People of McMaster is a new series celebrating the incredible people who help make McMaster a great place to work, learn, teach and conduct research. This first installment is being launched in celebration of Employee Appreciation Day, with more stories to come over the coming months.  

When Marissa Benson talks about her work, her eyes light up with a passion that is both infectious and inspiring.  

As a systems integration specialist on the Information Security Services team at McMaster University, Benson’s role is crucial in safeguarding the university’s digital infrastructure.  

Her journey into cybersecurity began with a fascination for malware analysis, and over the years, she has become a critical part of the university’s efforts to protect sensitive information and ensure the smooth operation of its systems. 

Benson’s work is not just about technology; it’s about people. She finds immense satisfaction in helping those who have been victimized by cybercrime, guiding them through the recovery process and providing them with the resources they need to feel secure again.  

What does a typical day look like for you at McMaster? 

My role involves a mix of proactive and reactive tasks. On the proactive side, I conduct vulnerability scans and provide recommendations to secure digital systems and servers. This includes everything from ensuring there are no critical vulnerabilities with university systems to helping people with tools and solutions that protect their data. I’ve recently started supporting researchers in various ways to ensure their data, and systems remain secure, particularly when they are traveling or working in high-risk environments 

On the reactive side, I perform forensics on compromised systems to assist with incident response, which can involve malware investigations, and working with campus safety and legal teams on various issues.  

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

I love the balance of working with people and technology. Helping individuals who have been affected by cybercrime is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy mentoring students and new professionals entering the field of cybersecurity. It’s exciting to see their enthusiasm and help guide them on their career paths. Plus, cybersecurity is always evolving, so there’s always something new to learn and challenges to tackle. 

How do you explain your work to someone who isn’t familiar with cybersecurity? 

In my role, I focus on protecting McMaster from cyber threats. My primary responsibilities include conducting digital forensics where I investigate cyber incidents to trace and analyze evidence of attacks, breaches or other criminal activity. I also manage vulnerabilities by identifying potential weaknesses in systems and applications, and ensuring they are patched or mitigated before they can be exploited.  

I regularly collaborate with different groups at McMaster as well as law enforcement agencies to support incident response efforts. My work helps McMaster to stay secure, compliant, and resilient in the face of evolving cyber threats. 

How do you manage to maintain a work-life balance in such a demanding field? 

It can be challenging, especially since cybersecurity is a 24/7 job. However, I find that I’m oddly calm during crises, which helps. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my kids and my dog. I also stay engaged with the field by studying for certifications, participating in events like Capture the Flag competitions and assisting in missing person and child exploitation cases. It’s all about finding a balance that works for you. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Follow your own path and do what makes you happy. Trust your instincts and pursue what interests you. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Live your most authentic life.