Don Hartung is the CEO of his business H3Systems. The company provides security for computers, mobile devices and physical/wireless networks, and it helps prevent data theft.
Hartung is also an “ethical hacker.”
“I’ve been certified by the EC-Council,” or the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants, he said.
“I help prevent the hackers from getting in. I’m the white-hat guy.”
Hartung has more than 25 years’ experience in security and technology, having worked in the military, law enforcement, counterintelligence and information security.
1. How did you get into this business?
I have been involved in technology since high school. My big break came when I ran the Napa branch of Superior Computer in the early ‘90s building computers, setting up networks and training users in applications.
2. What’s one misconception you get about cybersecurity?
“I’ve got anti-virus software, isn’t that good enough?”
Truly, it’s not. Because an anti-virus (program) only fixes what it knows. Malware is more sophisticated.
3. What’s a common problem you help fix?
One of the most common is when your computer is running slow or you have a virus or malware. I’ll come in and fix that, but it isn’t always that simple. You might have just hidden the issue or temporarily resolved it, but the underlying malware is still there.
4. What’s a good security tip for readers?
If you receive an email from your bank or any legitimate-looking institution or friend, and if you are suspicious in the least, don’t open that email. Call the bank, your friend, or whoever supposedly sent that email. Trust but verify.
5. So is any data safe these days?
Not 100 percent. Everyone thinks “That wouldn’t happen to me,” but indeed it does happen. It’s not a question of if, but when, a compromise will occur.
6. How often do you change your own email password?
Every 30 days. But you don’t have to be that aggressive. Every 90 days is a good policy.
7. What was your childhood ambition?
To become a psychologist.
8. Which three people would you most like to have dinner with?
Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the 14th Dalai Lama and FDR.
9. What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?
Helping business and individuals understand the difference between IT and cybersecurity.
10. If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?
Be able to hire 10 to 20 returning veterans in all aspects of the company.
Bonus questions for the Web:
What job would you like to try/not try?
Try: Teacher
Not try: Bus driver
What was your first job?
Stock boy at TGY in Napa.
What’s the worst job you ever had?
Furniture delivery person.
What’s on your to-do list?
Travel to Japan and read all the books I have bought on my iPad.
Who do you most admire in the business world?
David DeWalt, CEO of FireEye Inc.
What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
I have lived in six states and three countries.
If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
Cork, Ireland.
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