python scripts that automate traditional GRC processes, turning “policy as code” from theory into practice. “I learn better this way,” he explains. “I’m actually learning more than I ever did starting from scratch.” This blend of technical curiosity and practical execution represents the future of GRC: more technical, but not too technical and deeply human at its core.

On Expertise, Education, and Staying Humble

Macleod rejects the idea of being labeled a “cybersecurity expert.” The field moves too fast. “If you're not constantly upgrading your skills or keeping them current, you're going to fall behind,” he says. For him, certifications aren’t trophies, they’re structured learning opportunities that force him to grow.

He encourages others to embrace discomfort. Public speaking used to terrify him, but leaning into that fear expanded his impact and opened new doors. “You’ve got to push yourself out of your comfort zone,” he says. “That’s how you grow.”

Building the Future of Cyber in Canada

Whether he’s designing a security program from scratch or mentoring others at conferences, Darryl Macleod represents what’s best in Canadian cybersecurity: grit, generosity, and a hunger to learn. He’s part of a growing movement of professionals who believe community isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s the backbone of the industry. In a turbulent landscape filled with technical hype and talent shortages, his message is clear: “Everyone’s going through the same turmoil. Let’s just have a chat and try to support each other the best we can.”

Darryl Macleod can be reached via Linkedin