PSCR Staff Spotlight: IT Security Manager and Security Portfolio Lead

PSCR Staff Spotlight: IT Security Manager and Security Portfolio Lead

John Beltz is the IT Security Manager for NIST’s Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) Division where he serves as the Security Research Portfolio Lead and manages PSCR’s world class telecommunications test network. Prior to joining PSCR six years ago, he worked for NIST in the Office of Information Systems Management (OISM). John is a veteran who proudly served in the U.S. Army for six years where he also earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems at Hawaii Pacific University. Later, he achieved his Master of Science in Information and Telecommunication Systems at Johns Hopkins University. 


PSCR’s communication team interviewed Beltz in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the upcoming Veterans Day to learn more about his role in addressing cybersecurity concerns surrounding public safety.


Can you describe your current role? 


JB: I am the IT Security Manager for PSCR where I manage our Security Research Portfolio and our telecommunications research lab. I was also the technical lead for several prize challenges including the mFIT (Mobile Fingerprinting Innovation Technology) Challenge with the goal to improve the ability to capture law enforcement quality digital fingerprints on smartphones and tablets by using the available sensors on those devices. I also assist with the IT Security Officer services for the Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL). I have worked at NIST PSCR for the last six years and it has been the best job that I have ever had. 


What brought you to NIST? 


JB: Fifteen years ago, I was working for an information technology consulting firm in Washington, D.C. when I was assigned to a security audit for NIST. I really enjoyed my initial interactions with NIST because of the exc ..

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