After more than 25 years in the technology sector, Michelle Balderson has witnessed cybersecurity's evolution from a niche concern to a dominant boardroom issue. However, this seasoned operational technology (OT) security leader now believes the industry she helped build has dangerously veered off course.
A Fear-Driven Industry Losing Its Way
Balderson states with characteristic candour that the cybersecurity industry is off the rails. She points to a crowded marketplace with approximately 3,700 vendors, many relying on fear, uncertainty, and doubt to sell their products. This approach, she argues, has overshadowed the essential dialogue about genuine business risk.
Her perspective carries significant weight. Balderson's career journey began in technology sales at Micro Drives Canada before progressing through distribution roles and a position at D-Link Canada. Her foresight identified that network products would become commoditized, leading her to pivot toward the more sustainable field of security.
Building Expertise at a Cybersecurity Giant
This strategic decision brought her to SonicWall and eventually to Fortinet in 2003, where she was employee number 239. Balderson spent 18 years at Fortinet, contributing to its growth into a global cybersecurity powerhouse employing over 15,000 people.
During her tenure, she developed specialized expertise in OT security, protecting critical infrastructure like energy grids and manufacturing plants. She deliberately cultivated what she calls a unicorn skillset, mastering all aspects of the business cycle from product management and marketing to sales leadership and financial due diligence.
A Call for Resilience and Real Conversations
Balderson's motivation has always extended beyond product sales. She describes her drive as stemming from a love of society and technology and a desire to create positive influence.
Now, she advocates for a fundamental shift in how the cybersecurity industry operates. Rather than perpetuating a cycle of fear-based sales, she believes the focus must move toward building resilience and facilitating honest conversations about business risk that executives can actually use to make informed decisions.
Her message comes at a critical time for Canadian businesses and organizations worldwide, emphasizing that true security progress requires moving beyond widget-selling to address foundational risk management strategies.
